pygmalion karatzas photographs grimshaw and arup's fulton center transit hub in new york

inagurated in 2014 and designed by grimshaw and arup, the fulton center transit hub has since been serving 300,000 commuters every day, connecting eleven of new york‘s busiest subway lines. on this occasion, greek photographer pygmalion karatzas has photographed the extensive complex, highlighting the architects’ central concept of redirecting ample natural light into the transit environment through the conical dome at the structure’s center. 

all photo © pygmalion karatzas

capturing the fulton center within the urban streetscape of lower manhattan, as well as its dynamic interior, the photographs demonstrate the influences of the surrounding cast iron buildings in grimshaw and arup‘s design. the dome extends over the 34m-high atrium as the main feature of the building, on top of which a sky reflector-net is suspended, composed of 112 tensioned cables, 224 high-strength rods and nearly 10,000 stainless steel components. 

pygmalion karatzas has documented the center’s atrium extensively, which connects to underground routes formed by widened passageways, new elevators, and logical signage. part of the surrounding commercial center and growing residential sector, the dynamic transport hub enhances the daily transit of thousands of passengers with plenty of natural light and an intricate structure.

project info:

location: new york, USA

project type: mass transit

client: metropolitan transportation

authority area: 34,000 sq.m.

architects: grimshaw

lead design firm: arup

artist: james carpenter design associates

collaborator on sky reflector-net: schlaich bergermann und partner

sky reflector-net commissioned by:MTA arts & design and MTA capital construction company

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edited by: sofia lekka angelopoulou | designboom