Metal cube by SOM houses emergency call centre for New York City
Textured facades and a grassy berm help soften the boxy appearance of this high-security emergency facility in New York, designed by architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill.
The Public Safety Answering Center II, or PSAC II, occupies a prominent nine-acre (3.6-hectare) site in the Bronx ? one of New York's five boroughs. The building sits at the intersection of two major roads.
Intended to strengthen the city's 911 emergency response system, the building serves as a back-up facility for a primary call centre. The centre houses workers from multiple city agencies, including the police department, fire department and emergency medical services.
"Continuously operating and highly secure, the building enhances the city's ability to maintain communication in the event of a natural disaster or large-scale emergency," said Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), a global firm founded in 1936.
"With its design, SOM confronted the challenge of creating a secure and functional building that also makes a positive contribution to its urban context."
Conceived as a perfect cube, the structure has limited apertures due to security concerns. To soften the building's potentially monolithic appearance, the design team created serrated facades that are partly made of recycled aluminium.
A paved walkway leads to the entrance lobby, which is situated within a quiet, low-lying volume affixed to the cube. Glazed walls bring natural light into the space.
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