VIA 57 West by BIG: The Courtscraper in Manhattan’s Skyline

VIA 57 West, designed by BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group for the Durst Organization, introduces a groundbreaking architectural typology to New York City – the “courtscraper.” This hybrid form merges the density of a traditional American skyscraper with the communal atmosphere of a European perimeter block, reimagining how urban residential towers interact with their surroundings. The building, completed in 2016, has garnered significant praise, most notably being named the Best Tall Building in the Americas by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH).

VIA 57 West Technical Information

• Architects^1-4: BIG – Bjarke Ingels Group
• Location: 625 West 57th Street, Manhattan, New York City, USA
• Topics: Skyscrapers
• Area: 830,000 ft² | 77,110 m²
• Project Year: 2013 – 2016
• Photographs: © Iwan Baan, © Field Condition, © Laurian Ghinitoiu, © Ivane Katamashvili

In an unlikely fusion of what seems to be two mutually exclusive typologies – the courtyard and the skyscraper, the Courtscraper is the most recent addition to the Manhattan skyline.

– Bjarke Ingels, Founding Partner, BIG

VIA 57 West Photographs

Architectural Concept and Design Language

VIA 57 West’s architectural form is as daring as it is unconventional. The building’s shape morphs depending on the viewer’s perspective. From the west, it resembles a hyperbolic paraboloid or a warped pyramid, with sloped façades angling dramatically upwards to its peak of 467 feet at the northeast corner. From the east, the building appears as a slender spire, seamlessly integrating with the Manhattan skyline. This dynamic design is emblematic of BIG’s creative approach, often blurring the line between geometric complexity and functional design.

VIA’s unique shape serves both an aesthetic and a pragmatic purpose. By raising the building’s northeastern corner, Bjarke Ingels and his team could preserve the river views of the adjacent Helena Tower while maximizing the number of apartments in the structure. The building’s sloping geometry also allows sunlight to penetrate deep into the courtyard, enhancing the quality of light within the urban block. The private garden at the heart of the structure, often described as a “bonsai Central Park,” offers a serene green space visually connected to the Hudson River Park, blending the natural and urban environments in a way rarely seen in Manhattan high-rises.

Spatial and Programmatic Integration

VIA 57 West’s programmatic layout further reinforces its role as a transformative piece of architecture. The building’s primary function as a residential tower is supplemented by cultural and commercial spaces located on the lower floors, creating a seamless integration between living, leisure, and commerce. Starr Whitehouse, the landscape architecture firm responsible for the courtyard, designed the central garden as an oasis of biodiversity, with 80 newly planted trees and 47 species of native plants that create varied microclimates within the space.

Inside the building, the residential units are organized with a unique fishbone layout, orienting each home to offer optimal views of the Hudson River. The angular balconies punctuate the building’s façade and provide outdoor space for each unit while ensuring privacy between neighbors. The apartments are designed with a “Scandimerican” aesthetic, a fusion of Scandinavian and New York influences, featuring oak wood floors and white porcelain tiles. This modern material palette creates a clean, sophisticated interior that mirrors the building’s bold exterior geometry.

In addition to the residential units, VIΛ 57 West is equipped with an array of shared amenities. Residents have access to lounges, event spaces, a golf simulator, a pool, a basketball court, and various game rooms, all arranged around the courtyard to reinforce the connection between interior and exterior communal spaces. The grand staircase leading from the lobby into the garden serves as an entry point and a visual statement, inviting residents into the tranquil courtyard at the heart of the building.

A New Model for Urban Living

VIΛ 57 West is more than just an architectural experiment; it is a new paradigm for urban living in Manhattan. By merging the density of a skyscraper with the communal green space of a European courtyard, Bjarke Ingels has introduced a typology that responds to the challenges of modern urban life. The design’s bold geometry, intelligent spatial organization, and integration of nature within the urban grid set it apart from traditional residential towers in New York.

This project exemplifies BIG’s ability to innovate by balancing aesthetic vision with practical solutions. In a city where space is at a premium, VIA 57 West demonstrates how thoughtful design can create new opportunities for residential living, offering a fresh perspective on how architecture can contribute to the well-being of urban residents.

VIA 57 West Plans

VIA 57 West Image Gallery

About BIG

Notes & Additional Credits

1. Developer: The Durst Organization
2. Engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
3. Main Contractor: Hunter Roberts Construction Group
4. Landscape Architect: Starr Whitehouse