Since 1833, NYU’s campus has centered around Manhattan's Washington Square Park, existing within a dense mix of buildings. The Paulson Center is located on the southern edge.

Located just east of I.M. Pei and James Ingo Freed’s 1960s University Village Silver Towers, the new Center exists within a mix of traditional and modern buildings.

Responding to the University’s desire for better streetscape engagement, the building footprint was shifted to create a generous pedestrian walkway through superblocks and a playgarden for children.

The John A. Paulson Center is a 735,000 sq. ft. mixed-use academic building that sets a new precedent for what university buildings in dense, urban environments can achieve. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

A 23-story tower with 42 faculty apartments offers a private entrance and common amenity spaces. Credit: James Ewing / JBSA

The Paulson Center leverages every cubic foot of space within the approved zoning envelope. Credit: James Ewing / JBSA

The building’s facade makes use of geometry to mitigate solar gain and customized frit patterns to reduce bird-strikes, optimizing natural light and lowering energy use. Credit: James Ewing / JBSA

Open not only to the NYU community but also to neighbors, the Paulson Center provides passage through superblocks and a playgarden for young children. Credit: James Ewing / JBSA

Multiple green roofs and terraces naturally cool the building and its surrounding landscape while managing rainwater runoff. Credit: James Ewing / JBSA

Inviting seating, lounge, and study spaces throughout the building foster connection between different program users. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

To provide equitable circulation at all levels, stairs and elevators are adjacent, providing users of all abilities a shared experience. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The central, light-filled, and expansive Commons forms the heart of the building and student activity, reinforcing the building’s openness and accessibility. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The open design encourages the casual encounters and intellectual exchanges that are at the center of the NYU experience. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

Three new state-of-the-art theatres support NYU’s performing arts programs. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The Paulson Center provides NYU with instruction and practice rooms for its music and performing arts programs, including the University’s first orchestral ensemble room. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

Perimeter circulation with full height glazing provides 360-degree views, orientation to the city, and buffers acoustically sensitive spaces. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The new athletic and recreation facility is a multi-purpose destination for varsity athletes, general recreation users, and students seeking wellness, and is open to local community residents. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

Located at the entry to the Student Housing Tower, the Sky Lobby serves as a hub for both student residents and the greater NYU community. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

Terraces and green roofs leverage the building’s setback requirements and nearly double the existing vegetated area of the site. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The distinctive wedge panels on the exterior of the building create seating with operable panels for fresh air below. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

Student housing in a variety of layouts allows the University to better accommodate future students from different financial backgrounds, physical abilities, and social aptitudes. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

The Faculty Tower is situated at the southeast corner of the building along Houston and Mercer Streets, offering exceptional city views. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA

At dusk, internal cove lighting gently illuminates the building’s base. Credit: Connie Zhou / JBSA