Tower 45: Where Art, Architecture, and Concrete Meet in the Heart of Manhattan
In the middle of Midtown Manhattan, moments of stillness are rare. At Tower 45, internationally acclaimed design firm Clodagh Design set out to change that, transforming an ordinary outdoor space into a calming pocket park where people could pause, connect, and recharge. Through a close creative partnership with Trueform Concrete, that vision became a sculptural reality.
Designing an Urban Sanctuary
Every successful project begins with a clear vision. For Tower 45, the objective was to create a curated outdoor environment that felt peaceful amid the energy of New York City.
"Our client's goal was to provide a curated, restful and serene pocket park that would be similar, but even better than the many small parks scattered throughout Manhattan," explains Clodagh herself. "We kept that goal in mind every step of the way."
The result is more than a seating area. It's a destination, one that encourages visitors to step away from the city's pace and engage with the space on a human level.
Why Concrete Was the Perfect Medium
Material selection was critical. In a heavily trafficked public environment, durability and longevity were essential. But performance alone wasn't enough.
Concrete offered the ideal balance between function and artistic expression.
According to Clodagh, concrete was chosen because it is both durable and easy to maintain while also allowing the team to achieve a sophisticated custom color palette. These rich tones became an integral part of the project's visual identity.
For Trueform, concrete has always been more than a construction material. Its versatility allows it to become architecture, furniture, and sculpture simultaneously, an ideal canvas for ambitious designers.
Geometry That Invites Interaction
At first glance, the installation appears sculptural. Upon closer inspection, every dimension serves a purpose.
The tiered seating was intentionally designed to function as a "mini theater-in-the-round," creating multiple opportunities for gathering, conversation, quiet reflection, or simply enjoying lunch outdoors. The stepped, ziggurat-inspired geometry naturally draws visitors into the space while directing the eye toward the central circular sculpture and surrounding artwork.
Rather than creating a single way to experience the installation, the design encourages movement and discovery from every angle.
Blurring the Line Between Sculpture and Seating
One of the greatest challenges of architectural furniture is creating pieces that are visually compelling without sacrificing usability.
For Tower 45, Clodagh Design intentionally approached the installation as both an art piece and functional public seating.
"The intention was to have the concrete piece be intriguing as a stand-alone object while also providing functional seating. Throughout the design process, we had to keep ergonomics and human needs in mind."
This philosophy perfectly aligns with Trueform's approach to custom concrete fabrication. Every project begins with design intent but is refined through craftsmanship, engineering, and an understanding of how people will interact with the finished piece every day.
A Creative Partnership Built on Shared Vision
Exceptional projects rarely happen in isolation.
“Clodagh continuously finds ever more creative and useful ways of weaving concrete into her designs. She has an intuitive grasp of the connection between raw material and finished artifact” remarks Paul Grech, Creative Director at Trueform.
When asked about working with Trueform, Clodagh described the relationship simply: "Creatively, us and Trueform are like-minded in both thought and design concepts. A true partnership in creativity. We just click."
That collaborative process, bringing together architects, designers, engineers, and artisans, is at the heart of every Trueform project. From custom concrete furnishings to large-scale architectural installations, the goal is always the same: transform ambitious ideas into enduring reality.
The Lasting Impact of Thoughtful Design
Tower 45 demonstrates how carefully crafted architectural concrete can do more than fill a space, it can shape how people experience it.
By combining sculptural form, ergonomic function, custom color, and meticulous craftsmanship, Clodagh Design and Trueform created a public environment that feels welcoming, timeless, and distinctly modern.
In a city defined by movement, Tower 45 offers something increasingly valuable: a reason to pause.
Project Team & Roles
- Developer / Owner: Kamber Management Company Design
- Architects: Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
- Architect of Record / Interior Design: Milo Kleinberg Design Associates (MKDA)
- Atrium Sculpture: Clodagh Design + Trueform Concrete