New York Hall of Science
A metaphor for the institution’s commitment to make science comprehensible and accessible to all, the luminous form of the expansion is contrasted with the opacity and solidity of the original building.
Though art and science are often portrayed as divergent, mechanisms of perception are integral to both. Architecture is a tool to shape the public’s relationship to the Hall of Science, maximizing access to the exhibitions within.
The power of this dynamic ensemble derives from the juxtaposition of forms and materials. Articulated as a series of folded planes wrapped with translucent fiberglass panels, the Hall of Light expansion is a horizontal counterpoint to the undulating vertical form of Harrison & Abramovitz’s 1964 World’s Fair pavilion.
The expansion, which adds significant gallery space, transforms the institution’s identity and visitor experience by redefining and expanding the exhibit sequence and optimizing circulation. A transparent base at the north allows glimpses into the Hall’s interior, emphasizing the accessibility of the Museum. Discovery Labs, adjacent and open to the new exhibition spaces on the upper and lower gallery, are given visible identity and ambiguous thresholds to draw visitors.
The luminous new addition provides an anchor and backdrop for a newly landscaped precinct that is home to the renovated Rocket Park and accommodates outdoor programming, paying homage to the public heritage of the World’s Fair site. At night, the new addition becomes a subtly glowing lantern in the park.
The meticulous restoration of the iconic cellular concrete frame infilled with dark cobalt-colored, cast-glass was completed in 2015.
Details
- Completion
- 2004
- Great Hall Upgrades and Terrace Improvements
- 2015
- Location
- Queens, NY
- Size
- 72,000 GSF
- Program
- Two Permanent Exhibit Halls, Hall For Traveling Exhibits, Science Classrooms, Teacher Training and Resource Center, Lobby Improvements, Reception Lobby for Groups, Administrative Offices, Meeting Room, Percent for Art Program, Existing Building Mechanical and Electrical System Improvements
Team
- Design Partner
- Todd Schliemann
- Management Partner
- Joseph Fleischer
- Project Manager
- Don Weinreich
- Project Architect
- V. Guy Maxwell
- Interiors
- Charmian Place
- Design Team
- John Allee, Ray Brown, Andrew Comfort, Eric Fauerbach, Jun Fujita, Karl Hirschmann, James Ke, Sally Leung, Megan Miller, Alex O'Briant, Edgar Papazian, Michael Regan, William Rosebro, James Sinks, Brian Slocum, Michael Stoddard, David Wallance
Awards
- 2005
- Merit Award, AIA/New York State
- BE Award of Excellence from Bentley Systems
- Cultural Project of the Year, The Construction Management Association
- 2004
- First Prize for Public Building, Queens Chamber of Commerce
- 2001
- Award for Excellence in Design, The Art Commission of the City of New York
Press
- 2017
- 2005
- Kimmelman, Michael. "Risks and Rewards of Art in the Open" (The New York Times, 8/19/2005)
- 2004
- Gardner, James. "Wrestling With the Past & Winning Architecture," (New York Sun, 11/22/2004)
- Rothstein, Edward. "From Internet Arm Wrestling to the Magic of Math, " (The New York Times, 11/24/2004)
- Macgowan, Carl. "New science hall wing lights up Queens," (New York Newsday, 11/20/2004)
- "Museum Addition Brings More Things to Try At Hands-On Science Museum in New York," (The Associated Press, 11/23/2004)
- Bernstein, Fred . "Restoring a Modernist Gem" (The New York Times, 11/7/2004)
- Kilgannon, Corey. "The Rocket Park Reopens, And Cronkite Reminisces" (The New York Times, 10/1/2004)
- Trescott, Jacqueline. "Mall's Finite Space Holds Infinite Dreams" (The Washington Post, 9/15/2004)
- 2003
- Hall of Science Expanding in Queens" (New York Construction News, 7/2003)
- 2001
- Dunlap, David W . "A Queens Park's Past Shapes Its Future" (The New York Times, 8/26/2001)
Consultants
- Structural
- LERA
- MEP/FP/Security
- WSP Flack + Kurtz, Inc.
- Civil
- El Taller Colaborativo
- Geotechnical
- Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc.
- Landscape
- Signe Nielson Landscape Architects
- Lighting
- Brandston Partnership, Inc.
- Graphics
- Poulin + Morris, Inc.
- Exhibit
- Hands On! Inc.
- AV/Telecommunications/Data
- Shen Milsom & Wilke
- Specifications
- Robert Schwartz & Associates
- Code/Life Safety
- Jerome S. Gillman Consulting Architect, P.C.
- Cost Estimating
- Wolf & Company, P.C.
- Sustainability
- Steven Winter Associates, Inc.
- Food Service
- Hopkins Foodservice Specialists
- Elevator
- Iros Elevator Design Services, Inc.
- Concrete Restoration
- Reginald D. Hough FAIA
- Artwork
- James Carpenter Design Associates
- Construction Manager
- Lend Lease
- Photography
- Jeff Goldberg/Esto, Ezra Stoller/Esto, Aislinn Weidele/Ennead Architects
- Videography
- Spirit of Space/Small Stuff