David Rockwell – Downtown Magazine

Biophilia is the human need to connect with and be surrounded by nature. I like to say that “urban biophilia” is the city dwellers’ need to connect with nature in order to maintain their sanity in all the hustle and bustle of New York City. The mere existence of greenery and open parks is based on true human need for nature. The fact that green space can be aesthetically pleasing is an additional perk! Biophilia is especially important in a cityscape where we crave a sense of psychological calm, a zen moment, here in the city.

According to the theory of Biophilic Urban Acupuncture (BUA), biophilic interventions in specific urban places can help improve people’s moods, connect people to place and help improve mental health. In fact, BUA is proven to be more effective in dense cities versus suburban places as urban dwellers will be walking to transit, work, shopping and restaurants.

Downtown, we’re seeing a rise in biophilic interventions. Most notably, and quite literally, with the revival of The High Line into one of the city’s most celebrated parks. Originally created as a railroad to transport goods in 1934, today The High Line has been preserved and repurposed with grass, wildflowers and sustainability in mind. The result is an open-air, lush escape floating above Manhattan’s concrete jungle.

Over on the east side of the island is a subterranean park in development called The Lowline. The Lowline will incorporate innovative solar technology that will be used not only to illuminate the historic trolley terminal on the Lower East Side, but also to showcase a variety of beautiful plants and vegetation meant to connect man and nature below our busy city streets. The vision is a stunning underground park, providing a beautiful respite and a cultural attraction in one of the world’s most dense, exciting urban environments.

Additionally, Brookfield Place features The Winter Garden Atrium, a 10-story glass vaulted pavilion housing various plants, trees and flowers. Currently, New Yorkers can enjoy an exhibit of palm trees in the middle of winter. The Winter Garden Atrium regularly hosts concerts, ballets and symphonies, bringing together the celebration of art with the innate desire for nature.

Biophilic intervention does not only take place in the shape of parks within urban environments either. Biophilic design has grown increasingly popular, and increasingly expected, in new developments as well.

In fact, across the county, landscape architects are being asked to create outdoor spaces — through rooftops and beyond — that are beautiful and sustainable. Environmental standards have proven to be important to buyers since they provide residents with mental benefits as a result of easy access to fresh air and sunlight. For this reason, as developers work to carefully curate buildings with green design elements and amenities that buyers truly appreciate, the inclusion of nature to the space is essential.

For example, the developers of 111 Murray Street tapped the expertise of landscape architect Edmund Hollander for the residents-only garden, and interior designer David Rockwell for the building’s next-level amenity spaces. Together the designers seamlessly integrate organic natural materials and the finest craftsmanship to appeal to all of the senses.

150 Charles Street brings an exquisite outdoor oasis to the heart of the West Village. The private green space of this project has grown to become the main focus of the project, and many buyers top incentive for purchasing.

In SoHo, a former chocolate factory has been reimagined into the new development, XOCO 325. The new condominium features a striking cast-aluminum façade with vertical gardens over a glass curtain wall, and integrates green living into the project’s design. In addition to vegetation scaling the building, XOCO 325 will also offer residents a private garden, green rooftop system and green cleaning program.

Beyond being beneficial to one’s mental wellbeing, urban greenspace is a profitable investment as well. With advances in technology creating efficient materials from refined, flexible goods, developers have seen a decrease in upfront cost, and as a result a quicker return on investment, making green initiatives more accessible.

Embracing biophilia in urban environments is a trend here to stay so watch out for more greenery to sprout about in and around Manhattan.

For many New Yorkers, the Drybars spread around the city is a welcome breather in a busy city life. Not only do blowouts place high on our “treat yourself” list, it’s also often used to make sure our hairstyles are flawless before an important meeting or event. And let’s face it; in this city those instances happen quite often. But most of us also know that time is of the essence and getting to and from the Drybar can be an event in itself, not to mention a stressful aspect of fitting it into an already-packed schedule. So imagine having it in your own building?

Slated to open in 2018, the new luxury skyscraper 111 Murray Street will have its first ever private Drybar. The developers of the condominium Fisher Brothers, Witkoff and New Valley have teamed up with Drybar Founder Alli Webb and the rest of the Drybar team to offer its residents an exclusive blowout-salon! No more waiting in line, no crowds, not even having to leave the house.

“In our view, luxury is really about maximizing lifestyle and convenience,” explained Lauren Witkoff, Executive Vice President and Partner of Witkoff. “We really tried to be mindful of the next generation of luxury services that would resonate with our buyers and we thought about things that were more practical — that people would actually use.”

The developers first started talking about a hair salon in the building, and then that evolved into the idea of having their own branded Drybar. Witkoff herself has been a fan of the Drybars since they first came to New York and were happy with the great reaction from the Drybar team.

Lauren Witkoff + Alli Webb — Lauren Witkoff and Alli Webb

“We’re always looking for creative ways to extend the Drybar experience, so when the folks at 111 Murray approached us, we were intrigued,” said Alli Webb, Founder of Drybar. “We love our current shop in Tribeca and have so many great clients there. This partnership is a great way for us to further invest in that market.”

To make sure the residents of 111 Murray get the true Drybar experience, award-winning architect who’s developed the concept for the other Drybars, Josh Heitler, is also behind the design of this one. The private Drybar will be equipped with two chairs and have all of Drybar’s signature design elements and color scheme as well as products, blowout styles and services to live up to its brand name.

“We place a tremendous amount of effort on providing the best experience for our clients. At Drybar, this means a gorgeous environment, friendly service, great chick flicks, and a glass of champagne!” said Webb.

The initial idea was to have the residents use the Drybar app or call the concierge to request a stylist to the private Drybar, but the developers are now talking about staffing it during peak hours because of the great reactions they are getting from the potential buyers.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if some residents used it every day. Who wouldn’t?!” asked Webb. But also noted that these private Drybars won’t be popping up all over the city. “It has to be the right location, the right building and so on,” she said and added: “That said, we’re open to unique, buzz-worthy ideas.“

And the residential Drybar must be said to have created a lot of buzz among the potential buyers. The developers of 111 Murray have already gotten great feedback on putting up a blowout-bar. Witkoff explained, that the private Drybar – along with the building’s luxury jet concierge – have received the most attention and excitement from their clients.

Along with the private Drybar, the Club Floor at 111 Murray Street — as designed by David Rockwell — will also include a fitness center with movement studio, a 75-foot lap pool, a children’s splash pool with interactive water jets, a spa with private treatment rooms, saunas, a teen arcade, a children’s playroom and a media room. The coming residents will experience luxury on a whole new level!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUEEr-ltQLg