Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park
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At a glance
- Project by: Machado and Silvetti Associates
- Location: New York, United States
Preview image
© Machado and Silvetti Associates
Project images
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Overall view of front lawn © Machado and Silvetti Associates View project image |
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[L] View of Statue of Liberty from park bench
[R] View of arc with people © Machado and Silvetti Associates View project image |
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View of waterfront at dusk © Jim Knight View project image |
Architect's statement
This project occupies a unique site, characterized by its relatively small area located at the center of colossal surroundings (such as the immense scales of Hudson River and New York’s skyline). This spectacular site is dedicated to public recreation. The main function of this public place is the privileged viewing of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbor. Two points, one at the center of the Statue of Liberty’s base and a second at the intersection of two rectilinear coastal edges at the site's tip, determine the park’s geometric axis.
The design of the park comprises three main components: a pair of allées that brings pedestrians to the main park entrance; a pair of pavilions connected by a bridge; and a lawn terrace framed by continuous paths and benches. This “Y” shaped architectural ensemble structures the surrounding gardens.
The pavilions are conceived as a massive masonry wall split in the center, framing the view to the Statue. This formation creates a pair of large public steps that bring the public up to balconies overlooking the lawn and harbor. Eighteen feet above the ground, this upper level is the truly significant public situation on the park. From the center of the bridge connecting the two balconies, the viewer's relation to the Statue of Liberty is “face to face."
Details/Credits
- Client: Battery Park City Authority
- Location: New York City, New York, USA
- Project type: A waterfront park and pavilions for the Battery Park City Authority
- Principal designers: Rodolfo Machado (Principal-in-Charge), Jorge Silvetti (Consulting Principal)
- Design team: Peter Lofgren Douglas Dolezal, Elizabeth Gibb, Nader Tehrani
- Contractor: Humphreys & Harding, Inc.
- Site area: 13 Acres
- Project start: 1992
- Completion: 1996
- Cost of construction: $12 million
- Photographs: Jim Knight, Machado and Silvetti Associates
Related links
- American architecture
- Architecture projects from United States
- Machado and Silvetti Associates website
- Machado and Silvetti Associates
