Project Overview

Located next to the existing Comcast Tower, the Comcast Technology Center rises 1,201 feet (341 meters) as the city’s tallest building. The tower is vertically stepped, with loft-like workspaces and state-of-the-art television studios for NBC and Telemundo, with a 12-story Four Seasons hotel above. The Four Seasons at Comcast Technology Center is the tallest hotel in the USA (outside of NYC).

Organisation

Foster + Partners

 

Team

Norman Foster
Russel Hales
Annamaria Anderloni

Project Brief

The Four Seasons’ hotel drop-off is along the western edge of the building. Visitors and guests are greeted at the concierge on the ground level, with the animated sights and sounds of the street restaurant beyond. Visitors to the ballroom are directed to the mezzanine from the left of the entrance, from where a dramatic single flight of escalators lead all the way up to the ballroom on level 5.
The ground floor elevator lobby, located to the right of the main entrance, features exquisite displays by acclaimed floral designer Jeff Leatham. The glass express elevators rise up and out of the podium along the northern façade, revealing stunning views of the city, looking onto Logan Square and carrying guests and visitors up to the hotel reception on level 60.
On arrival guests are greeted by the first glimpses of the panoramic views, and the glowing onyx wall of the reception desk. Guests are then led through the axial flower-lined canyon towards the Jean-Georges restaurant, Sky High, which unfolds in a dramatic bar and lounge as guests descend a monument staircase flanked by two black stone ‘water-walls’.

The restaurant is a soaring triple-height space, fully glazed on three sides. The unique pyramidical mirrored ceiling that stretches across the length of entire floor infuses the space with dynamism, reflecting the bustling charm of the restaurant space, while multiplying the views of the skyline at eye level from every corner.

Project Innovation/Need

The building’s section resolves a complex spatial puzzle, with private dining areas located on level 59, which can be serviced by the restaurant above. The spa and fitness center are located on level 57. Stepping out into a double-height space from the elevators, guests walk along a brightly lit corridor on the northern edge of the building with gym, spa and other treatment rooms. The spa terminates in an infinity-edged swimming pool contained within a striking three-story-high glazed volume which overlooks the city below.
The hotel comprises nine floors of guest rooms below. The building’s circulation follows a defined pattern on every floorplate – an internal ‘street’ runs along the center from the elevators to the eastern edge, where the suites are located. Curved corners marking every room door give an impression of generosity of space, a language that continues in the interior layout of the rooms. Every room has full-height glazing, a 10-foot floor-to-ceiling clearance, walk-in wardrobes, a wall screen displaying digital art by Brian Eno, all complemented by a warm palette of materials and bronze tones. All the bespoke furniture used throughout the hotel – in the public areas as well as the rooms – was designed by the practice.

Design Challenge

Lighting the restaurant’s soaring triple-height ’cathedral- like interior’ posed a considerable challenge. Another challenge was to allow every guest to enjoy the contrasting landscapes of both city and nature from all corners of the restaurant. Early iterations showed that guests sat in the centre of the space would have a poorer view when compared to those at the perimeter. In collaboration with our in-house specialist modelling group, the design for a unique pyramidical mirrored ceiling emerged, with an intricate lighting system and projectors create a theatrical atmosphere for all guests.

Sustainability

The LEED Platinum design takes advantage of the city’s pleasant climate, offering protection from the harsh winters. The building utilizes an active chilled beam system (the largest in North America during design) which reduces the energy loads and creates a healthier working environment.
During the design phase, a decision was made not to include renewable energy methods due to the tight urban space, based on the negligible yield. Other sustainable options were available to reduce the buildings energy
consumption. The design focuses on energy production by incorporating elements such as a chilled beam system. The typical floorplate has been designed to optimize and control light levels through efficient glazing with
high light transmittance and an automated blind system.
The building also features systems to ensure water efficiency with green roofs, waterless urinals and high-performance cooling towers.