Foster + Partners Unveils Proposal for Pedestrian-Friendly Makeover of Grand Central Station

Grand Central Station is arguably one of the most crowded places in New York. Built to accommodate 75,000 people a day, the<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal" target="_blank"> famous landmark</a> sees more than 10 times that many on any given day. <a href="http://www.fosterandpartners.com/Practice/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Foster and Partners</a> have unveiled their latest plans to revamp <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Central_Terminal" target="_blank">Grand Central Terminal</a> into a smoother, more streamlined travel hub for both commuters and the millions of pedestrians that walk through and around the historic concourse. Foster and Partners' new design updates the iconic landmark with wider indoor pathways and tons of new outdoor <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/olin-unveils-plans-for-a-new-public-plaza-for-the-metropolitan-museum-of-art/olin-met-plaza-2/" target="_blank">public plazas</a> and mini-parks.

The plan begins with the complete taking over of <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=vanderbilt+ave+ny+ny&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=0x89c25901ff46d211:0x8ffef1ff5c21d393,Vanderbilt+Ave,+New+York,+NY+10017&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=OlqBUKysEdS20AHczIH4BQ&amp;ved=0CB8Q8gEwAA" target="_blank">Vanderbilt Avenue</a> on the station's west side, where it would be transformed into a pedestrian zone, not unlike what has been successfully implemented in <a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-report-shows-that-times-square-pedestrian-plazas-in-nyc-improved-our-air-quality/times-square-before-and-after-7/" target="_blank">Times Square</a>.

Recent studies have shown that the Times Square pedestrian plaza has already improved the city's<a href="http://inhabitat.com/nyc/new-report-shows-that-times-square-pedestrian-plazas-in-nyc-improved-our-air-quality/" target="_blank"> air quality</a> substantially.

 Trees, cafes, and public art will be scattered throughout Grand Central's new outdoor area, activating an entire street that is currently never used.

Wider pavement on the concourse's south side will allow for bustling travelers and busy <a href="http://www.dezeen.com/2012/10/19/foster-partners-present-vision-for-grand-central-terminal/?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=Feed:+dezeen+(Dezeenfeed)&amp;utm_content=Google+Reader" target="_blank">New Yorkers</a> to share the sidewalk in peace, while underground spaces that lead to the terminal would be enlarged for safer and faster entry into the terminal.

Inside the concourse, the widening of a number of hallways would allow those rushing toward  the 4, 5, 6, and 7 <a href="http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm" target="_blank">metro lines</a> to regain some shoulder space on their commute during rush hours.

This plan, if put into action, could allow for Grand Central to again become a beacon of pride for New York City, and one of the most successful transportation hubs in the world.