The New York Historical

Expanding programming space for The New York Historical and The American LGBTQ+ Museum ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary, the new Tang Wing for American Democracy and renovations to the existing museum align with New York City’s Green Building Standards and reflects the institution’s commitment to sustainable design excellence.

Creating a comfortable and healthy interior environment—acoustically, thermally, and visually—was a key sustainability driver for the addition and renovation. The design integrates local, low-carbon, low-toxicity, and low-emitting products to support both artwork preservation and occupant wellbeing. The project prioritizes products that demonstrate transparency through product data, including those which hold Cradle to Cradle certificates, Health Product Declaration (HPDs), and Declare Labels.

Atelier Ten worked with the team to ensure a resilient design that reduces stress on local infrastructure, which is often strained in extreme climate events. The museum-wide chiller plant was upgraded to serve both the existing museum and new wing, significantly improving overall emissions and energy efficiency.

Light-colored paving on terraces and roof mitigates the urban heat island effect, while low-flow indoor fixtures reduce potable water consumption. Atelier Ten’s energy modeling and recommendations resulted in a design achieving 34% annual site energy savings and 25% energy cost savings over the LEED baseline.

Renderings Courtesy of Nelson Byrd Woltz & RAMSA