Perspectives July 30, 2024

Reimagining the Observation Deck

By Derek Johnson, Matthew Pierce, Eric Keune

Following a post-war economic boom and colossal demand for new commercial office space, the United States reached its “peak skyscraper era” in the 1960s and 1970s. The tall single-program buildings of this period aspired to become the “Eiffel Tower”’ of their cities, defining their skylines for generations to come. Public observation decks became a signature feature of these mid-century buildings, offering locals and visitors a chance to experience and enjoy their cities from new perspectives.

After decades of underutilization or decommission, a nationwide “Observation Deck Arms Race” is now underway. Owners are reimagining these spaces to bring new energy, tenants, and visitors to their existing high-rise assets. Each accessible slice of sky tries to outdo its neighbor with striking spectacles, from tilting mechanized facade panels to outward projecting glass boxes. However, one theme is consistent across all these feats: owners, designers, and architects are asking, “what else can these buildings offer to our cities?” Through visionary collaboration and trust, our project, View Boston, provides its own unique response.

When constructed, the Prudential Tower was an aspirational architectural vision for the City.

Historical Aspirations

Originally designed by Charles Luckman & Associates and completed in 1965, the Prudential Tower is a distinguished and historic Boston symbol. Built amidst the height-frenzy of the skyscraper era, the “Pru” was the tallest building in North America outside of New York City when constructed. Today, the tower is embedded within the fully developed Back Bay neighborhood, but in 1965 this location was on the frontier and outer limits of the city. For its first years, the Pru stood alone on an elevated plinth, and the city grew up to meet it in the following decades. Ahead of its time, the Prudential Tower represented an aspirational new architectural vision for the City of Boston.

Luckman’s original vision for the observation deck was a two-story environment centered around a retail venue. For over 50 years, the signature restaurant, “Top of the Hub”, occupied the 52^nd floor. The two floors below it were occupied by mechanical equipment and limited indoor observation and education space. While much-beloved, the clarity of these spaces was compromised over time by low ceilings, dated finishes, and blocked outward views. Our long-time client and owner of the building, BXP, tapped us in their quest to envision a better solution. We seized this opportunity to reimagine these existing bones, as not a single observation deck, but as a three-floor series of experiences that reintroduce and reflect the City of Boston today.

Unveiling an Exterior Terrace

Observation decks with ample outdoor space provide a unique vantage point for taking in fresh air and understanding cities in new ways. However, the prismatic glass of mid-century towers is oftentimes at odds with the ability to circumnavigate a building’s exterior perimeter. For example, the original World Trade Center required visitors to leave the enclosed observation level and ascend to an elevated “racetrack” that traced the South Tower.

At the Prudential Tower, the exposed 51^st floor perimeter was a mechanical and service space only accessible to maintenance staff. We transformed this space into a year-round outdoor observation deck by installing more compact and efficient MEP systems and a state-of-the-art Building Maintenance Unit (BMU). A custom wood deck with operational panels allows access to the window washing track when necessary, while concealing it entirely for most of the year.

The observatory experience is restored to its essential clarity which had been obscured over time.

Observation decks allow all to experience an unimpeded view and a new perspective.

Deference to the View

While programs and attractions can vary to enhance an experience, the essence of all observation decks is the opportunity to experience an unimpeded view. The most striking feature of View Boston’s exterior deck is a technically complex but visually phantom-like glass windscreen. The glass blocks high-speed wind, with no visible structural framing or support members. Our close collaboration with the structural engineer, BMU manufacturer, and glass fabricator ensured that the aquarium-level thick glass is neither visible nor visually distorting. A dark wall behind the viewer and the careful placement of lighting only above and below eye level ensures that reflections are dramatic but strategically complement the view of the city. The deck area is spacious, eliminating the feeling of crowding or urgency. This unveiled and revitalized exterior allows all to enjoy a leisurely observation experience and take joy in the new height of discovery.

Signage and lighting are key iconic features of the Pru.

Amplifying the Skyline

Tenured mid-century skyscrapers, from the Empire State Building to the Willis Tower, are public symbols for their respective cities. The worshipped look of these towers captivates the public’s imagination. Renovation projects thus need to balance how to thoughtfully give them a facelift without compromising the publicly recognizable form.

At View Boston, we intentionally rejuvenated the view from Boston down below. The trademark sign’s precise font and size were maintained, while the visual impact is amplified through new lighting. Modernizing the colored lights, often used for special occasions, increases their skyline prominence while also creating dramatic effects for those on the outdoor deck. The sign, which was once only visible from afar, now becomes a photogenic moment when visitors arrive on the 52^nd floor. This new arrival experience is transcendent, immediately orienting one within the city; something once only looked at, becomes something to look through.

Celebrating Art and People

View Boston incorporates works by artists of diverse backgrounds to create special moments throughout the experience. Using a variety of different scales, such as large-scale exterior murals and a series of framed digital images, these artworks collectively reinforce the theme of “Seeing Boston Differently”. From an Iranian American digital artist, to a muralist couple from Portland, Maine, and a graffiti artist from London, these works of art present new ways of seeing the city, and a new way of seeing the people that make up the city. Complimentary to the stunning outward views, observation decks offer a meaningful opportunity to broadcast public art and express new community perspectives.

Digitally blended architectural photographs of seven Boston neighborhoods compliment the dining experience at the Beacon restaurant.

On the exterior deck, a digital mural celebrates Boston specific iconography such as the Zakim Bridge, Citgo Sign, and Charles River.

3D immersive experience

Restaurant and event space

Interactive kiosks

A Place to Make Memories

Introducing new ways to engage, while building on the nostalgia of a place is a successful combination when revitalizing a faded attraction. The old “Top of the Hub” restaurant had long been a place where Bostonians celebrated important life events and made memories together. While we re-envisioned the experience, the place and its role have stayed the same. A variety of episodic experiences – from an exterior bar, and full-service indoor restaurant, to interactive kiosks and tactile 3D models – make this a place where all are welcome and excited to return. Breathing new life and energy into these spaces makes this a destination where people come back to make memories, again and again. In a testament to this, our client, BXP, reports that they have seen a surprising increase in events and local visitation at View Boston.

The Potential of Place

By integrating technically complex design, innovative space-use, and artistic collaborations, View Boston not only restores the grandeur of the “Pru” but also redefines its place in Boston’s urban fabric. These features can be universal principles that other mid-century towers can draw upon when undergoing needed renovation and revision. More than just an architectural feat, View Boston, allows people to understand Boston in new ways, deepening a connection to the city and highlighting its significance in their lives.

View Boston exemplifies the potential of reimagining old observation decks, turning them into dynamic destinations that reflect and enrich the cities they overlook.

Reimagining the Observation Deck

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