Tent of Tomorrow

The New York State Pavilion, designed by Philip Johnson and Richard Foster Architects, was commissioned by the World's Fair Commission for the 1964 World's Fair in New York City (Queens). It is one of a few structures from the Fair that remains standing today. The Pavilion consists of three main components, the largest being the Tent of Tomorrow: an elliptical plaza measuring 350 feet by 250 feet. This space is surrounded by 16 concrete columns (each approximately one hundred feet high), which once held up a colorful canopy covering the plaza. This canopy protected the public and the terrazzo mosaic map of the state of New York that decorates the floor, also designed by Philip Johnson.

The Tent of Tomorrow, along with the other structures of the Pavilion, were intended as temporary structures but were never demolished and are now candidates for landmark status. The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) has asked the project team, led by Robert Silman, Scott Hughes and Jeff Beane from RSA to provide recommendations and cost estimates for immediate stabilization and repair of the structure.

VA's scope was to complete a hands-on inspection of selected areas of the perimeter compression beam, paired "fins", box beam, cable terminations, central tension ring, cables and the perimeter concrete columns of the Tent of Tomorrow. A 135' JLG 1350 lift was used to complete most of the inspection of the steel members, cables and concrete columns from the interior and exterior of the structure. Four drops utilizing Industrial Rope Access techniques were completed at the interior of the concrete towers to document and inspect the condition of the concrete, cantilever support beam and connections.


See the VA Tent of Tomorrow project profile

To learn more about the NYS Pavilion, visit these fascinating websites:
A Tent of Tomorrow buff website
Amazing historic photos of the Tent
A panoramic view of the Tent