New Entrance Gates at Culinary Institute of America – Hyde Park, NY

Devised to provide landmark entrances in keeping with the stature of the Culinary Institute of America, and akin to the other significant institutions along route 9, these structures are designed to enhance the entryways to campus both visually and operationally. 

The gate structures draw historic relevance from Roth Hall and recomposes elements to create a welcoming entranceway that enriches one’s experience into this historic campus. By bringing recognizable formal and material motifs- such as brick masonry, cast stone features, copper cupolas, etc.- to the foreground, the entrances offer visitors a welcoming introduction to the campus beyond. Detailing that introduces one to the themes and characteristics of the institute can be seen at every scale of the design, from the large brick piers to the reimagined gatehouse, to the small customized decorative metal work woven into the ornamental gates. 

The design elevates the Culinary’ s means of identification by proposing two curved low walls with “Culinary Institute of America” lettering mounted along each one at both the North and South entrances. The curved walls, symbolic of opening arms, embrace visitors into the campus and provide effective signage to those driving along Route 9 regardless of direction of travel. 

The size and location of the gates structure are meticulously composed, and integrated into the existing campus  providing safety and security management of vehicular and pedestrian circulation; while also, conveying the significance of what the Culinary Institute of America has been providing to the community and industry it serves.