Letters to the Editor
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‘Missing the Marble at 2 Columbus Circle’
It is unfortunate that Mr. Gardner chose to render his opinion on the redesign of 2 Columbus Circle without having the benefit of touring the new building or waiting until its completion in September [Arts & Letters, “Missing the Marble at 2 Columbus Circle,” April 15, 2008]. It’s like judging an unfinished book by its unfinished cover. The original building never functioned properly, neither as a museum nor office space — just ask anyone from the Department of Cultural Affairs, the building’s last tenant, how it was to work in this windowless structure. As a result, for half of its life, 2 Columbus Circle sat empty, abandoned, and neglected in what Mr. Gardner himself admits is “one of the busiest intersections in the busiest city in the world.”
The “smooth, windowless expanse” of the façade that Mr. Gardner admired not only closed off the building from natural light, but also from its surrounding neighborhood and the life of the city.
The new design creates a building that will serve its community and engage visitors in rich experiences of contemporary art and design.
Windows will now make up almost 35% of the façade and are fritted, not “tinted” as Mr. Gardner stated, to allow for varying degrees of translucency.
Once cramped and closed, the interior will be enlivened by natural light and filled with extraordinary views of the surrounding cityscape and Central Park.
I understand the power of nostalgia and childhood memories that clearly inform Mr. Gardner’s opinions on the current redesign. Having grown up on the Upper West Side, I have my own memories of the building.
Unlike Mr. Gardner, I remember the original structure to be claustrophobic and uninviting, something that was reconfirmed when I revisited the building as an adult.
I have a degree in conservation and sit on the board of the New York Landmarks
Conservancy, but I am also a strong supporter of progressive architecture that gives back to the community.
The new design, created by Brad Cloepfil of Allied Works Architecture, transforms 2 Columbus Circle into a living and vital educational resource for the city.
I would like to thank our broad base of supporters for making the investment needed to bring this building back to life so that it can contribute to the neighborhood in an active and meaningful way.
Holly Hotchner
Director
Museum of Arts & Design
New York, N .Y. 1047
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