Yes, I think he called it the ‘eye brow’ affect. The view from the inside out gets ‘shaded’ and imparts a much clearer view out. It is an interesting effect that I think comes from the fact that the window surface is ‘set-back’ from the facade; so there is no sunlight glare on the glass when viewing out from the interior.
It is really quite a brilliant concept - IM Pei was a great Architect.
Here is a good example where you can see the deep recess casting ‘shadows’ on the window surface: as apposed to “glare-producing” rays of sunlight.
It is quite a nice affect when viewed from inside the building: I have been inside several of these apartments in the past and can attest to the ‘eyebrow-effect”.
I do quite like the windows as well. Overall, I find the texture of the building–as well as the lack of ptacs, blank walls, rooftop mechanical bunker, etc.–pleasing to look at. A very nice background building.
My only complaint, and it is a relatively minor one all things considered, is that the color is a bit drab looking. This is something that struck me as I was walking down Flatbush one day recently. I would prefer if it had been a bit brighter, as I seem to recall it being in the rendering (although I could be wrong about that).
This is great work when it comes to designing a 'generic ’ looking building. It looks ‘attractive’ or ‘tasteful’ - yet still rates as being nothing more than building standard generic architecture. I think those recessed windows gave it the visual appeal that was much needed on this basic form factor.
One thing that comes to my mind is that this building gets high marks for what I would call “constructibility”. The entire facade is made up of relatively simple components/shapes: all very rectilinear, very LEGO.
I looked it up - nice concept.
BTW. I have 3 posts on this topic. Click on my infoshare tag above to see all my previous posts - also please visit my instagram page.
This photo perfectly captures the idea of constructibility. This building is basically a kit-of-parts: easily, quickly and economically constructed. What we loose in style, artfulness, and curvyness - we gain in efficiency.
The Brook may be a bit of an Architectural bore; but at least it probably come in ON schedule and ON budget. I am a big fan of architecture with a capital A - but there is definitely a price to pay for that extra curb appeal.
The Brook gets a for being a very SMART build: constructibility.
Article credit - By Jim Sullivan
Photo credit - (Credit: Bettmann/Corbis)
‘The Brook’ is the perfect ‘foil’ to the iconic ‘Brooklyn Tower’. The above photo perfectly depicts the difference between generic architecture and Capital A Architecture.
The Brook is well designed; but is still a rather ordinary work of Architecture - and as such, it is the perfect CLOSE neighbor to the Iconic ‘Brooklyn Tower’.
Websters Dictionary foil2 | foil | noun 1 metal hammered or rolled into a thin flexible sheet, used chiefly for covering or wrapping food: aluminum foil. 2 a person or thing that contrasts with and so emphasizes and enhances the qualities of another: the earthy taste of grilled vegetables is a perfect foil for the tart bite of creamy goat cheese. • a thin leaf of metal placed under a precious stone to increase its brilliance.
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It was barely street-level a year ago! Since they started the crown months ago, I wonder if anyone has moved in yet 
