New York Hall of Science

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.

photography by © Ezra Stoller / Esto

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.

photography by © Ezra Stoller / Esto

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.

photography by © Jeff Goldberg / Esto

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.
Todd Schliemann, Design Partner

Cobalt Dalle-de-Verre Panels. Image © Jeff Goldberg / Esto

Project Info
Architects: Ennead Architects
Location: Queens, New York City
Size: 72,000 GSF
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
Year: 2015
Type: Cultural Center
Photographs: Jeff Goldberg/Esto, Ezra Stoller/Esto, Aislinn Weidele/Ennead Architects