GRAND ARMY PLAZA — The Brooklyn Academy of Music — America’s oldest performing arts center in continuous use — has unveiled a dramatic new 132-foot, undulating glass entrance canopy designed by H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture.
The canopy is the final piece of a restoration project begun in 2002, during which BAM’s historic structure at 30 Lafayette Ave. -- the Peter Jay Sharp Building — underwent an extensive exterior restoration led by H3. The restoration project has featured the recreation of BAM’s 15-foot-tall parapet and colorful cornice, refurbishment of stained-glass windows, partial roof replacement, restoration of the terra-cotta ornamentation, handicapped accessibility and enhanced exterior lighting.
“Restoration of the BAM façade has been a six-year journey, and the result has been well worth the effort,” said BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins. “The new canopy has a tough, urban look, but is simultaneously graceful and light; it is perfect for BAM.”
BAM’s 1908 building at 30 Lafayette Ave. (named The Peter Jay Sharp Building in 2004 following The Peter Jay Sharp Foundation’s $20 million gift to BAM) was designed by Herts and Tallant — premier theater architects of the period.
“The concept for the undulating glass canopy developed out of BAM’s long history of adapting programming to cultural, musical, and audience changes, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation,” remarked Hugh Hardy, FAIA, principal of H3.
The BAM building is owned by the City of New York, and the restoration was funded through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with support from the New York City Council and the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office.
© Brooklyn Daily Eagle 2008
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Just a reminder, though -- It’s not considered polite to paste the entire story on your blog. Most blogs post a summary or the first paragraph,( 40 words) then post a link to the rest of the story. That helps increase click-throughs for everyone, and minimizes copyright issues. So please keep posting, but not the entire article. arturc at att.net
