For decades, New York City’s transportation hubs have been notorious for their aging infrastructure and painful commutes. But one by one, they are trying to get revenge with their renovations and earning some of the world’s most prestigious awards, including the prestigious World Architecture and Design Award. Prix VersaillesPresented each year at UNESCO headquarters in Paris.
In 2021, LaGuardia AirportTerminal B of Captured the top prize in the airport category And Moynihan Train Hall Won top title for passenger station. And then in 2023, Newark Liberty International Airport receives Special Airport Award for its exteriorNow, following in those footsteps is Grand Central Madison Terminal, which earned Award for its interior in the passenger station category,
Opened in January 2023 beneath the original Grand Central Terminal, the new Grand Central Madison is the largest passenger train terminal built in the United States in 67 years. The station spans 700,000 square feet over two floors and connects to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR), Metro-North Railroad, and the New York City Subway. In addition to its much-needed functionality on eight tracks and four platforms – carrying approximately 260,000 riders each weekday – the station also features a striking design, including mosaic artwork by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama and German-born American artist Kiki Smith.
“New Yorkers have known since the day it opened that Grand Central Madison is a world-class terminal – winning the Prix Versailles Interior Award is simply la serise sur le gateau – The cherry on top,” Janno Lieber, MTA President and CEO, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Vacation“The project team seamlessly blended innovative engineering and architectural grandeur to create Grand Central – a worthy addition to New York’s temple of mass transit.”
The Prix Versailles awards works in 24 categories, covering hotels, museums, airports, restaurants and passenger stations, which see the intersection of many themes that UNESCO holds in high esteem, including innovation, creativity, local heritage reflection, Including ecological efficiency and social. Conversation and participation.
The top Prix Versailles in the passenger station category went to the Schaffbergbahn station in St. Wolfgang, Austria. Meanwhile, a supplement to Grand Central Madison’s special award for exterior decoration went to France’s Toulouse Matabiau Station, a three year renewalReopening in September 2023.
Three World Choice Awards in the category went to Bell Station in Melbourne, Australia; Beijing station in China; and Chiaia metro station in Naples, Italy.
“With modern designs that complement the historic Grand Central Terminal directly above it, Grand Central Madison offers the best of both worlds – a dramatic improvement and increase in service, as well as an elegantly designed terminal, Now officially recognized internationally,” Rob Free, LIRR President, said in a statement,
