Comments on: Visual Vibe: Grand Central Madison

By: Lee

Lee — Sat, 06 Jan 2024 00:34:49 +0000

The MTA Transit Museum announced a virtual program, “Grand Central Madison’s Inaugural Year–Join Paul Grether, Senior Vice President, General Manager of Facilities and Acting Chief of Grand Central Madison, for a behind-the-scenes look at the projects’ start and what it took to safely open the new service in 2023, as well as the impact of Grand Central Madison’s first year. ” Free, advance registration required.

https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/program/grandcentralmadison/

By: Lee

Lee — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 22:50:26 +0000

The MTA announced a photo exhibit in GCT Madison, “Day to Night” by Stephen Wilkes.
press release
https://new.mta.info/press-release/icymi-captivating-new-photography-exhibition-grand-central-madisons-cultural-corridor
sample pictures
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mtaphotos/albums/72177720313489572/

By: Lee

Lee — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:27:33 +0000

The MTA announced that full LIRR service to Grand Central/Madison will begin on February 27th. All LIRR schedules will change.
https://new.mta.info/grandcentralmadison

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 20:31:05 +0000

The MTA announced today it is the 110th anniversary of Grand Central. They posted a nice set of photos on flickr.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mtaphotos/sets/72177720305694740/

MTA Press release with detailed statistical information:
https://new.mta.info/press-release/mta-celebrates-110th-anniversary-of-grand-central-terminal

By: Emily

Emily — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 20:46:06 +0000

In reply to Lee. Although I think that one can call things sterile, I see a modern push in transit architecture where bright light is incorporated to give the illusion that you are not actually deep underground. It certainly isn't for everyone, but I'm not going to say I'm not against this. Remember, Grand Central was designed when electric lighting was a rarity, and highlighted bare bulbs as a type of status symbol. Visual aesthetics change over time, and that's okay.

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 15:44:15 +0000

At first glance, Grand Central Madison is very attractive. But compared to the existing Grand Central Terminal, does it seem a bit sterile, maybe too streamlined?

I am no artist and it’s hard for me to describe, but to me it seems the color scheme of new MTA railroad and subway stations seems to be mostly bright white, gray, and pale blue. Very little red and yellow (the yellow safety stripe stands out) or deeper colors. Very pure white lighting. Example:
https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?160415
Here is a picture of the new Second Avenue Subway 72nd Street.
https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?147006

Compare the visual effect to existing railroad and stations. Sure, they’re often much more cluttered, even dirty at times. But look at Grand Central’s main hall–the buff colored walls with different textures. It’s alive, not as sterile.
https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?135506

Here’s a picture of the Times Square-42nd Street IRT station. Note the green pillars with black signage, and side walls with white, dark pillars, yellow top edge, and red lower edge. Yes, it’s cluttered, but it seems to have some texture.
https://www.nycsubway.org/perl/show?136860

As an aside, some years ago the MTA published an interesting book, “Subway Style: 100 Years of Architecture & Design in the New York City Subway”.

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 15:09:45 +0000

Looks like something right out of Star Trek. Can’t wait to visit it.

Hope it’s successful and can reduce congestion at Pennsylvania Station. Penn Station is simply overcrowded–too many trains and passengers for it to handle. Maybe freeing up some LIRR slots (on the middle tracks) might help NJ Transit and Amtrak run more reliably.