Transforming the Javits Center
Slideshow by Matt Chaban
While it may appear FXFowle Epstein is performing only minor renovations to the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, the design team's effort should transform the space for the 21st Century.
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Javits Aerial After
But instead of simply repairing the building envelope, the design team will replace decaying pavers with a 6.5 acre green roof, one of the largest in the city. They will also install state of the art mechanical systems.
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Javits Steet After
FXFowle Epstein have chosen a low-iron translucent glass that is not only higher performance but also lighter and brighter.
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Javits Palace Before
The interior of the "Crystal Palace" is not the sunniest of places.
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Javits Palace After
But by simply replacing the glass curtain wall and roof and painting the columns--work that would have to be done anyway--the designers achieve a markedly improved user experience.
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Javits Plaza Before
Access is also an issue, as cars swarm the building, making it uninviting to pedestrians.
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Javits Plaza After
The designers will push most traffic to the street, creating public plazas where payment once reigned. Landscaping by Ken Smith will also be incorporated.
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Javits Hall Before
Another problem with the interior is a confusing wayfinding system, typically dominated by whomever can make the largest banners.
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Javits Hall After
FXFowle Epstein hope to instead install media walls that will make it easier for people to know where they are going and what is going on. And with the added transparency of the curtain wall, this goes for people outside the building, as well.
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Javits Skyway After
The overall approach is to turn standard repairs into the transformation of the space.
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Javits Butler Building
To accommodate the renovation--the building will remain in use throughout construction--a 100,000-square-foot prefabricated Butler building will be constructed on a vacant lot between 39th Street and 40th Street.