richard berenholtz captures construction of NY's tallest residential building

richard berenholtz started his career as an architect, after graduating from columbia university in 1974. after a number of years working at several well-known firms including I.M. pei and partners, his interest in focusing on the formal and structural details of buildings lead him to photography. since then, berenholtz has been documenting the ever changing landscape — the detractions and additions — of new york city’s skyline. the two-dimensional medium has given berenholtz free creative reign to frame and present architecture from his own perspective, capturing the characteristics and overlooked aspects of a building as more than just a physical structure, but as a composition of patterns and textures.

in continuing to add to his extensive portfolio of images depicting the metropolis, berenholtz was commissioned to archive the construction of the rafael viñoly-designed 432 park avenue (see designboom’s coverage of the residential tower here). since december 2011, the architectural photographer has been chronicling the progress on what is slated to become the tallest building in new york, and the greater western hemisphere, from the ground up.

designboom has received a video exclusive of richard berenholtz discussing his practice as an architectural photographer and his role in visually registering the soaring structure on camera.

through a lens: constructing a new skyline
video courtesy of 432 park avenue

positioned between 56th and 57th street, the streamlined elegance of the structure is set to ascend to a height of 1,396 feet — a 96 storey concrete, steel and glass skyscraper with 10 x 10 foot windows lining the facade that will filter sunlight through the living units, while offering expansive views of central park, the hudson and east rivers, atlantic ocean, as well as the already distinct manhattan cityscape from the interior. co-developed by CIM group and macklowe properties, the individual residences will feature private elevator landings and their own service entrances, eat-in kitchens, glazed his-and-her bathrooms and large master suits with adjoining dressing rooms.

432 park avenue is making progress, inching towards its ultimate height of 1,396 feet
images © richard berenholtz (also main image)

upon its completion, ‘432 park avenue’ will boast 30,000 square feet of amenities whose programs include: a private restaurant, outdoor garden for dining and events, a spa and fitness center with sauna steam and massage rooms, 75-foot swimming pool, library, lounge, billiards room, screening room and performance venue, children’s playroom, and boardroom.

richard berenholtz will be documenting the construction of 432 park avenue to its completion
images © richard berenholtz

‘I just think it’s a great, elegant, beautiful building. I’m very happy to be working on it. I think it’s going to be a big asset to the skyline.’ – richard berenholtz on photographing 432 park avenue.

construction workers assembling rebar at the 432 park avenue site
images © richard berenholtz