Brrr! Insulation a Problem in Times' State-of-the-Art Building

The teeth-chattering classes over at the new Times building are packing extra sweaters this morning after getting an email from executive editor Bill Keller about how cold the newsroom (or parts of it!) are during the present cold snap.

It seems that the elevator shafts and loading docks in the state-of-the-art Renzo-Piano designed building are funnelling cold air into the offices; and a long-term fix doesn't look too near.

Here's the full memo:

F-f-f-folks,

Yes, we know. Some areas of the newsroom are uncomfortably cold. We raised this with the building services people Sunday when the temperature dropped, and they are on the case. Basically, cold air is leaking into the podium side of the building through the open loading dock and elevator shafts. I'm told short-term fixes -- mainly additional ceiling insulation
-- should provide some relief by next week. More comprehensive fixes will take longer, but are in the works.

Representatives from building services will be on hand for the Throw Stuff sessions on Thursday, in case any of you have further questions.

Best,

Bill