The landscape architect chosen for the project was the Olin Partnership, a firm known for the landscaping of the Getty Center in Los Angeles, and its current work with the Washington Monument. “The design intent for Columbus Circle returns this historic monument to public access and appreciation, fostering an environment not present for a generation,†said E. Allan Spulecki, Associate and Project Manager with Olin Partnership. “The design has been conceived to make the site a safe and attractive addition to the public realm of New York City. The design features - paving, planting, fountains, seating and lighting - all reinforce the simple idea that Columbus Circle is unique in the City.†Other members of the design team from Olin Partnership were Laurie D. Olin, FASLA, who was principal in charge, along with Pi-Chu Liu, Matt Chu, Xiaodi Zheng and Richard Roark. The engineers on the project were Vollmer Associates, LLP and Cosentini Associates.
Stone is an essential material to the new restoration, as the project features more than 18,000 square feet of granite from Polycor. “A central theme of the project was that Columbus Circle is an important place - an icon within the City of New York,†said Spulecki. “The use of granite reinforces the perception of Columbus Circle as a notable civic place - either as a plaza for the residents of the City of New York to gather, or as a fountain and plaza in honor of Christopher Columbus.â€