New York’s City Police Academy, a seven-year, LEED Gold project led by Perkins + Will with Michael Fieldman Consulting Architects, boldly represents the importance of the institution. A monumental, 730,000-square-foot building, it stands as a symbol of the commitment the city has to training strong, competent first-responders.

Chairs by Antonio Citterio create a lounge outside the library. Great swaths of terrazzo, for circulation spaces, incorporate a grain of sparkle. With so much floor, you need it to have a bit of life. Perforated aluminum panels along the staircase allow light to filter through.