Perched on Long Island City’s waterfront, Socrates Sculpture Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary with its first permanent structure.
Its form? Cubes.
LOT-EK architecture firm’s “The Cubes” — initially commissioned for New York's Whitney Museum of American Art — is composed of eighteen recycled shipping containers that create two levels of indoor space. The building's 960 square feet of flexible interior space promises a multi-functional facility, with most areas built for holding classes of up to 70 people.
We are thrilled to create a new home that will expand our programmatic possibilities and secure our future as an arts organization in New York City, says Executive Director, John Hatfield.
In addition to educational and office areas, a 480 square foot deck and solar-paneled rooftop adds to the structure. Floor to ceiling windows allows natural light and generous views of the park and skyline below, while the interior provides year-round opportunities for exhibitions.
Socrates Sculpture Park draws 150,000 people annually. Formerly a landfill, this Queen's culture-hub was revitalized in 1986 and now features contemporary art exhibitions, an international film festival, and educational youth programs. “The Cubes” maintain the park’s fundamental intention: adaptable re-use.
The growth of Socrates Sculpture Park from an abandoned landfill and illegal dumpsite into one of New York City's internationally recognized cultural destinations is a reflection on the great borough of Queens and our emphasis on supporting arts and culture at all levels, noted Queens Borough President Melinda Katz in a press release.
Over the past thirty years, more than 1,000 artists have featured at Socrates Sculpture Park, the park is currently showcasing "Concave Room for Bees," an earthwork by Meg Webster.
News via: Socrates Sculpture Park
