The New Amsterdam Plein and Pavilion, commissioned by
the Battery Conservancy, is a gift from the Netherlands to
New York in honour of 400 years of friendship. When
completed, the Plein and Pavilion is expected to attract
over 6 million visitors annually. The Pavilion will provide
digital information points acquainting visitors with both the
surrounding neighbourhood and New York City, as well as
providing information about events in The Netherlands. The
Pavilion will also serve as a food and beverage outlet, with
seating provided on the surrounding Plein (plein is Dutch
for civic plaza or square). Part of Battery Park's Peter
Minuit Plaza will be renamed New Amsterdam Plein and
together with the Pavilion will provide an attractive
gathering place for New Yorkers, commuters, and tourists,
as well as serving as a tribute to our common history and
shared values.
The Pavilion's completed roof
and undulating sidewalls glow with polished white surfaces,
which frame the fritted glass enclosures. These four wings
radiate from a center oculus, which is punctuated by
polished aluminum grill work, facilitating the ventilation of
the building. The pavilion will be equipped with an
electronic LED facade system that allows for a constantly
changing light show at night, “an experience that will carry
the animation and drama of the day into the evening,”
according to van Berkel.
New Amsterdam Pavilion by UNStudio in Battery Park

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- Elena Sommariva
- 14 September 2009
