BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass closeup

Let's face it: Two Penn Plaza is boring. Most people don't even take a second glance at the nondescript office tower between 31st and 33rd streets on Seventh Avenue, but building owner Vornado is hoping to change that with an eye-catching new redesign by Bjarke Ingels Group. Part of a larger initiative that also includes a revamp of One Penn Plaza, BIG's recently unveiled renderings of the project reveal a glassy facade that flares out at the bottom like a skirt being blown up over a subway grate.

Two Penn Plaza Current

Two Penn Plaza in its current state.

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass interior

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass option 2

The redesign doesn't seem to affect the top portion of the building much aside from the glass cladding, but the lower and ground levels have been transformed into a mass of staggered blocks sheltered beneath the glassy, wave-like overhang.

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass two options

BIG shared two ever-so-slightly-different design variations for the 1,619,000-square-foot tower.

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass waves

In addition to adding visual interest, the giant building-skirt will also give pedestrians a place to wait out the rain.

BIG wants to transform boring Two Penn Plaza into an undulating sea of glass

Two Penn Plaza is already LEED Silver-certified, but we're hoping that the revamp will reach an even higher level of sustainability. We've reached out to BIG about what the sustainability considerations for their new design might be and will keep you updated with their reply.