SOM proposes to fanastically expand penn station, new york city
image © SOM
the mega firm SOM has been instrumental in shaping the new york city skyline, what with the design for one world trade center; however, their vision for a more livable new york readily entertains forward-thinking infrastructure that integrates the existing dynamism of the city and the expectation of growth. responding to a design challenge put forth by the municipal art society of new york to redesign the busiest train station in north america, the proposal calls for the transplantation of madison square garden to an adjacent site, while fantastically expanding the cramped penn station into an efficient, green vortex of circulation. the proposal is remarkable in it’s approach to density and seeks to strike a balance between consolidation and expansion.
the proposal is focused on making penn station a dignified gateway both with striking architectonics and more intuitive circulation. the expansion of the transit hub’s footprint by two additional blocks makes for the accommodation of high-speed rail lines from the northeast corridor as well as direct railconnections to major airports and commuter rail services for the entire tri-state area. in keeping with the idea of the complex as the civic heart of midtown west, the grand architectural gesture consists of a central, large-scale transparent ticketing hub lined with retail spaces. the layered, vertical park sportsgreen space four times the size of bryant park while asserting the center as an important and multifaceted urban gateway. four mixed-use towers monumentalizeand consolidate city programming, boasting more offices that rockefeller center and more cultural hotspots than lincoln center to punctuate the green-clad funnel of circulation that would so characterize the skyline.
regarding the guiding forces of design, the firm reasoned:
‘with all of these networks intersecting at penn station, its central hall would become the iconic gateway for nearly every visitor around the world.’
the proposal takes advantage of vertical density, optimal location and more intuitive circulation
image © SOM
four mixed use towers punctuate the monumental urban block
image © SOM
the ‘green footprint’ of the urban fabric is widened with the green-topped ticketing hub
image © SOM
the ticketing hub hovers above expanses of green space
image © SOM
view of the transparent ticketing hub and the cross-section of the multifunctional spaces
image © SOM
interior view of the concourse shows the layered space
image © SOM
the design expands the urban fabric both skyward and underground
image © SOM
diagram of the offices and work space programming, totaling a density equal to rockefeller center
image © SOM
diagram of residential area, totaling the size of tudor city, the east side development that was the world’s first skyscraper residential complex
image © SOM
program diagram of cultural areas, which total the size of lincoln center
image © SOM
diagram of green spaces designed for play and relaxation total an area four times the size of bryant park
image © SOM
