1bRooftop-Aharoni
Manhattan Townhouse Roof Addition
Inspired by the Jantar Mantar—eighteenth century astronomical observatories built in India that marry the intimate experience of celestial observation with monumental structure—a sheltered seating area atop an Eastside Manhattan townhouse is imbued with both a contemplative and sculptural resonance.
The addition’s design and orientation provide ample shade and protection from rain. Tall grasses mask the edges of the building creating an illusion of infinite space on the north and eastern walls that open onto metropolitan vistas.
Strategically placed slots in the canopy—framing The Chrysler Building, The Empire State Building and The New York Life Building—draw the eye upward into a visual dialogue with the urban constellation of these celebrated Manhattan landmarks.