45 Rockefeller Lobby Desk

To seamlessly blend with the historic Art Deco style of Rockefeller Plaza, SITU led the design and fabrication of a new lobby desk that fulfills 21st-century needs while maintaining an iconic 20th-century aesthetic.

Working closely with Tishman Speyer, SITU developed multiple concepts that referenced existing elements in the lobby, with the chosen design incorporating stylistic wrap-around metal bands and sleek glossy finishes. Responding to increased foot traffic in the lobby, the desk is double the size of the previous and includes an ADA compliant counter.

The desk features a plywood armature with a laminated MDF substrate that provides a smooth and level surface to accept the high gloss black polyurethane coating. The metal accents were fabricated from rolled and capped stainless steel rods and tubes and then hand-finished to craft a seamless look.

Three full-sized monitors, ID check-in equipment, telephones, and a trash can are all hidden from the visitor side of the desk, thanks in part to a large opening in the stone countertop and a desk partition to create a sleek and timeless experience. The twelve-foot-long desk was prefabricated in two large parts, allowing for a quick and unintrusive installation sequence.