Ratner unveils rendering of steel AY building

Developer Bruce Ratner and a rendering of the Atlantic Yards building (credit: Shop Architects)

Developer Bruce Ratner unveiled the design this morning for what may be the world’s tallest prefabricated steel structure, the New York Times reported, a 32-story residential building slated for Atlantic Yards next year.

Ratner has invested two years in the study of modular construction, a technique which is untested at this height. If he goes ahead with the plans, he could cut construction costs by as much as 25 percent, the Times said. Construction is slated to begin on the building in early 2012.

The use of modular technology would mean 60 percent of The Construction Would Take Place in a factory, where approximately 1,000 steel-frame modules would be made. The modules would then be transported to the site, where they’d be fitted together.

Ratner’s been coming under fire from construction workers, who claim he hasn’t delivered on his promises to bring jobs to the neighborhood. If he goes ahead with the steel design, it may limit the number of workers needed further. Earlier this week, seven construction worker apprentices stated their intention to sue Ratner. [NYT]