Brooklyn's Grand Army Plaza is New York City’s greatest unrealized asset. Home to powerful architecture, the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch, the elegant Bailey Fountain, the entrance to Frederick Law Olmsted’s greatest park, the sum of these parts is emphatically less than the whole. Currently an underdeveloped public space, a redesign will invigorate the Plaza and unite surrounding communities, just as the reclaiming of Manhattan's High Line set off an explosion of activity in West Chelsea.
To catalyze Grand Army Plaza’s rebirth, the Design Trust for Public Space, in partnership with the Grand Army Plaza Coalition, launched an international ideas competition in February 2008 to generate new visions for every aspect of the plaza’s design. The competition attracted attention from all around the world and resulted in over 150 proposals being submitted. A distinguished jury (see below) will convene in June 2008 to select the three winners. Submissions will also inform the program for a new schematic plan for the Plaza, to be created in partnership with the New York City Departments of Parks and Recreation and Transportation. |
|
In September 2008, the Reinventing Grand Army Plaza exhibition will showcase the top 30 distinct visions for transforming the Plaza into an invaluable public space that is functional for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike.
Opening on September 12th, the outdoor exhibit will encircle the Soldiers' and Sailors' Arch and the elegant Bailey Fountain at Grand Army Plaza. The exhibit, to be designed by the world-renowned design firm Pentagram, will be the first of its kind at Grand Army Plaza and will draw an anticipated audience of over 200,000 from the surrounding communities. Learn how you can become a part of this exciting moment (PDF download) in Brooklyn's - and New York City's - history by sponsoring this outdoor exhibit.
Tell us what you think about Grand Army Plaza - join the online conversation. Read the official press release. |
|
