The Studio Towers Renovation Project has been conceived in such a way as to establish a new and inspiring connection between performers, students and audiences all under one roof.
New York-based Iu+Bibliowicz Architects has been commissioned to redesign and transform the Studio Towers from residential spaces to new resource spaces to suit Carnegie Hall’s different programming, including classrooms, rehearsal spaces, practice rooms and teaching studios. The renovation scheme will leave Carnegie Hall’s three auditoriums untouched and will not affect the performance calendars for those venues.
In addition to the creation of new education spaces, Iu+Bibliowicz Architects is creating design plans for the improved reconfiguration of the hall’s backstage areas to maximise efficiency.
The renovation project will be mainly funded by a $25 million gift from Joan and Sanford I. Weill and The Weill Family Foundation. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $200 million, with $181.5 million raised till now.
The renovation scheme includes creation of a new 61,000 square feet Education Wing designed to accommodate 24 new ensemble/workshop rooms, practice rooms, and teaching studios, and a new research room for the hall’s archives. A new outdoor Roof Terrace will also be built, which will function as a gathering place for performers and concert-goers, teachers, students, and staff.
The project will also upgrade and reconfigure all backstage areas to achieve maximum efficiency. This helps in enhancing the number of orchestra rooms from three to six. Further the number of floors supporting performance activities will be doubled. In addition, the renovation project will implement contemporary building codes, along with restoring historic elements on both the exterior and interior. Administrative offices will also be consolidated.
Theater design will be completed by Theater Design Auerbach, Pollock, Friedlander. Construction work began in 2009 and is slated for completion in 2014.
Carnegie Hall was built by Andrew Carnegie in 1891. The two Studio Towers, adjoining and above the performance venues were built in 1894 and 1987 to create rental income to support the musical activities of the hall. The renovation plans were announced in May 2007.
