Future interior of David Geffen Hall
(c) Diamond Schmitt Architects
The undergoing renovation of David Geffen Hall at New York’s Lincoln Center will be completed two years earlier than anticipated, with a re-opening now planned for the autumn 2022, according to a joint statement released by the Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic.
The management of the New York Philharmonic said: “Our accelerated renovation plan for David Geffen Hall allows us to make the most of COVID-19 closures to complete the renovation process faster and more efficiently, without stops and starts. »
The leadership of Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic updated at the same time the campaign’s progress. To date, $500 million, or over 90%, of the $550 million project budget has been raised, the vast majority from private sources.
Diamond Schmitt’s design for the new theater introduces a “single-room” concept, eliminating the proscenium and moving the stage forward by 25 feet, with audience seating wrapped around it, bringing all seats closer to the performers and providing acoustical and visual intimacy. The new theater is designed to support a wide range of performance initiatives. Natural wood and curvilinear forms create an immersive experience that transforms the room into a contemporary, sculpted design. Seating capacity will be reduced by 500 seats to 2,200, and a steeper rake (incline) will be added to the orchestra level, significantly improving acoustics and sightlines. It will also have improved accessibility for guests, staff, and artists with disabilities.
Future interior of David Geffen Hall
(c) Diamond Schmitt Architects
The new David Geffen Hall will also have state-of-the-art HVAC systems, filtration and air purifying systems, antimicrobial technology integrated into select surfaces, and a number of additional improvements developed using recommendations from a variety of sources including the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), and ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers).
