Courtyard/Lobby Renovation

New School for Social Research

With Martin Puryear
and Michael Van Valkenburgh
New York, New York

Looking to improve its front-door image and the quality of an open-air, mid-block
courtyard, the New School asked a Mitchell/Giurgola-led design team to re-invent
the entry sequence of the Schools primary building. The solution knits the indoor
and outdoor spaces together, physically and visually. A number of ramps were
introduced, for both accessibility needs and as design elements. The courtyard is
developed with a variety of plantings, informal seating and gathering spaces. Three
"mortar and pestle" chairs made of stone, wood, and metal mesh all designed by
Martin Puryear provide additional seating and another thread of continuity
through the Project.