Project Description

The Visitor Reception Building and Entrances are a key component of the transformation of Novartis's North American Headquarters, presenting a dynamic new gateway to the campus. As part of a comprehensive master plan by Vittorio Lampugnani, which includes buildings by Rafael Viñoly and Fumihiko Maki, the Visitor Reception emerges from the earth and includes a sequence of reception, orientation, and gathering spaces for the campus.

Situated along the perimeter of the campus, the Visitor Reception provides a legible point of arrival, creating an interface between public and private, and landscape and architecture. Sited within a new campus landscape designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the building slips laterally into the campus's perimeter fence to provide a secure, yet welcoming passage to receive guests.

Certified LEED Gold, the pavilion is perched beneath a split wing roof canopy that vaults above an enclosure of structural glass. A solar canopy at the parking area provides enough energy for the building to meet its 'energy neutral' production goal. The Visitor Reception embodies the spirit of technological innovation and the sustainable vision of this innovative research institution.

Selected Recognition

AIA QUAD Design Honor Award, AIA NJ Design Honor Award, AIA NY State Design Excellence Award, AIA NY State Design Best of the Best Award, ENR Best of the Best Office/Retail/Mixed Use Project Award, ENR Best Project Award in Green Category.

Featured in Architect Magazine, ArchDaily, The PLAN Magazine, Architectural Record, and others.

Photography © WEISS/MANFREDI

Role

Project Architect