Four Visions for a Majestic Penn Station

Although ideas for a suitably grand station to replace the deplorable gateway that now exists at Penn Station have been kicking around for decades, the Municipal Arts Society (MAS) has sought to reinvigorate the discussion with a visioning challenge.

1 minute read

May 29, 2013, 1:00 PM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


With discussion of the future of Madison Square Garden fresh in the minds of New Yorkers, MAS invited four teams of leading designers to think big about the future of train travel in the city to "push some boundaries of what's possible." The inspiring results of that exercise, designed by Diller Scofidio & RenfroSHoP ArchitectsSkidmore, Owings & Merrill and H3 Hardy Collaboration Architectureare now on exhibit at the Times Center in Midtown Manhattan, reports Alex Goldmark. 

"Four architecture firms submitted the renderings below that demonstrate 'there are a range of practical and liberating possibilities for an expanded, world-class Penn Station and a great new Madison Square Garden.  They have set a brilliant and achievable standard to serve commuters, fans, and the future of Manhattan’s west side and the City itself,' said Vin Cipolla, president of The Municipal Art Society."

Wednesday, May 29, 2013 in WNYC: Transportation Nation

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

View of dense apartment buildings on Seattle waterfront with high-rise buildings in background.

Seattle Legalizes Co-Living

A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.

December 1, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

SunRail passenger train at platform in Poinciana, Florida.

Central Florida’s SunRail Plans Major Expansion

The expanded train line will connect more destinations to the international airport and other important destinations.

November 24, 2024 - Hoodline

Times Square in New York City empty during the Covid-19 pandemic.

NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project

Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.

December 1, 2024 - StreetsBlog NYC

Close-up of hand holding small white square thermoelectric generator in lab with computer in background.

Harnessing Waste Heat Through Thermoelectricity

Heat from industrial installations and buildings can be captured to create renewable electricity.

7 hours ago - Fast Company

Empty street and high-rise buildings in downtown Chicago, Illinois during COvid-19 pandemic.

Major US Cities Still Suffering Downtown Decline

Research shows that the “donut effect” hollowing out central business districts since the pandemic continues to cause economic decline in the 12 largest American cities.

December 3 - Stanford University News

Red City of Terre Haute small transit bus in Terre Haute, Indiana.

Terre Haute Transit Goes Fare-Free

Buses in the Indiana city will be free as of January 2.

December 3 - Indiana Public Media

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.