This competition was directed by the Van Alen Institute (VAI) and the Coney Island Development Corporation’s (CIDC) planning initiatives, and invited designers worldwide to generate innovative design proposals for a project that contributes to a 21st-century vision for Coney Island. The pavilion design will play a key role in the ongoing revival of Coney Island, with implications for urban recreation in New York City waterfront communities and beyond. The Parachute Pavilion is planned to be an all-season generator of activity, drawing the public onto the boardwalk, the beach and Surf Avenue, and to a new recreational destination. Throughout history, pavilions have acted as catalysts for animating parks, waterfronts and urban districts by accommodating a myriad of recreational and commercial activities as well as being paradigms of innovative design. This competition will invite designers to stretch the limits of what a pavilion can be, both formally and programmatically, connecting it to both the history and future of Coney Island.
The winners are as follows: First place went to a team from London, England comprised of Chris Hardie, Andrew Groarke, Kevin Carmody, and Lewis Kinneir. Second place was awarded to Ramon Knoester and Eckart Graeve from Brooklyn, New York, and third place was given to Roman Torres, Patrick Stinger, Mayva Marshall, Adrienne Yancone and Adam Montalbano, all from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
For more information on the winners and projects, please visit www.vanalen.org/competitions/ConeyIsland/exhibit/gallery/main.swf