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condominium residences occupying the top levels. Stepping out has enabled Rabina to realise its vision of creating a truly interconnected community. The chairman describes 520 Fifth Avenue as “a vertical village,” a modern-day reimagining of the town square of old. Indeed, the ethos behind 520 Fifth Avenue centres upon the aspiration of becoming a “good neighbour.” Partnering with Kohn Pedersen Fox, the directive was to steer away from a glass and metal curtain wall building, which may be expected in Midtown. James von Klemperer, KPF President and Design Principal said, “I think all tall buildings, especially, have a kind of responsibility that goes beyond the program and the site. Because once you emerge into the skyline in a significant way, which this building will, the skyline is viewed by us New Yorkers as public property…we should be doing something to grace the skyline and not give it some defect. It has been an honour to work alongside the Rabinas on this extraordinary project that will create a new architectural landmark along Fifth Avenue and appear prominently on the skyline.” A 1,000-foot tower of elegant proportions and impeccable detailing, 520 Fifth Avenue draws inspiration from the architectural landmarks of the neighbourhood, from the classic skyscrapers at Rockefeller Center to the carved-limestone mansions of Fifth Avenue and Club Row. The palazzo-like Century Association next door sets the metre for 520 Fifth Avenue’s spiralling setbacks and the proportions of its base, composed of finely crafted terra- cotta arches detailed in contemporary style. Masterfully combining historic influences with a modern ethos, 520 Fifth Avenue lifts one’s spirits as it soars toward the sky. The prominent arches animating the tower’s exteriors were influenced by Beaux-Arts icons of the neighbourhood, including Grand Central Terminal, the New York Public Library, and the Century Association. Variations in the arches’ proportions and scales articulate the building’s different interior functions, from monumental portals at the street and club levels to dramatic windows on the residences above. Charles & Co designed the interiors of 520 Fifth Avenue as a contemporary take on classic New York style. After a nearly 20-year career at Soho House, where she pioneered the distinctive “home from home” aesthetic, British-born designer Vicky Charles founded Charles & Co in 2016. The firm has imparted its signature imprint of comfortable, low-key luxury and impeccable detailing on a highly curated portfolio of commercial, hospitality, and residential commissions. “My job is to create spaces that people want to come back to all the time,” says Charles of her warm, inviting sensibility. Among the firm’s well-known clients are Hollywood A-listers, notable musicians, and royals. Though a tall tower, it is the intimate spaces and their feeling of sophisticated cosiness that communicate the impeccable quality, relatable comfort, and quiet luxury for which the AD100 firm is known. Drawing upon its experience designing private clubs, restaurants, hotels, and residences for the world’s most discerning tastemakers, Charles & Co selected the finest materials and textures—European-inspired mosaics, handsome millwork, richly veined stone, and patterned textiles and wallcoverings— to create timeless rooms that are elegant, memorable, and evocative. Offering sweeping views stretching from river to river, up to Central Park, and downtown over Bryant Park toward the Empire State Building and beyond, the residences at 520 Fifth Avenue take advantage of soaring heights— beginning at 400 feet and reaching nearly 900 feet in elevation. Considered layouts are set against a backdrop of breath-taking vistas framed through the building’s signature arched apertures. Many residences feature signature design elements including triple-exposure living and dining rooms, ceilings up to 14 feet high, and corner private terraces. Timeless finishes, hand- Simply Abu Dhabi | 279