Foster unveils proposal to revamp Grand Central station

Architect Norman Foster has unveiled plans to revamp New York’s Grand Central station building.

Focusing on pedestrians and travellers, the scheme has been designed to help the building, called Grand Central Terminal, regain its civic stature as a major New York landmark and be an appropriate 21st century transport hub.

Foster’s proposal is part of ‘Grand Central The Next 100’ - the Municipal Art Society of New York’s design challenge for the future of the public realm around Grand Central Terminal.

Designed by Warren & Wetmore and Reed & Stem, the building will turn 100 in February 2013. Originally used by around 75,000 people per day, it now routinely handles ten times that number.

Foster’s scheme looks at creating wider concourses inside the Terminal, with new and improved entrances.

Externally, streets will be reconfigured as shared vehicle/pedestrian routes, and Vanderbilt Avenue fully pedestrianised.

The proposal also creates new civic spaces that will provide Grand Central with an appropriate urban setting for the next 100 years.

Lord Foster said: “The Municipal Arts Society’s call to study the Next 100 years of Grand Central Terminal in the wider context of the city and its public realm represents an important and welcome debate that will help shape the future form of the city.

“The quality of a city’s public realm reflects the level of civic pride and has a direct impact on the quality of everyday life.”