DesignNYC Magazine Interviews A+I and MdeAS on PENN 2 and The PENN District Transformation

April 12, 2024

Co-Founder Brad Zizmor and Managing Partner at MdeAS, Dan Shannon spoke with DesignNYC Magazine about their joint venture in redesigning PENN 2, the newly revivified tower on Seventh Avenue, within the greater PENN District.

In keeping with A+I’s design of PENN 1, PENN 2 has been about more than just redesigning a building—it's been about reshaping the way people experience their work environments. Comprising 1.8 million square feet of office space, the project also features over 70,000 square feet of outdoor tenant space, as well as extensive communal and public areas. As Zizmor emphasizes, "It’s not just about making a better building but offering a better experience."

In their conversation, Zizmor and Shannon delve into the delicate balance of modernization and preservation, guided by Vornado’s prompt to, “make these old things new again.” The carbon-neutral property incorporates a range of environmentally driven strategies with a gut renovation of the interiors designed in mind with the thousands of of people who pass through this site daily.

Zizmor and Shannon emphasized how PENN 2 was conceived not merely as a workplace, but as a nexus catering to diverse needs. It not only caters to office workers, but also considers the needs of commuters, tourists, and sports enthusiasts passing through the area. Zizmor commented, “Vornado really gave us an opportunity to think about what an office building could be from the ground up.”

This holistic approach underscores A+I’s commitment to designing spaces that both support the flexible future of work and enrich the broader community experience. Zizmor concludes: “I really do think this is the beginning of a new way to reinvigorate central business districts.”

Read the full article on the pages below.