Silvio J. Mollo Federal Building

New York, NY

Renderings: Fillipo Bolognese

How do you transform a building into a symbol of Justice?

The Silvio J. Mollo Federal Building, located within the Civic Center of New York City, is home to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York. The project features a new high-performance facade that seeks to reposition the building into a symbol of justice, a core value which defines the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

To reduce whole life carbon impact, the existing 1975 concrete structure is reused and transformed into a modern workplace, creating a dialogue between heritage and future. New all-electric systems are implemented along with interior planning that prioritizes daylight and user comfort. The addition of an entry pavilion integrates accessibility & security into landscaping to create a positive urban impact within St. Andrew’s Plaza.

The Silvio J. Mollo Federal Building redefines a commitment to justice through its renewed civic presence and leadership in sustainability.

A Dialogue Between Past and Future

By adding an accessible entry pavilion on the west side of the building, a seamless progression from landscaped public plaza, to security screening area, to semi-public lobby, to private offices is established.

Separate entry for staff and visitors is maintained between the pavilion's two access points, though visual access between them is maintained through openings in a folded wood surface that defines the space. This surface is pulled into the lobby's semi-public spaces, marking the extents of this multi-story public-to-private progression.

Included in this sequence is an Alex Katz mural that has been preserved in situ spanning from the first to second floor of the building.

The Silvio J. Mollo Federal Building was designed to be the most sustainable federal building in New York City

The Most Sustainable Federal Building in New York

Environmental justice is represented by ambitiously seeking the highest levels of sustainable design to achieve LEED Platinum and Zero Energy certification. Design initiatives such as converting to a fully electric building, reusing the existing concrete structure, and expanding building area with new low-embodied carbon structural elements contribute to reducing the whole life carbon impact. Utilizing the existing structure allows us to preserve the important heritage while adapting for the future.

With new efficient systems and on-site solar PV panels, the design targets a reduction in energy-use by 75% from a baseline office building. Rainwater is captured within a cistern and reused for restrooms and irrigation. Health and occupant wellbeing is at the center of the interior environment due to a culture of significant cases requiring extensive hours and the need for respite. Biophilic elements, access to active workplace design ques, daylight strategies, and healthy materials all contribute to support the USAO’s legacy of mentorship and collaboration in a healthy environment.