The public garden and revitalization of The Olayan Group’s 550 Madison, a postmodern building originally designed by Philip Johnson and John Burgee, has recently received final and unanimous approval from the City Planning Commission.
The Snøhetta-designed project will be located at the rear of the building and re-envisions the the public space as an expanded, densely vegetated garden. The transformation draws on the architectural heritage of the area, the activity of the neighborhood, and the natural history of the region. The privately-owned public space hopes to invite people to slow down and connect to one another and their surroundings.
“Privately-owned public spaces are a critical part of New York City’s public realm. Urban life thrives in and around spaces that allow us to connect with one another and to nature,” said Michelle Delk, Partner and Director of Landscape Architecture, Snøhetta, in a release.
See Also: Jaguar Land Rover’s Advanced Product Creation Centre has the largest timber roof in Europe
The new space will be approximately 21,000 sf and include around 50 newly planted trees and a wide variety of other plants such as annuals, perennials, and evergreens. The space will also include seating options, public bathrooms, and bike racks.
The garden will connect to the building’s lobby, which Gensler is currently in the process of redesigning.
Related Stories
| Aug 31, 2011
Sebastopol, Cailf., invites designers to submit ideas for renewing city center
The goal of The Core Project is to explore how the physical presence of Sebastopol can become a more economically thriving and aesthetically vibrant place, reflecting the naturally beauty of the region and the character of the community.
| Aug 31, 2011
Wythe Confectionary renovation in Brooklyn completed
Renovation retains architectural heritage while reflecting a modern urban lifestyle.
