41 Cooper Square

This state-of-the-art academic building, which opened in 2009, was designed by Pritzker Prize–winning architect Thom Mayne. One of the more eye-catching creations in the East Village, 41 Cooper Square has a sculptural stainless shell with a vivid gash on the main facade. Green features abound, and it's New York's first academic building to receive Platinum LEED status.