Earlier this week Vin Cipolla, president of the Municipal Art Society reached out to four design firms in hopes for renovation proposals of Penn Station, sometimes referred to as a “lousy basement.” It’s in a dire need of a facelift. And let’s throw in some futuristic glassy escalators, why not.
The present station isn’t sustainable — it can’t meet the needs of New Yorkers and the needs of the region.
The radical redesign proposals including everything from a light concrete structures to echo Grand Central’s reputation asthe meeting area, to an elevated bike and pedestrian path, to movie theaters and more malls. Here’s a peek from the New York Times:
Diller Scofidio & Renfro’s proposal
H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture’s proposal
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill’s proposal
SHoP Architects proposal
However, this much needed remodeling of the station may not begin for some time as the Madison Square Gardening Company still holds their permit on the site for up to ten more years. No future for you for now (Images: NYTimes/Pingouino)
