United Nations Complex

Special Elements Diagram

The United Nations building is conceived as a big tent, with public functions at the ground level and diplomatic functions at the second level. The main entrance is from the plaza, through a security vestibule, with an information center and a cafˇ located adjacent to the entry. Moving walkways run the length of the building on the north-south axis, terminating at the southern end in a clear "bubble" with spectacular views of the upper harbor and Verrazano Bridge. At the ground level are moveable walls designed to accommodate temporary functions, such as exhibition galleries or cafes, as well as "meeting pods" for interaction between various interest groups and diplomats. Two large ramps provide access from the lower to the second level. A large seasonal garden punctures the center of the tent, creating two paths within the complex, one loosely directed towards the public, the other towards the diplomats.

Four major elements of the UN are represented by distinct components embedded within the larger structure:

• The Secretariat is housed in a slab rising above the tent, with a roof terrace and commanding views of the harbor.
• The General Assembly, conceived as a major symbolic element recalling the shape of the earth, is a transparent bubble that emerges at the southern tip. From the distance, it serves as the symbol of the complex, seen in the context of other symbols in the harbor. The viewing galleries located in the vertical slab are given over to the press and the public, while the diplomats occupy the golden scooped shell below.
• The Security Council is housed in a sky-lit metal-clad "hermetic" structure in close proximity to the Secretariat.
• The Economic / Social Council, occupies a red lozenge-shaped hall near the entry, and is surrounded by the UN library.

The tent itself is a translucent pneumatically-tensed membrane with four "bands", oriented to the four continents, cut through the surface of the membrane. Large internal drainage tensile "columns" are located at varying intervals inside the tent in order to collect rainwater for filtration and re-use. Scales of photo-voltaic cells are placed on the surface at optimal angles for accumulation of solar energy. Lit from within, the translucent tent will glow at night; images can also be projected onto its surface.