Welcome to the Archives of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture. The purpose of this online collection is to function as a tool for scholars, students, architects, preservationists, journalists and other interested parties. The archive consists of photographs, slides, articles and publications from Goldfinger’s lifetime; physical drawings and models; personal photos and memorabilia; and contemporary photographs and articles.

Some of the materials are in the public domain, some are offered under Creative Commons, and some are owned by others, including the Goldfinger Estate. Please speak with a representative of The Paul Rudolph Institute for Modern Architecture before using any drawings or photos in the Archives. In all cases, the researcher shall determine how to appropriately publish or otherwise distribute the materials found in this collection, while maintaining appropriate protection of the applicable intellectual property rights.

Follow the links below to see Goldfinger’s work during the:

1950’s 1960’s 1970’s 1980’s 1990’s 2000’s

LOCATION
Address: 47th Street and Second Avenue
City: New York
State: New York
Zip Code: 10017
Nation: United States

STATUS
Type: Recreational
Status: Project

TECHNICAL DATA
Date(s): 1970
Site Area:
Floor Area:
Height:
Floors (Above Ground):
Building Cost:

PROFESSIONAL TEAM
Client: City of New York Parks Department
Architect: Myron Goldfinger (1933-2023)
Associate Architect:
Landscape:
Structural:
MEP:
QS/PM:

SUPPLIERS
Contractor:
Subcontractor(s):

Dag Hammarskjold Outdoor Sculpture Gallery & Promenade

The project scope is to design a public park for the City of New York Parks Department.
The park on East 47th Street between Second and First Avenues, just north of the United Nations, was acquired by the City of New York in 1948 and named Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza in 1961.
In 1970, the western portion of the park is leased for 125 years to developer Harry Macklowe for incorporation into the plaza and arcade for the new office building at 866 Second Avenue, also known as 2 Hammarskjold Plaza. As part of the agreement, the developer is to build a sculpture garden and is responsible for its maintenance. In exchange, Macklowe is permitted to add 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) to his building.
After advocacy from local civic groups, the western part of the plaza is redesigned in 1985.
In 1997 the plaza is reconstructed which creates a symmetrical layout from north to south with six steel pavilions each housing a fountain. The same year marks the planting and dedication of the Katharine Hepburn Garden on the south side of the park.
In 1998-99, the park area is expanded by a half-acre to the north to provide a visual link to the United Nations lawn and promenade. The plaza is updated with new trees, a steel lattice dome, additional park benches, and improved lighting.