30 in 30: #6

The South Court is "the first permanent addition to the New York Public Library in 89 years ... a three-story infill structure," according to architect Davis Brody Bond (now Davis Brody Bond Aedas).



An illuminated bridge creates a transition between the old, staid library and the new infill piece. The contemporary structure sits in contrast to the library's old, neoclassical exterior walls.



The new stacked floors sit apart from this old wall, creating an interstitial space that is reminiscent of the Sackler Galleries at the Royal Academy of Art by Norman Foster.



Opened in 2002, the addition includes a visitor's theater, classrooms, and an auditorium, in addition to staff office space. While the design resists being too different from the existing building, it does just enough to create a tension between old and new and give the library an (albeit hidden) display of progressiveness so that it doesn't appear mired in the past.



Directions:
The library is located on Fifth Avenue between 40th and 42nd Streets in Manhattan. Take the 7 to 5 Ave; B,D,F,V to 42 St; N,Q,R,W to Times Sq 42 St.

Previously:
#1 - Church of the Crucifixion
#2 - 40 Mercer Residences
#3 - Dichroic Light Field
#4 - Juan Valdez Flagship
#5 - IAC/InterActiveCorp