Archtober & OHNY Tour of BE-Ex

Please join us in partnership with Architecture Research Office (ARO) for a complete tour of the Building Energy Exchange (BE-Ex), organized by Open House New York and Archtober.

BE-Ex is a center of excellence in Downtown Manhattan dedicated to reducing the effects of climate change by improving the built environment. In April 2018, ARO completed a major renovation of the Exchange, transforming the 5,200 square foot center into a 21st-century paragon for energy efficiency, education, and knowledge sharing.

Housed on the sixth floor of the National Historic Landmark, the Surrogate’s Courthouse, the Exchange features a 100-seat classroom, as well as new exhibition and technology features. A major consideration for the project was maintaining existing historic features of the Beaux-Arts architecture—like the original mahogany doors, extensive marble trim and fireplaces, and terrazzo floors—while updating old infrastructure to increase energy efficiency.

Updates include highly efficient HVAC and lighting systems, an airy entry vestibule with a large glass door, light-responsive window shades, and a state-of-the-art A/V system. An exhibit room and demonstration room provide additional education spaces, and two rooms were combined to create a single flexible classroom space that provides quality lighting, sound, and acoustics.

Tours will be led by Stephen Cassell, Principal at ARO, and Richard Yancey, Executive Director of BE-Ex. Tours will begin at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm and will last approximately 45 minutes.