David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center in New York City by Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects

Article source: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects

Harmony atrium, a privately owned public space, was a defacto homeless shelter and small rock-climbing business. Lincoln Center sponsored the space with the true intention of creating a place for the public.

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

• Architects: Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
• Project: David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center
• Location: New York City
• Owner: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
• Consultant: Acoustic Dimensions; Axis Group Limited; Dan Euser Waterarchitecture Inc; Fisher Dachs Associates; Pentagram Design, Inc.; Steven Winter Associate, Inc.; Vertical Garden Technology
• Engineer: ARUP
• General Contractor: RCDolner Construction LLC
• Lighting: Fisher Marantz Stone
• Photography: Nic Lehoux, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Wedged into Manhattan’s dense fabric, the 7000 SF passageway serves as Lincoln Center’s public visitor facility, welcoming city newcomers and neighborhood residents. The space, known as The David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center, offers free performances, information and tickets to events, and a place to have a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Cantilevered canopies announce the presence of the atrium. Visitors enter through large glass doors. They are greeted by 20 foot-high plant walls. Green marble benches, as well as moveable chairs and tables, offer places to rest. A fountain in the ceiling drops thin streams of water into a stone basin. Sixteen occuli pierce the golden ceiling to bring natural light into the double height space. In the evening, they are illuminated with colored artificial lights creating an ideal atmosphere for concerts.

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Enormous felt paintings hang on two walls. One installation, grey ellipses rolling playfully on a yellow background, relates to the ceiling, and the other surrounds a media wall that serves as a canvas for projected information, images, and film. Transformed by light, color, texture, and thoughtfully chosen materials, the space is now a tranquil and welcoming oasis. In the first five months, more than 250,000 people visited the atrium.

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Image Courtesy Nic Lehoux

Tags: New York

Category: Port's public spaces

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