a first look inside jean nouvel's 53 west 53 skyscraper in new york

53 west 53 — the jean nouvel-designed skyscraper currently under construction next door to new york’s museum of modern art (MoMA) — has unveiled the first images of its interiors. with residents set to start moving in later this year, the development has presented two new model residences — designed by roman and williams, who collaborated with david zwirner gallery to curate artworks that relate to MoMA’s permanent collection, and hong kong-based designer andré fu.

image by giles ashford

designed by jean nouvel with interior architecture by thierry despont, 53 west 53 features 145 residences ranging in size from one- to four-bedrooms, including full floor homes and duplex penthouses with private elevators. the building’s tapering design and nouvel’s signature exposed structural system, known as the ‘diagrid’, means that the layout of each residence is completely unique.

image by adrian gaut

’53 west 53 is one of the most architecturally significant additions to the new york skyline and roman and williams guild has created a stunning residence that truly complements the building’s innovative design,’ said david penick, managing director at hines — the real estate firm behind the project. ‘we commissioned andré fu to design our first model residence because his modernist sensibilities complement jean nouvel’s completely unique architecture.’

image by adrian gaut

upon entering the foyer of roman and williams’ design, visitors are greeted by a yayoi kusama painting and photography by james welling. roman and williams guild original, monumental 44″ brass oscar light illuminates and brings contrast to the entrance gallery’s white walls. ‘we envisioned a home that would be ideal for a sophisticated collector,’ explains robin standefer of roman and williams. ‘we mix our RW guild original design collection with world-class art, found objects, and carefully selected pieces from our guild global community of artisans to create a world of texture in harmony with the culture and geometry of its surroundings.’

image by adrian gaut

the 36th floor residence has been designed by andré fu and his hong kong based design studio AFSO. boasting southern and eastern exposures, the 2-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom residence spans 2,039 square feet of living space and is priced at $6,475,000. ‘I am intrigued to juxtapose my design ethos of relaxed luxury with the stunning architecture of 53 west 53,’ says andré fu. ‘my vision is to curate a poetic world of modernity and serenity that is transversal and embraces cultural nuances. the holistic atmosphere of this apartment embraces my design language and is a genuine expression of relaxed luxury set against new york’s dynamic cityscape.’

image by stephen kent johnson

on-site amenities include a wellness center with a 65-foot lap pool, a cold-plunge pool, a hot tub and even poolside vertical gardens designed by patrick blanc. meanwhile, floors 46 and 47 feature a double-height lounge and a private formal dining room overlooking central park. residents can also enjoy in-home private-dining service from the building’s restaurant. other amenities include a library, a double-height wine tasting suite, temperature-controlled wine storage vaults available for purchase, a private screening room, and a children’s playroom.

image by stephen kent johnson

the tower itself is integrated into MoMA’s campus, which is also undergoing a major renovation. three new gallery levels will be created within the base of the building, each accessed from and connected with the museum’s existing exhibition spaces. residents will receive deeded memberships at MoMA, which include the potential for the building to host private events in the museum’s sculpture garden. see designboom’s previous coverage of the project here.

image by stephen kent johnson