INTRODUCTION, PART TWO

The winning design concept, by John Choi and Tai Ropiha of Australia, stood

out from the rest of the field because of its ability to integrate the many elements of the Square. As designed by Perkins Eastman, the glowing glass steps, mimicking a Greek amphitheatre, will create an instant international icon. The steps, along with a far larger, uncluttered plaza design by William Fellows Architects that pays appropriate homage to Father Duffy, will also create a truly great gathering place in the heart of the world's most dynamic stage.

Model by Perkins Eastman

Many wondered when, if at all, this design would ever be realized. Public sector leadership was what made it happen, especially the support of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Speaker Christine C. Quinn, along with former speaker Miller, Congressman Nadler, Assemblyman Gottfried and a host of city agencies including the Departments of Parks & Recreation, Transportation, Cultural Affairs, Small Business Services and Design and Construction, as well as the Economic Development Corporation and New York City Transit.

In 1973, when Times Square was in its darkest days, the creation of the original TKTS booth by City Hall, TDF and the theatre industry was a crucial first step in the revitalization of Times Square. The rebuilding today of Duffy Square constitutes a similar staring point in making the world's best-known public space a showcase for world-class design and improvments to the pedestrian environment.

The new Duffy Square, like Times Square, will exemplify the best of New York: its creativity, its energy, and its distinctiveness. But most of all, it showcases New York's capacity to bring together in one place the vitality and diversity of this great city.

<< Previous: Introduction, Part 1           Next: Father Francis P. Duffy >>

<< Home