New Tour! The Architecture of Bryant Park

Meet at SE Corner of Fifth Avenue and East 40th Street

Before Bryant Park became New York’s “Living Room” and home to the New York Public Library, it served as a potter's field, reservoir for the Croton water system, and the site for the Crystal Palace Exhibition. During the Great Depression, Robert Moses implemented a sweeping new landscape plan for the park. Then, following a decline in the social and physical conditions in the 1970s and 1980s, the park underwent a major transformation completed in 1990, designed by Hanna/Olin. Today, this successful public and private initiative serves as a model for other open spaces in New York and beyond.

The architecture lining the perimeter of Bryant Park presents a microcosm of the architectural development of Midtown. Keynote projects examined on this walking tour include the NY Public Library by Carrere and Hastings, the Radiator Building by Hood and Foulihoux, One Bryant Park by Cook+Fox, the Grace Building by SOM, and the Bryant Condominiums and Hotel by David Chipperfield. Numerous support buildings will be discussed that contribute to the overall context completing the urban design and the architectural story of the park.

Urban design and architectural issues will be discussed including NYC zoning law, business improvement districts, the evolution of skyscraper design, and how good design and public programming have ameliorated difficult conditions and helped shape an oasis in the crowded city. 

Tours will run rain or shine. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to tour start time. Registration is limited to 15; walk-ups are not guaranteed a spot on the tour.

This tour will be offered again on Saturday, October 5.

AIANY Guide: Joe Lengeling, AIA

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