1. The Image

The prominent site, right in front of Manhattan, calls for a strong image. People are able to identify Lido NY by day and by night. It is the desired long lost beach or the future escape.

Daytime: Most of the island and its buildings are only visible as a silhouette due to the sun coming from behind; only random roofs shine up. Our faceted tent structure redirects the sunlight. This is a similar trick as the one Archimedes used to burn a battle ship. Our beach sparkles like Las Vegas without the electricity.

Nighttime: We project images and movies on a large-scale open-air cinema screen and on our shiny roof to achieve a disco ball effect. For live concerts narrow follow spots can be seen as horizontal light beams. Atomized water and the occasional smoke give our site a mystic glow. In some areas additional light fields are buried under sand to create a beach version of the pulsating Saturday Night Live dance floor.

2. The view from Lido NY

Sitting on the sand one can reflect and look at the hectic city from afar. It is one of the most attractive but least explored vistas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, both rivers and the bridges. When visitors are facing the water, the sun is in their back and the city is perfectly lit.

The historic changes of the skyline of Manhattan can be experienced by looking through prints on wind protecting glass railings along the waterfront. Seen from the right position on the beach, line drawings of the city in different eras overlap precisely with actual buildings behind. One can understand how the city grew and developed over the years. Frames and texts can be added to point out details.

3. The spaces

The site is organized in an organ-like way to generate a natural flow from one area to the other. Once guests are on the beach they should not feel any segregation and have unobstructed views to the other zones and the city.

Each area of Lido NY has its ideal space for its particular use. The zones are defined by the change of floor materials and the curvy edge of the tent, which is eight feet above the ground on its entire length. Only at the stage this eaves height rises to form a band shell. While soft sand and wood is used for all the floor surfaces a more technical looking tent protects from the sun and the occasional rain. The tent takes advantage of the existing retaining wall framing our site; it spans from the crown to strategically located poles. As a skin we use a reflective or white, recycled material such as truck tarp, ripped sails from boats or polished offset printing plates, which are suspend from a web of sparkling stainless steel cables.

Concert space: A round amphitheater-like setting gets every concertgoer close to the stage and creates an intimate atmosphere. In front of the sitting area is a lentoid field for dancers. The stage is raised, so no bleachers are necessary. NYC and the Hudson River are the stunning backdrop for each show.

Dance space: This is the central and tallest organ of the amorphous tent structure. It can be seen from far away and double functions as a membrane of the loudspeaker system.

Food/drink areas: To connect the catering areas with the Dance space a covered passage runs along the retaining wall. Mirrors clad large areas of this wall, they serve as a backdrop for bottles and food, visually double the tent and reflect dancers and NYC.

Beach space: The most open and all connecting area is the beach; sand covers everything from the edge of the water to the beginning of the dune like tent landscape. A volleyball court is oriented perfectly east-west to be fair in terms of sun obstruction, and to give a sense of global orientation. Umbrellas deck chairs and picnic tables are placed throughout.

For additional sun protection a small cape-like neck protector would do the job, since most people will look towards the water, facing north. These capes could be a funny, and highly brand-able merchandise article of our Lido NY.

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