Thomas Heatherwick. image © Jason Alden

Collaboration of visionary, award-winning firms Heatherwick Studio and Diamond Schmitt Architects to lead transformation of Lincoln Center’s largest concert hall, home of the New York Philharmonic. Heatherwick Studio and Diamond Schmitt Architects have been selected as the architecture team that will lead the renovation and reimagination of David Geffen Hall, Lincoln Center’s largest concert hall, it was announced today by Katherine Farley, chairman of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Oscar S. Schafer, chairman of the New York Philharmonic. This first-ever collaboration brings together two world-class, award-winning firms–collectively, they bring extensive experience designing innovative public spaces and specialized expertise in the design and execution of world-renowned performing arts halls.

The project's primary purpose as the home for the New York Philharmonic, the new David Geffen Hall will be designed to facilitate a broader, ongoing array of community activities and events. Construction is expected to begin in 2019 at a preliminary estimated cost of $500 million. 

Lincoln Center in New York city. image courtesy of Lincoln Center.

Following a rigorous, two-year competition involving many of the world’s leading architecture and design firms, a committee comprised of representatives from both Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic  evaluated more than 100 firms before selecting the team of Heatherwick Studio and Diamond Schmitt Architects.

“Diamond Schmitt Architects and Heatherwick Studio have demonstrated a keen understanding of the opportunities and challenges of imagining a music hall for the 21st-century, including evolving audience expectations,” said Jed Bernstein, president of Lincoln Center. “Together, Lincoln Center, the Philharmonic and our partners share a vision for a hall with a more expansive role as a cultural and educational center for New Yorkers and visitors alike. That exciting vision is now one big step closer to realization.”

“We look forward to working closely with Diamond Schmitt Architects and Heatherwick Studio to design not only a dynamic, new concert hall for this great Orchestra, but also an aspirational new home that will find innovative ways to engage New Yorkers and the broader community,” said Matthew VanBesien, president of the New York Philharmonic.

david geffen hall. image courtesy of  Lincoln Center.

Heatherwick Studio projects include the Pier55 park and performance space on the Hudson River, two mixed-use developments in Shanghai and a major retail quarter in historic King’s Cross, London. Among Diamond Schmitt Architects’ other current projects are the Buddy Holly Hall of Performing Arts & Science in Lubbock, TX, Emily Carr University of Arts + Design in Vancouver, and the rejuvenation of the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Thomas Heatherwick, founder and principal of Heatherwick Studio, said: “The New York Philharmonic creates some of the most incredible music in the world, so it deserves a world-class concert hall. Together with Diamond Schmitt Architects, we are excited to make this special institution and its classical music even more connected to New Yorkers and the audiences of the future.”

“We are thrilled to win this opportunity along with our collaborator, Heatherwick Studio, to reimagine the space for music performance for the 21st-century,” said Donald Schmitt, principal, Diamond Schmitt Architects. “We will design the new Geffen Hall to become a crossroads of performance, rehearsal, learning and arts innovation, creating a welcoming atmosphere for the public.” 

> via aboutlincolncenter.org