Project Overview

Part of the City University of New York since 1964, the John Jay College of Criminal Justice trains students in emergency response, forensic psychology, and cyber security. Enrollment increased dramatically after the September 11 terrorist attacks, prompting the school to create more space and expand its offerings.


SOM’s addition consists of a four-story podium, 14-story tower, and an expansive landscaped terrace that serves as a campus commons. The new building contains classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, faculty offices, and student lounges. Connected to the school’s original facility, Haaren Hall, the college now occupies an entire city block and has helped it evolve into a premier institution.

Fritted glass panels are arranged in a staggered pattern along the facades, while vertical fins, ranging in depth from three to 11 inches, are arranged in horizontal bands on all four sides of the building. These aluminum fins are finished with silver-speckled mica-flake paint on one side and are silk-screened with a varying pattern of red dots on the other. These two treatments on the fins create a dynamic visual effect depending on the direction from which one approaches the building

Project Commissioner

City University of New York

Project Creator

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP