After the Fair: Preserving the Texaco Road Map Pavement at the New York State Pavilion

After the Fair: Preserving the Texaco Road Map Pavement at the New York State PavilionThe Pavilions road map pavement was among the first public Pop Art monuments in the United States. The pavement is also a unique example of terrazzo fabrication using modern materials never before employed in terrazzo such as colored glass and plastic. The representation of geography in the form of a pavement is an ancient tradition, which Johnson updated through the use of modern pop imagery. Long neglected and hidden from public view since the 70s

The PavilionÕs road map pavement was among the first public Pop Art monuments in the United States. The pavement is also a unique example of terrazzo fabrication using modern materials never before employed in terrazzo such as colored glass and plastic. The representation of geography in the form of a pavement is an ancient tradition, which Johnson updated through the use of modern pop imagery. Long neglected and hidden from public view since the 70s the map presents challenges in both conservation and display.
The University of PennsylvaniaÕs Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACL) has promoted the preservation of the New York State Pavilion since 2003. With funding from the NEA, In 2006 the ACL was able to implement this research by developing a model conservation program for the pavement, integrating the CityÕs current preservation plan for the Pavilion as a whole and the growing recognition of the New York WorldÕs Fair site as one of local and national significance.