The aptly named American Copper Buildings, two copper-clad towers designed by SHoP Architects on Manhattan’s First Avenue between East 35th and 36th Streets, rise to 48 and 41 stories respectively.

Downtown D.C. is full of ‘dumb boxes.’ Not these stunning new buildings. Earthy materials like copper and terra-cotta are adding warmth and texture to the city known for squat glass offices.