Metropolitan Museum of Art to revamp outdoor plaza
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, US has revealed plans for a multimillion-dollar four-block-long outdoor plaza makeover.
The project has been designed by urban design firm OLIN. The plaza, in front of the facility's Fifth Avenue façade, will now phase out its outdated fountains of the 1970s while incorporating new fountains closer to the front steps of the museum. The new fountains will be operational throughout the year and will be run with warm water produced by recycling steam to avoid freezing.
The access to street-level entryways at 81st and 83rd streets will be upgraded as part of the project. There will also be creation of a new shaded walkway featuring 100 pollarded London Plane trees. The pruning method used during the renovation will help heat the plaza during winter and cool it during the warmer points by restricting the growth of trees and avoiding blockage of the building façade.
The remodelled plaza will be equipped with new seating facilities including lightweight movable chairs. It will also install efficient lighting fixtures running low on energy usage following the overhaul. Further, the refurbished facility will feature a pair of kiosks, one for serving refreshments and another to offer information on the museum.
The project will be financed by industrialist David Koch who is also a trustee of the museum. Construction is set to commence by the end of 2012 following public approval. The project is expected to have a duration of 23 months.
