Rock Center Redux

The master plan and redesign of the new Rockefeller Center rink level is rooted in the center's iconic historic character while simultaneously looking forward to the next generation and future of robust public gathering spaces. A high-performance, site-specific design idiom is mobilized to solve real-world circulation and wayfinding problems to create a hospitality-driven public environment. The project connects directly to the historic Raymond Hood interiors and architecture of the campus. Directly linked to the 30 Rockefeller Plaza lobby, elements of the center’s original detailing and architectural forms, such as soft and curvaceous lines and rich materials, are reinterpreted through a modern lens in the new rink level. Bronze, fluted limestone plaster, and charcoal terrazzo evoke a sense of the warmth and elegance that are the hallmarks of the campus. The previous rink concourse was dark and difficult to navigate. Access to natural light and views of the rink was provided for restaurant patrons only. Therefore, the goal was to democratize access to natural light and views for all rink level visitors while developing a new architecture that would support clear wayfinding. With its continuous flowing lines, the new interior architecture supports wayfinding by providing more intuitive circulation and allowing greater freedom of movement, visibility, and connection to the natural light of the rink courtyard. The gentle, curvaceous, flowing geometry of the new full-height concourse storefronts, indirect perimeter lighting, and terrazzo flooring details draw visitors effortlessly throughout. Continuous ribbons of light inspired by Radio City Music Hall connect each space to the next, bringing an active, glamorous and bright spirit to the concourse. The low ceilings have been opened up to the existing historic steel and concrete structure as a rugged foil to the new luxurious palette.

From

2019 to 2022

Location

Rockefeller Plaza, New York NY

Project Team

Adam Rolston, Alyssa Francis, Amy E Cahill, Anthony Botezatu, Anthony Leal, Billy Abramenko, Carolyn Woods, Chih-Kai Chan, Chloe Bennett, Drew Stuart, Gabriel Benroth, Isabel C Lopez-Font, Joseph M Giampietro, Katarzyna Cyrulik, Lindsay M Mannion, Megan McGing, Nathan Mohamedali, Neil Shah, Praxiteles Lykos, and Sejung Kim

Services

Architecture, Interiors, and FF&E Design

Featured in

Archinect 2025Architectural Record 2025Architect Magazine 2025New York PostInterior Design 2024Urban Omnibus 2024The Architect's Newspaper 2025New York Post 2023Architectural Digest 2022NY Post 2023Surface 2022Architectural Digest 2022

Part of

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