Big shout out to the many talented architects and engineers who delivered the dream of Grand Central Madison Station. Concept design started twenty-five years ago! Very few projects of this complexity are completed in short periods of time. As the incomparable Ken Griffin puts it, "Many designers have spent a large part of their careers making this concept a reality."
Ken was kind enough to share the following history with me. It's fascinating to reflect on the extraordinary creative brainstorming + technical testing required to execute a mega project as this, especially one which resulted ultimately in such an artful, beautiful public asset of enduring value.
Early engineering studies began with the idea that the LIRR would arrive through the existing 63rd Street tunnel under the East River through new tunnels under Park Avenue and arrive at the west side of the existing Metro-North Lower Concourse platforms. LIRR, as an independent operating entity required significant ancillary space of its own (ticketing, waiting, police, etc.) so the designers started looking at alternative locations for the platforms.
One consideration was to create five single platform vaulted tunnels running north-south between Madison and Vanderbilt Avenues, with an east-west cross passage providing rider access to the platform ends. This consideration was found to be too costly since the large area required for supporting ancillary space would be carved out of rock and under the many high-rise buildings.
The architectural team that Ken led explored reconfiguring the basic concept of station location and access. They developed the current concept to locate the platforms under Park Avenue, north of the MetLife Building and provide primary rider access using escalators located under the major cross streets 46th through 48th. The proposed station would be in twin vaulted mined tunnels, each with 4 platform edges in an over-under configuration. This was a departure from the original requirement for 10 platform edges. Follow-on workshop studies proved the 8-platform concept would work. The area originally assigned for the platforms (at the existing Metro-North’s west side lower concourse) remained available to the team and was used as the ancillary space.
Riders arriving at the station today are awarded with a natural orientation knowing that they are situated directly below Park Avenue, north of Grand Central Terminal, with direct access to street level up through major cross streets.
Ken Griffin, AIA
Peter Hopkinson, AIA
Elton Elperin, AIA
Peter Campanella, AIA, NCARB
Jonathan Rushmore, AIA
Sanja Zlatanic
Paul Diez, AIA
Martin Green
James Gast, AIA
Osborne Anthony, AIA
Reda Shehata, AIA, NCARB
Frank Prial
AECOM
Congratulations to Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s Grand Central Madison in New York City on winning UNESCO’s 2024 Prix Versailles Interior Award for the World’s Most Beautiful Passenger Station.
As part of the General Engineering Consultant team, AECOM architects led the design of the new terminal’s expansive spaces to complement one of the world’s most iconic transportation facilities. Located 10 stories below the historic Grand Central Terminal, the new 700,000-square-foot station was designed to elevate functionality with an artful visual experience.
The station’s architectural design honors the legacy of Grand Central in a contemporary, timeless esthetic. Wide concourses and bright mezzanines feature elegant, site-specific art installations.
Learn more: https://lnkd.in/emwa4YtR
Photo credits to MTA
MTA Construction & Development
MTA Arts & Design
#transformingtransit #AECOMTransit
as a civil Engineer in Arif&Bintoak consultent Dubai
1wDear sir/madam I would like to introduce myself as a qualified Civil Engineer (Diploma) having Eleven (11) years’ experience in Construction building line and infrastructure involving Construction supervision. In Arabtec construction LLC dubai and as a Civil inspector in ARIF&BINTOAK and BHNS consultant and architecture and design Dubai. I am sending this mail to put forth my candidature for the position of Civil inspector in your company. I have enclosed my updated CV for your scrutiny and kind consideration. Currently i am in pakistan looking for a good opportunity and immediate placement in Gulf. Possess comprehensive knowledge and experience in Auto CAD, MS Excel and site supervision. A fast learner would excel in any position that is offered. Looking forward for your earliest response & opportunity for a direct interview. Thanking you Regard civil inspector Muhammad hafeez 00923459747797 00923349747797 Email:hafeez.hn@gmail.com