Downtown is about to change drastically for the arts community with the renewal of the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center. REX, a company based in Brooklyn, will be designing this space.
REX is a well known firm that has designed buildings all over the world in America, Europe and the Middle East. REX leader Joshua Prince-Ramus told The New York Times, “We wanted to create something that is simple, elegant and timeless.”
The design is said to be very contemporary and cutting edge, which will definitely lure many people to the site. Prince-Ramus has stated, according to the Wall Street Journal, that he wants to create a building that “fosters artistic risk,” and lets “the artistic director control the experience from the moment you enter the lobby, to getting to your seat and back out the door.”
The project has been discussed for years, but was delayed due to funding issues. The allotted funds for the project was originally $400 million and has been halved to $200 million. Nonetheless, it has been slated to open in 2019.
The center will consist of three small theaters that will hold up to 550, 350 and 150 seats. It will live in a 80,000 square foot plan , featuring many dance, theater, opera music and film events while also hosting the Tribeca Film Festival.
-by Samantha Rice
