Design competition proposals call for fish tanks and mini-golf in the middle of Park Avenue
Rendering courtesy of Eric Spencer
In November, Fisher Brothers first launched a design competition to bring life to the boring traffic medians along Park Avenue, between East 46th and East 57th Streets. The privately-funded contest, dubbed “Beyond the Centerline,” aims to spur creative thinking and unique ideas never before considered for the traffic medians. After the developer received more than 150 submissions from landscape architects and urban planners, the list has been narrowed to 17 finalists (h/t New York Times). Stand out proposals from the finalists include a mini-golf course, a glass aquarium and a curvy, elevated park.
Rendering courtesy of Michelle Schrank
Finalist Eric Spencer proposes installing an aquarium made of glass on the median. Spencer said his project had a “tongue-in-cheek connection.” He told the Times: “You know, the classic stereotype, guys and gals on their phones, sharks, doing their thing.”
Another project wants to bring the fun of mini golf to the center of Midtown. Designed by architects Michelle Schrank and Dijana Milojevic, the proposal includes an 18-hole course, clubhouse, restaurant and a virtual driving range. The duo’s proposal includes space that could be rented out for events.
All 17 projects will be displayed at Park Avenue Plaza, a building at 55 East 52nd Street developed by Fisher Brothers. The firm will award $25,000 to a jury-selected grand prize winner, and $5,000 will be awarded to a winner determined by popular vote. While an eight-person jury will select the big winner, the public will be able to vote for one of the 17 projects for the second place prize.
“You get some incredible stuff, even if it’s not meant to be built,” Winston Fisher, a partner of Fisher Brothers, told the Times. “You see that Park Avenue has such potential. It could be one of the most defining landscape architecture projects in the world.”
[Via NY Times]
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