David Geffen Hall, home to the New York Philharmonic, underwent a transformative renovation that redefined both its concert hall and its public spaces. Azadeh Rashidi co-led the design team responsible for renovating the public spaces, with a focus on making them more flexible and inviting. A key goal of the project was to create versatile, multipurpose spaces that could maximize the building’s programmatic potential.

The ground floor program includes a welcoming lobby that is open to the general public throughout the day and a new cafe that provides light snacks and drinks. A digital wall in the lobby showcases commissioned art, as well as live simulcasts of events and concerts, allowing visitors to experience the Hall’s offerings even if they aren’t attending in person. In one corner of the lobby, the new Welcome Center serves as the box office for all of Lincoln Center, while the other corner houses Tatiana, a critically acclaimed restaurant considered one of the city’s finest. The offices previously located on the ground floor have been relocated to the upper level, freeing up the northeast corner of the building for the new Sidewalk Studio—an intimate performance space that opens up to Broadway

The Grand Promenade was designed as the new center of activity for concert goers. Hidden above the shaped, acoustic ceiling are a network of catwalks and theatrical hoists that enhance the technical capabilities of the space, allowing Lincoln Center to host a wide array of events. These flexible public spaces are designed to be multi-use, with the activities within the building visible to a broader audience: the people of New York City.

The project’s rich material palette provides an elegant backdrop for the variety of events held within the building, inviting all visitors to engage with the offerings of both Lincoln Center and the New York Philharmonic. This renovation is a testament to Lincoln Center’s commitment to making exceptional arts and culture accessible to all.