Buildings
Lincoln Center Remake Gets Final Approval
(archrecord.construction.com - 03/21/2006)
By Sam
Lubell
Diller Scofidio + Renfro and FX Fowle's
plans to transform much of New York's Lincoln Center were
formally approved at a board meeting of the Lincoln Center
Development Project (LCDP) on March 13. Preliminary construction
is set to begin this week.
The scheme, which involves refashioning
existing buildings, streets and landscaping along West 65th
Street between Broadway and Amsterdam Avenues, will be the
first major set of changes to the complex since it was built
in the 1960's. Plans include creating more contemporary and
transparent façades for buildings along the street,
rehabilitating most interiors, and adding dramatic lighting
elements like LED light "mats" set into 65th Street.
The project also calls for narrowing 65th Street and adding
a slender transparent bridge over the street, creating a new
sloping "campus green" and restaurant at the complex's
North Plaza, and expanding and resurfacing of the North Plaza's
reflecting pool.
Preservationists have complained about
changes to the North Court, which was designed by landscape
architect Dan Kiley. Lincoln Center is still in conversation
with preservationists on this issues, says Betsy Vorce, a
spokesperson for Lincoln Center.
Otherwise the plan, says Vorce, is essentially
the same as what was unveiled to the public in May 2004, except
for a few minor "refinements," most of them not
visible to the public.
Institutions along 65th street include
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, The Film Society
of Lincoln Center, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts'
administrative offices, the School of American Ballet, The
Juilliard School, Lincoln Center Theater and the New York
Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The changes, say Lincoln Center, will
not only update the site's aesthetics and encourage pedestrian
activity, but will improve pedestrian and traffic safety,
open the street to light and air, and expand The Juilliard
School, The Film Society of Lincoln Center, Alice Tully Hall
and the School of American Ballet.
Construction on the $500 million project
begins this week and is scheduled to be completed in 2009.
Fundraising is still ongoing, says Vorce.
|
