This time, the Swiss architects are not building an elite multi-unit condominium from scratch, but are reconstructing the existing office building, adding to it a multi-storey garage for 300 cars with a first floor occupied by shops. It is this building that is the only element of the entire complex, erected anew, and therefore the originality of its form is emphasized by both the architects themselves and the developers, "forgetting" about its somewhat mundane functional purpose even for modern architecture. Now it seems quite common to design a building for a store that is magnificent in terms of architectural qualities: indeed, there is nothing to be ashamed about. But entrusting the construction of a garage at a residential complex by one of the most talented and original architects of our time - and then extolling their project as if it were something "high" - say, a museum - this seems excessive even in our usual time.
In addition to this building, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron reconstructed the existing building of the SunTrust bank, expanding it and turning it into a multifunctional complex: along with the preservation of the updated office space, there will be several expensive apartments with gardens in personal courtyards. The new complex will block Lincoln Road, creating a pedestrian zone and square designed by landscape architect Raymond Jungles. The notorious garage will be a "stack" of open terraces supported by diagonally set concrete supports and linked by swirling ramps. Developers called this approach a real "experience" of parking for potential tenants and office tenants (along with shopping, lunch at the restaurant of the complex and living in a comfortable apartment).
Now the construction of the 1111 Lincoln Road complex is coming to an end: it will be ready in the fall of this year.
