snohetta to undertake times square reconstruction

snøhetta to undertake times square reconstruction
all images courtesy of snøhetta

after being chosen to redesign new york’s times square in 2010, snøhetta‘s plans for the iconic site are now under construction. the renovation involves updating the public space, establishing the area as an integrated, modern and multi-functional arena at the heart of manhattan. situated on broadway and 7th avenue, the scheme is envisioned as an outdoor stage which references the area’s rich entertainments heritage.

the scheme is envisioned as an outdoor stage, referencing the area’s rich entertainments heritage

after the experimental pedestrianization of areas of new york was successfully trialed in 2009, the city’s department of transportation was encouraged to apply a similar approach at times square. the three point plan involved upgrading crucial utility infrastructure, providing event facilities that can accommodate new and expanded public events, and making permanent the temporary improvements the city piloted in 2009.

uncluttered pedestrian zones are formed from pre-cast concrete pavers

referred to as the ‘bowtie’, the site is imagined as ‘outdoor room’, connected through uncluttered pedestrian zones made from pre-cast concrete pavers. set within the two-tone paving, small discs capture the area’s bright lights and neon signs, playfully scattering and dispersing their reflections across the square. along broadway, ten 15 meter granite benches frame the public plazas drawing in visitors and forming flexible and informal event spaces.

ten 15 meter granite benches frame the public plazas, forming flexible and informal event spaces

‘our goal is to improve the quality and atmosphere of this historic site for tourists and locals, pedestrians and bicyclists, while reducing the traffic impediments so the ‘crossroads of the world’ will retain its edge while refining its floor’, explained craig dykers, founding partner of snøhetta.

small discs in the paving capture and reflect the area’s bright lights and neon signs

site plan

project info:

dates: 2010 – 2015 (scheduled)
location: times square, new york, USA
typology: public space
client: NYC dept of transportation & NYC depart of design and construction
status: under construction, expected completion 2015
size: 25,000 sqm (269,098 sqf)