About the Building

Designed with artists in mind

Designed by PBDW Architects, the performing arts complex is designed to mirror the energy on the street below and reveal the creative process at work. Featuring a mix use of rehearsal studios, administrative offices and a black box theater, New 42 Studios is a catalyst for new artistic works and a fixture of New York City’s cultural landscape.

Throughout the 84,000 square foot building, five floors contain 14 studios designed to take all aspects of artists’ needs into consideration. In addition to column-free studios with sprung floors, tall ceiling heights, ballet barres, full-length mirrors and excellent acoustics, New 42 Studios boasts floor-to-ceiling cityscape views. For the floors without studios, visitors will find numerous artist support spaces as well as the offices of the nonprofit cultural organization New 42.

A building of full of light and movement

An indication of the activity within, New 42 Studios is designed to be full of light and movement. Architects Charles Platt and Ray Dovell, in collaboration with lighting designer Anne Militello, made lighting and signage integral to the overall design. From within, movement and light are visible through the largely transparent building; and on the façade, blades of perforated steel reflect saturated color from hidden LED light sources to create a colorful movement that is enticing, beautiful and magical.

New 42 Studios has been honored for excellence in design by the local, state and national chapters of the American Institute of Architects, and was recognized by New York Magazine as a leading work of architecture that best defines New York City. Shimmering at all times day and night, New 42 Studios stands as a symbol of the block’s constant evolution as a vibrant and unique cultural destination at the Crossroads of the World.