David Geffen Hall in New York City's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts complex is set to undergo a dramatic $550 million makeover. President and CEO of Lincoln Center Henry Timms joined President and CEO of the New York Philharmonic Deborah Borda on Monday to unveil plans to transform the concert hall and adjunct public spaces into a more intimate experience.

David Geffen Hall Revitalization, image courtesy of Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic

Diamond Schmitt Architects, led by Gary McCluskie, have been tapped to design the concert hall. Local firm Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects will be responsible for the design of the public spaces. The two studios are working with acoustician Paul Scarborough of Akustiks and theatre designer Joshua Dachs of Fisher Dachs Associates to execute the project.

The revitalization is positioned as a "single-room" concept, ridding the existing proscenium and moving the stage forward 25 feet, with seating enveloping it to bring the audience closer to the performance. Seating capacity will be reduced by 500 to 2,200, while a steeper incline introduced to the orchestra level assists in enhancing acoustics and sightlines. An interior rendering depicts undulating patterned walls and ceilings clad in natural wood. Multiple stage configurations will support a number of unique performances, including orchestra concerts, solo acts, multimedia presentations, and movie screenings. 

David Geffen Hall Revitalization, image courtesy of Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic

The hall's main lobby will double in size and feature connections to the campus on three sides. A media streaming wall showing events in real time and a destination eatery are also proposed. On Broadway, a welcome centre will offer a new point of access to Lincoln Center. A reconfigured Grand Promenade with a capacity of over 1,000 will become one of New York City's largest event and entertainment spaces.

The Sidewalk Studio, a new addition to the complex, will provide a distinct space for educational, artistic and community activities. Architectural enhancements include new lighting wrapping around three sides of the interior crown of the building, and a north facade that will host site-specific artworks. Approximately 11,000 square feet of office space will also be provided.

David Geffen Hall, image courtesy of Lincoln Center and New York Philharmonic

Two-thirds of the construction budget—$360 million—has been raised so far. The new hall is scheduled to open in March 2024, with temporary closures to take place between May 2022 and October 2022 and between May 2023 and February 2024.

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