Urban spaces were rising in the 20th Century, and these challenges prompted city officials and planners to keep their city in their minds as they design new large-scale projects and spaces. Civic centers were also prompted, and they are spaces where multiple institutions are grouped in formal compositions around open space. The Lincoln Center is a great example for this approach because of the relationship it has with the city and its users.
Designed by multiple architects, the Lincoln Center was diverse in its architectural language and styles. From Roman architecture to modern architecture, walking in the space made it feel like you were in the middle of a historical timeline because of the different styles used. However, a lot of the buildings were similar in material: travertine. The three buildings that signified the Roman architecture were: David Geffen Hall, Metropolitan Opera House, and David H. Koch Theater. All of them expressed stripped down classicism, simple and abstract Roman architecture through its tall columns that were supporting cantilevers. This detail relates to the Roman temples. David H. Koch Theater expressed Roman architecture through its minimal arched columns whereas the Opera House had more curvature to its columns. The David Geffen Hall was quite different from the other two. Aside from the tall columns, the building was more expressive in a modern way. No arches are used but more rectilinear forms were implemented into the design.
The space itself is pleasurable. The main entrance is at Columbus Avenue, where grand stairs lead to the Josie Robertson Plaza and the Revson Fountain, designed by Diller Scofidio and Renfro. This beautiful plaza, made up of circular light and dark colored stones, were used to unify the overall trapezoidal ground. It was a beautiful gesture for the public to come from the city and enjoy the plaza. This layout was very similar to the Campadolio Plaza in Italy. Two parallel buildings framing one main monumental building at the center, in this case, being the Metropolitan Opera House. The space grew as we walked more into Lincoln Center, exploring a series of architectural styles. There were seats also provided and green spaces for people to inhabit especially in the summer for shading.
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