Lincoln Center Fountain Redux

As Lincoln Center approaches the final stages of it's revamp, the NY Times gets real with some fountain talk. They report that there will be a new one with choreographed water effects put in place by the firm responsible the Bellagio Hotel outdoor aquatic explosion. Because nothing says Lincoln Center like Las Vegas. One designer at the firm told the paper, "New York is probably extremely nervous about the fountain. They may be expecting something gimmicky." The final "look" will be unveiled on September 30th, and at least one critic has already spoken out, Andrew S. Dolkart, the director of Columbia University' historic preservation program, "said he did not understand why Lincoln Center decided to replace the fountain, designed by Philip Johnson and completed in 1964. 'It' the thing that upsets me most of all about what's happened at Lincoln Center.'" Indeed, replacing an iconic fountain that's been the backdrop in many a film, not to mention weddings and other events that have shaped people's memories, is a little bit mind-boggling. Dolkart adds: "You wouldn't want to tear down Grand Central Terminal because Frank Gehry is going to design a masterpiece in its place." Oh wouldn't we?

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By Jen Carlson in News on August 26, 2009 6:26 PM

Comments [rss]

Louis de Bourbon

It's cool to use the word "redux" -- but how about being extra cool and using "its/it's" properly? "It's" = it is. Its = possessive. Shouldn't you writerly types get this correct?

ed_Extinct

Wet design is the firm that does most of the world's dancing fountains: Columbus Circle and Brooklyn Museum are some NYC examples.

A choreographed fountain would be perfect for Lincoln Center—fitting.

http://wetdesign.com

NannyState

How 'bout a volcano like the one in front of the Mirage? And make the rest of Lincoln Center classy like Caesar's Forum? I got lots of ideas!

pudeljung

here's some snark:

I realize one feels smart using the word Redux, especially in news copy, but it really means "Is Led Back", in the sense of being brought back to one's starting place, like Rabbit in Updike's book or like, say, a fountain that has gone awol and then sees its error and returns to Lincoln Center. Your use implies that you meant to say "Fountain Returns".

Bort

I'm sure you've never seen them, but the Bellagio fountains are a really beautiful display. You dudes are just bummed Vegas got it first.

Toby von Meistersinger

I don't see why they didn't just restore it to its original look and feel, but with modern components. That would have probably been cheaper, but it wouldn't generate any publicity.