Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, SOM, SHoP Architects and H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture – four top architecture firms were challenged recently to re-envision New York’s Penn Station and Madison Square Garden, in order to create more livable city through intelligent urban planning and design. The four designs have been finally revealed, proposing fresh and improved biggest transit hub in the western hemisphere, and are focused on smart solutions for pedestrians as well as on the impact of built form to the transit access. The firms were chosen for their vast experience with complex urban issues, and the presentation of the proposals was followed by round table discussion moderated by New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman. The re-invention of the site is highly necessary – instead of being an economic development anchor for Midtown and Hudson Yards, it is instead a serious challenge to the global competitiveness and economic health of New York City.

One of four, SHoP Architects’s proposal for re-thinking of Penn Station and its environment is a bright, airy and easily navigable space of expanded main hall that defines a center of the new financial district, Gotham Gateway. Not only that the project is forcing striking and memorable public architecture, but it also proposes significant security and rail capacity improvements, addressing major issues and needs at the existing station. The architectural team at SHoP Architects is proposing new development and new surrounding parks and amenities, in order to improve the environment and to help defray the required public investment, including the new extension of the High Line that connects the new station to a glorious and unique new Madison Square Garden.