On the evening of December 5, a group of Open House New Yorkers joined the KPF Senior Associate Principal and lighting designer Eduardo Zepeda for a tour of One Vanderbilt’s striking illumination scheme.
Tour attendees gained insider knowledge of the lighting and program layering techniques that make the commercial supertall stand out in the dense Midtown fabric. Crafted by Tillotson Design Associates, the lighting for One Vanderbilt highlights the building’s exterior from podium to spire and transforms the tower into an energetic space that is usable 24/7 during all four seasons. Its direct transit connections, public realm contributions, and observation deck create dynamic zones at ground-level, below-grade, and 1,401 feet above the city.
One Vanderbilt is the tallest office tower in Midtown and reflects the architectural traditions of New York in its tapered design and iconic stepped crown. Known for its impressive height, civic experience, and festive spire lighting, the building has become a staple of the Manhattan skyline alongside the nearby Chrysler and Empire State Buildings.