© Paul Clemence
In 1922 the Philadelphia Toboggan Company made a classic 3-row carousel with 48 carved horses and 2 chariots accompanied by wood carvings that are said to be among the finest of their kind. This historic carousel, the first to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, re-opened to the public on September 16th. Jane’s Carousel, entirely restored including original scenery panels, rounding boards, crests, center pole and platform is nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges within a Jean Nouvel designed acrylic pavilion in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Nouvel’s steel framed clear box can be opened on two sides providing an open-aired experience. At night white shades can be drawn and the shadows of the 48 horses dance across the walls.
Paul Clemence shared with us his photographs of Jean Nouvel’s pavilion and Jane’s Carousel.
Pritzker Prize winning Nouvel discussed why he chose to use acrylic, “I could create a huge wall of glass without structure. And with this feeling, with the thickness and light of glass, but with distortions. I wanted a special materiality, like the thickness of crystal.” And also stating, “I hope it can become a fragile little monument in the city.”
© Paul Clemence
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The Jean Nouvel pavilion along with the meticulously refurbished Carousel are both gifts to the people of the City of New York from the Walentas family.
© Paul Clemence
© Paul Clemence
Jean Nouvel Jewelbox Houses Historic Carousel originally appeared on ArchDaily, the most visited architecture website on 29 Sep 2011.
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