That’s entirely possible and it just isn’t visible in its nested position (which is a good thing). I can’t opine myself if the BMU is installed.
Nice spiral effect in the second picture.
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This is such a gorgeous building.
The supports for the terracotta on the largest arches are being installed now, can’t wait to see the pieces go on!
The protective film on the bronze mullions is also now being taken off on the podium windows. (the brighter 2 images are from April)
Peekaboo (sorry for the haziness, i think it was from the smoke from a food cart)
Might as well also share these much better lighting pics from April, just going to lump them together.
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Good work as always!
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mind if I ask, do you do photography as a hobby or is it your job? the photos always look so professional and I hope you’re getting paid good lol
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@Dior , no I don’t mind at all.
I have from time to time been paid to take pictures but, no it’s not my full time job. I’ve been exhibiting as a ‘fine art’ photographer for a long time…which basically means I have already lost a ton of $$$ making pictures.
I manage a film collection by day (most artists I know have day jobs) but I used to be a draughtsman/painter, so I have a love/hate relationship to photography . I’m working on a book project that I hope will get published but from what I’ve learned recently, that will probably cost me somewhere around $50K…so look for my kickstarter campaign. And by all means, if you happen to be a photo book publisher, let’s talk!
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Yes! I saw it in person last week and from Bryant Park it’s even more gorgeous than in pictures 
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It takes perfection to give a building a 10. I give this one a 9. It’s pretty close to perfect.
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That remark got me thinking: what would GROK rate the Architecture on all three aspects of Beauty/Usefulness/Solidity?
I do agree with that very good 8/10 rating.
Question - GROK, what rating would you give the Architecture in terms of the Vitruvian Triad?
Answer - The Vitruvian Triad, as outlined by the Roman architect Vitruvius, evaluates architecture based on three criteria: Venustas (Beauty), Utilitas (Usefulness), and Firmitas (Solidity). Below, I assess the architecture of the new condo building at 520 Fifth Avenue, a mixed-use supertall skyscraper designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) and developed by Rabina, based on available information. Since I don’t have access to firsthand architectural plans or a physical inspection, my evaluation draws on web sources, including descriptions of the building’s design, features, and context. I’ll assign a rating out of 10 for each criterion and provide a brief rationale, aiming for a concise yet comprehensive analysis.
1. Beauty (Venustas)
However, beauty is subjective, and some might argue the reliance on terracotta arches and historic references leans conservative, potentially lacking the bold innovation seen in other supertalls. Additionally, the building’s aesthetic impact at street level is less emphasized in sources, which focus more on upper-level views and interiors. Given its thoughtful integration of local architectural cues, high-quality materials, and positive reception, I rate Beauty an 8/10.
2. Usefulness (Utilitas)
The building’s location at Fifth Avenue and 43rd Street provides unparalleled access to Midtown’s dining, shopping, and transit (near the 42nd Street-Bryant Park station). However, the focus on luxury condos and boutique offices may limit its adaptability for broader uses, and the high starting price ($1.7 million for condos) restricts accessibility. Additionally, the mixed-use nature could pose challenges in balancing residential privacy with commercial activity. Given its tailored design for its target demographic and robust amenities, I rate Usefulness an 8/10.
3. Solidity (Firmitas)
No major structural concerns are noted in available sources, and the building topped out in October 2024, suggesting construction is on track. However, as a new building, its long-term durability is untested, and supertalls with high slenderness ratios can face challenges like wind-induced sway, though KPF’s experience with projects like Lotte World Tower mitigates this risk. Without evidence of structural issues and given the reputable team and materials, I rate Solidity an 8/10.
Average Rating: 8/10
If you’d like me to delve deeper into any aspect (e.g., specific design elements or comparisons to other buildings), let me know!
Please Note - I have 26 other posts on this topic. Click on my infoshare tag above to see my other comments/photos/links. Enjoy.
How about Open AI?
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how about a google search result? that’d be just as irritating to have to scroll past on every thread
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Yes it’s gotten out of hand.
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