KPF Interns Visit 520 Fifth Avenue

Designed with principles of sustainability, health, wellness, and connectivity, 520 Fifth Avenue is an 88-story vertical village that represents a new concept in luxury residential and boutique office space.

Led by Nicole McGlinn, Chris Popa, and Zhurong Qian, this year’s New York interns were led on a walking tour designed to connect their academic studies with real-world practice. During their visit, interns were able to observe the critical stages of construction and explore the transition between the building’s mixed-use spaces, observing how design principles are applied to create a seamless flow from retail to office to residential areas. The integration of zoning, circulation, and access strategies was also discussed. The KPF team highlighted exterior cladding and curtain wall systems, educating interns on the practical application of energy efficiency, environmental impact, and durability, underscoring the importance of material selection and detailing in achieving both aesthetic and functional goals.