To meet the evolving needs of the post-pandemic workforce, 330 Madison Avenue has been reimagined with wellness-focused amenities that foster community and make the return to the office a more inviting, productive experience. At the 16th-floor setback, a double-height mechanical space presented an opportunity. And thanks to a modernised mechanical system, the installed equipment is more compact, freeing up the area for potential use. The active mechanical floor itself has unique character, with yellow cedar water tanks, color-coded piping, and industrial green fan rooms, offering a charming backdrop for design.

Our design transformed this existing zoning setback into a dynamic, tenant-amenitised terrace capable of hosting up to 250 people. By recessing the building envelope, the design expands the terrace by 1,000 sq ft, increasing its width from 22 to 34 feet and creating a more open, inviting outdoor space. Close collaboration with the code consultant ensured the expansion complied with zoning regulations without triggering floor-area penalties. As part of the design, clean and filtered ‘spilled’ conditioned air from the building systems has also been redirected into this space providing a cooling effect in the summer and a heat buffer during winter.