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July 21, 2004
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Image Courtesy HOK |
In late June New York’s Jacob K.
Javits Convention Center unveiled plans for a greatly expanded
space, designed by Saint Louis-based HOK.
The new structure, expanding north and
west from the current space, designed by I.M. Pei, will almost
double its size. Currently Javits is one of the smallest of
any major U.S. convention spaces, at 760,000 square-feet.
The new center will boast revamped interiors and exteriors
and will measure 1.34 million square-feet.
A notable feature of the new design is
a 22-acre green roof, which will be the largest in the world,
the firm says. Covered with seedum, the roof will be made
up of folded planes, inspired by the geography of the Hudson
River Valley, while the layout, describes HOK principal Kenneth
Drucker, AIA, is inspired by Central Park’s Great Lawn.
“Once we realized we would be surrounded by several 50-story
buildings (part of the planned Hudson Yards project) we thought
we would could really relate to the park.”
Because of upkeep difficulties, only
about five acres will be accesible to the public, in the form
of hardscape, grassy areas and an esplanade. Construction
on the project is set to begin in 2005. Legislation to authorize
spending for the Javits expansion is currently pending in
the New York State Assembly.
Sam
Lubell
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