12.20.02 Special Edition
Editor’s note: We are calling this a Special Edition for several reasons. It is my first issue as editor of OCULUS and e-OCULUS. It is also the last e-OCULUS of the year (the next edition will include the 2003 editorial calendar for OCULUS quarterly magazine). I’d like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy and safe Holiday, and look forward to hearing from you – and working with you – in the New Year!

This issue includes a brief report on (and many links to) Wednesday’s unveiling of the nine design proposals for Ground Zero. Needless to say, it was a three-hour, seven-ring circus and media frenzy at the Winter Garden (particularly for us media folk not attached to VIP’s or TV news cameras who ended up sitting behind palm trees). – Kristen Richards / kristen@aiany.org
Table of Contents
  1. Dreams and Schemes: Nine Plans by Seven Teams
  2. Chapter Review/Preview
  3. A Stellar Advisory Council for the Center for Architecture
  4. Brunner Award Recipients
  5. News Flashes
  6. Deadlines
  7. Classifieds
  8. Calendar
  9. Committee Meetings
Dreams and Schemes: Nine Plans by Seven Teams

It was/is a momentous moment not just for the city, but also for this profession called architecture. The seven teams, winnowed down from 406 responses to the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation (LMDC) RFP, represent 34 practitioners from all over the world. “This is a global commitment to rebuilding our city,” said Alexander Garvin, LMDC Vice President of Planning, Design & Development.

Each team offered a 20-minute multi-media presentation that included some very impressive models (especially given the 11-week window from commission to delivery).

Even though the memorial element of the site will be handled as a separate design competition early next year, each team paid careful attention to memorial aspects, such as including private spaces reserved for relatives of 9/11 victims. Four of the proposals incorporate what would be the tallest building or structure in the world.

Explore all nine proposals, which include images and slide shows. They are most certainly worth a visit. Even better, the models and videos of the teams explaining their plans will be on view at the Winter Garden from December 20 through February 2.

LMDC President Lou Tomson assured Wednesday’s gathering that the final selection will be made by January 31. According to Tomson, choosing a plan will entail quantitative issues like phasing, cost, and engineering, as well as qualitative elements such as the impact on Manhattan’s skyline.

The AIA New York Chapter, a participating member of the New York New Visions coalition, issued this statement after the press conference:

“The nine plans announced today for the World Trace Center site represent strikingly different ideas and approaches to the site and the program delineated by the LMDC and the Port Authority. The seven teams should be commended for the remarkable, sustainable, and inspirational future addressed in each plan.

”An evaluation of the merits of each scheme must go beyond the extraordinary models, renderings, and computer animations that vividly describe the concept plans. Each scheme, in different ways, addresses issues of sacred space, living memorial, sequence of public open space, retail and pedestrian connections, transportation infrastructure, and the creation of exciting spaces that speak to our highest aspirations. It will take more time and public participation to decide which scheme yields the best future for Lower Manhattan and the City of New York.”

Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director of the AIA New York Chapter, also complimented the LMDC and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for opening up the design and planning process to creative input, allowing for significant variation in program interpretation. "The relation of the memorial location to the other program elements increasingly looks to be a defining element in how the plans will be viewed and evaluated,” he noted. (The transcript of Rick’s “Live Chat” with Gotham Gazette is now online.)

Hopefully, the public will take advantage of several opportunities to study the proposals and submit their opinions. The LMDC just began "Plans in Progress,” a public outreach campaign that will use multiple avenues to solicit public comment. Visitors to the Winter Garden exhibit will be offered comment cards. There will also be a public hearing on January 13 at Pace University’s Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts at Spruce and Gold Streets in Lower Manhattan. Comments can also be sent directly to the LMDC.

New York New Visions has issued a list of questions that will help the NYNV task force – and the public – to evaluate the proposals. Task force chair Hugh Hardy, FAIA, said, “For citizen and professionals alike, we must approach these designs with an open mind. However, in evaluating the designs, we can’t allow the process to become a beauty contest, letting our judgment be swayed by dramatic structures and pretty pictures.”

The Municipal Art Society has launched Imagine New York II: The People's Response to solicit broad public input and dialogue about the nine new plans both through its interactive Web site, and a public workshop on January 8. Information gathered at the workshop and on the Web site will be compiled into a report for the LMDC. Kent Barwick, president of the MAS, commented, “So much creativity and genius went into the designs we saw today, and we all deserve an equally creative process of gathering the public’s response to this work. More people are interested in design and planning today than ever before, thanks in large part to the efforts of these architects and the LMDC. Now that these doors are opened up, there must be a meaningful, innovative way to collect public input.” Holly Leicht, co-director of Imagine New York, said, “Many of these new designs are incredibly inspirational and passionate, but they are also complicated and nuanced. If the 230 workshops we held last spring are any indicator, we can look forward to very sophisticated and informed responses from the public.”

Additional public outreach Web sites and events are sure to follow. Undoubtedly, the next few days and weeks will bring reams of commentary and analysis. (Donning my other hat, ArchNewsNow.com has posted a day-after round-up of commentaries from all over the world.)

Chapter Review/Preview

This year, the AIA New York Chapter’s activities have focused on the three major tenants: public outreach through a strong public voice; promoting design excellence; and professional development for chapter members. At the AIA Board Inaugural on December 10, chapter president Leevi Kiil, FAIA, highlighted a number of achievements, and incoming President George H. Miller, FAIA, outlined some of the goals for 2003.

“Throughout the year we have taken public positions in the press and other media on the development of Lower Manhattan,” Kiil said. This included expanded participation in New York New Visions, which Kiil called “an extraordinary model of collaboration.” The chapter and NYNV worked with the LMDC to develop guidelines for the seven Ground Zero design teams, and will participate in the review and critique of the proposals. The Chapter was awarded two Presidential Citations, from both AIA National and AIA New York State, for its leadership of the NYNV efforts, and NYNV itself is receiving the Honor for Collaborative Achievement from AIA National.

The New York City Codes Initiative, which began as an outgrowth of the Short Term Task Force established when NYNV was formed recommended short-term initiatives through Local Law responding to 9/11 events, and strongly recommended that NYC move to a model code such as International Building Code. Two members, Pam Loeffelman/HHPA and Carl Galioto/SOM, have been named to the 12-person Mayoral Code Commission. Additional outreach initiatives include building stronger bonds between the Chapter and architectural schools in the region, and inviting a dean to serve on the board.

“It has been a fruitful year in the life of the New York Chapter,” Kiil concluded. “I would like to extend my personal thanks to you, our members; to our Board members; Vice Presidents; Chapter staff; Rick Bell who, it seems, never sleeps; and finally to George Miller, your incoming President. I cannot say enough about the support and leadership George has given me and the Chapter generally, but, in particular, through his efforts in the National Conversation and the design of the Center for Architecture.”

Miller is very optimistic about the New Year. “As we move into 2003, our goal together should be to continue to build on the three tenets around which our chapter is built: Public Outreach, Professional Development, and Design Excellence,” he said. “The voice of our design community is strong.” Government officials, community groups, and the public at large are searching out architects to ask our opinion about rebuilding Lower Manhattan. We will continue to shape the debate in the year to come.”

On a chapter level, a highlight of 2003 will be the opening of the Center for Architecture, scheduled for September (more on that below). Quarterly events organized around important topical events will also continue. New events will include a fundraiser, planned in association with the New York Foundation for Architecture that will add to depleted scholarships funds. Procrastinators’ Credit Days at the end of the year (an idea borrowed from AIA/ Seattle) will offer a concentrated series of continuing education courses for credit to assist members in maintaining their licenses.

“It is only through your involvement in your chapter that will you benefit from the organization,” Miller said. “I look forward to working with you in the coming year.”
A Stellar Advisory Council for the Center for Architecture

The purpose of the council is to ensure that programming – exhibits, lectures, symposia, and tours – at the Center reflects the interests of New York City’s entire community of design, construction, and real estate professionals, not just architects. The Advisory Council is comprised of individuals from the engineering, construction, and real estate community as well as related fields such as education, finance, media, cultural institutions and manufacturers. Those confirmed include:
  • Susan Henshaw Jones, former President of the National Building Museum, will be moving to New York City in February to assume her new position as Director of the Museum of the City of New York.
  • Laurie Beckelman, former Landmarks Preservation Commission Chair, has recently joined the Museum of Contemporary Arts and Design (formerly the American Craft Museum) as Director of the New Building Program at 2 Columbus Circle.
  • Ron Shiffman is a former member of the New York City Planning Commission and has been the Executive Director of the Pratt Institute Center for Community and Environmental Development for the past 30 years.
  • Marvin Mass, Chairman, Cosentini Associates Consulting Engineers.
  • Richard Tomasetti, Co-Chairman and Managing Principal of Thornton-Tomasetti Group.
  • Signe Nielsen, landscape architect and urban designer, Partner at Matthews-Nielsen; full Professor in both the graduate and undergraduate Schools of Architecture at Pratt Institute.
  • Stephen Bernstein, a Founder and Principal of Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design.
  • Wolfgang Egger, President, Zumtobel Staff Lighting.
  • Jeannie Bochette, Marketing Manager of Business Development, Steelcase.
  • Susan Hayes, President and CEO, Cauldwell Wingate Company, Inc., a Manhattan-based construction management firm founded in 1910.
  • Heather Hatfield, Publisher, New York Construction News, a key publication of the McGraw Hill Construction Information Group.
  • David A. Thurm, Vice President , real estate development for the New York Times Company.
  • Enrique Norten, Co-Founder,Taller de Enrique Norten Arquitectos S.C. (TEN Arquitectos)
  • Thomas S. Johnson, CEO, Greenpoint Financial and member of the LMDC Board of Directors.
  • Rolf Ohlhausen, the guiding spirit behind CFA since its beginning, and Principal of Ohlhausen DuBois Architects.
Brunner Award Recipients

Tim Culvahouse, AIA, Berkeley, California
The Tennessee Valley Authority: Design and Persuasion
A collection of essays by experts in architecture, landscape architecture, graphic design, and industrial design, with new photographs focusing on the design work of the TVA Architect's Office during the late 1930's and early 1940's.

Tami Hauman, PhD, New York, New York
Planning Paris under Vichy
A thorough investigation of large-scale architecture and planning projects that were designed and built in Paris during the Second World War and the decades that followed.
News Flashes

Hillier Names…
Thomas K. Fridstein, FAIA, managing principal; David L. Weinberg, AIA, director of interior architecture; and Diana Blum Lapins, director of interiors, Hillier New York. Weld Royal, director of public relations;
Joining the firm are: Gregory J. Wieland, AIA, associate principal, Health, Wellness and Life Care practice group; Richard I. Ortega, PE, AIA, director of preservation technology, Historic Preservation practice group; and Gretchen K. Pfaehler, Senior Historic Preservation Architect.
Deadlines

January 20, 2003: European Central Bank International Architectural Competition
The urban planning and architectural design competition, open to architects from all over the world, is for ECB offices in Frankfurt am Main, Germany.

January 24, 2003 (registration): International Competition for the Design of The Freedom National Park, Pretoria, South Africa, Two-stage competition for the design of a Museum, a Garden of Remembrance and a Memorial.

January 31, 2003 (registration): 4th Kenneth F. Brown Architecture Design Awards
The Awards recognize outstanding examples of contemporary architecture in the Asia Pacific region. $25,000 cash prize(s) and invitation to speak at the 5th International Symposium on Asia Pacific Architecture, "Creating Livable Communities in Asia Pacific," April 2003 at the School of Architecture, University of Hawai'i at Manoa.

March 3, 2003: New York State Council on the Arts Architecture, Planning and Design Grants
Up to $10,000 will be available for architects, landscape architects, planners, designers, and scholars to realize specific projects that advance the field and contribute to the public's understanding of the designed environment (NY State residents only).

April 4, 2003 (registration): Friends of the High Line Design Competition The competition seeks visionary proposals to re-use the High Line as a pedestrian promenade. Jurors include Steven Holl, Bernard Tschumi, and Marilyn Jordan Taylor.
Classifieds

Senior Architect - Public Benefit Corporation seeks individual with 10 years of design and construction experience in commercial, industrial and academic buildings. Successful candidate will evaluate project scope, design, contract, code compliance, specifications, construction methods, etc. Proficient in computer applications and CAD. Degree in Architecture and valid NY state license required.
Send resumes with salary requirements to:
Email: resumes@empire.state.ny.us
Fax: (212) 803-3202 attn: P. White
We are an equal opportunity employer
Architectural Designer, Senior - Manhattan firm seeks experienced pro with master's degree in architecture. Handle all phases of design and management for exhibition/museum design and high-end residential architecture projects. Use AutoCAD 2000, 3D StudioViz, Softimage 3d and Maya. Send curriculum vitae to Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, 7 West. 22nd Street, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10010
Professional Development Series for Architects
Pratt Institute’s Center for Continuing & Professional Studies
Continuing Education System Provider (AIA/ CES)
autodesk Authorized Training Center
Computer Graphics
For information: call 212-647-7199 e-mail: prostudy@pratt.edu
144 West 14th Street, New York, NY 10011
Office Space Available: Lexington and 57th. Drafting area, two desks within 3000 sq. ft. design office. Sunlight and views. Use of Reception and Conference Rooms. $1,500 a month. Contact: stephanie@stephaniestokesinc.com., or 212.756.9922
Office space available: Great Chelsea location. Private 10’x12’ office with view of Empire State Building, hardwood floors, great natural light. Within our 2,000 sf architectural firm. Access to conference room, utilities included. $1,500/month. Contact: arc@arc-nyc.com or 212.367.7472.
Philip Williams Poster shop, the current tenant of the Center for Architecture’s future home, 534 LaGuardia will be moving to 85 West Broadway (at the corner of Chambers) December 20th. If you mention the AIA you can get 10% off your purchase or request 10% of your purchase be donated to the Capital Campaign. Offer good until the end of 2002.
Dying by Design by Charles Belfoure
Allan Aisquith won't let anyone change his design of an art museum ....even if it means resorting to murder. A novel about an architect who's tired of compromise.
Order now on www.brokenpediment.com
AIA Contract Documents
The AIA New York Chapter is a full-service distributor of AIA Contract Documents, which are the most widely used standard form contracts in the building industry. These comprehensive contracts have been prepared by the AIA with the input of contractors, attorneys, architects, and engineers. Typically, industry professionals and home/property owners use these documents to support agreements relating to design and construction services. Anyone may purchase and use the AIA Contract Documents. AIA Members receive a 10% discount. For a full list and order form, visit http://www.aiany.org/services/docs.html or call 212 683-0023 x11

Management Positions
AIA New York State, Inc., the state organization of The American Institute of Architects, headquartered in Albany, New York, is a nonprofit professional organization representing the interests of the licensed, registered architects in New York State.

Director of Programs
The Director of Programs assists the EVP/CEO in coordinating all programs and activities related to implementing the policies and programs of the association and reports directly to the EVP/CEO. Responsibilities include implementation, management, sponsorship development for the association’s programs, special events, continuing education; internal and external public relations and communications; coordinating, writing and editing publications, brochures and other printed materials; web site development and maintenance. Qualifications: BS/BA or higher with a minimum of 5-7 years relevant experience in a similar position; must demonstrate high proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Power Point, Outlook and Internet; demonstrated skill in writing/communications and meeting planning.

Send resume with letter of application with salary requirements by e-mail to aianys@aianys.org, by fax to 518.426.8176. No phone calls. AIANYS is an EOE with excellent compensation and benefits package.
Calendar

Tuesday, 01/14/2003, 8:00 a.m. - 3:45 p.m.
Sustainable Roofing Workshop
Location: 200 Lexington Avenue 1st Fl Conference Center (between E 32nd and 33rd Streets)
Sponsored by: AIA New York Chapter
Description: Learning Objective: Identify the benefits of sustainable roofs, Determine design solutions for sustainable roofs, Specify the correct materials for sustainable roof design and construction

8:00 a.m. - Registration
8:30 a.m. - Opening Remarks
8:45 a.m. - AIA New York Committee on the Environment
9:00 a.m. - Benefits of Insulation In Sustainable Roofs by Dow Chemical
10:00 a.m. - Efficient Roof Lighting Designs by VELUX America
11:00 a.m. - Break
11:15 a.m. - Cool Roof Systems by GenFlex Roofing Systems
12:15 p.m. - Lunch
1:15 p.m. - Photovoltaic Power Systems for Commercial Buildings by Uni-Solar
2:15 p.m. - Garden Roofs by American Hydrotech
3:15 p.m. - Meet the Speakers
3:45 p.m. - Closing Remarks

Limited seating is available, pre-payment will insure your seat. Fees are non-refundable. Make check payable to the AIA New York Chapter, 200 Lexington Avenue Suite 600, New York, NY 10016.
To pay by credit card download this form and fax to 212.696.5022 Please indicate which box lunch you would prefer: Chicken,
Tuna or Veggie Sandwich
Registration Contact: Madelyn Torres
Reg. Tel: 212.683.0023 x17, Reg. Fax: 212.696.5022
Member Price: $65.00 - $77.00 With Box Lunch
Nonmember Price: $95.00 - $107.00 With Box Lunch
CES Lus: 5, CES HSW: 5

Thursday, 01/16/2003, 5:00 p.m.
The Queens Family Courthouse Tour
Location: 153rd Street in Jamaica, Queens
Sponsored by: AIA New York Chapter Committee on Architecture for Justice
Description: Pei Cobb Freed & Partners/Gruzen Samton Architects LLP designed this 291,000 sf project for the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY). It provides 17 courtrooms and 8 Hearing Rooms for the New York State Courts System in one building, joined through a common entry lobby to an office building housing 7 New York City Family Services agencies. The five-story complex is located between Jamaica and Archer Avenues at 153rd Street in Jamaica, Queens. Access the site across Archer Avenue from the E, J and Z subway terminus at the Jamaica Center Parsons/Archer station, or from the LIRR Jamaica Station near Sutphin blvd. Meet at 5:00 PM in the main entry lobby, situated between the courthouse and agency buildings; the presentation and tour will occur between 5:30 and 7:30 PM. Pre-payment is required and must be received at the Chapter by January 8, 2003. Fees are non-refundable. Make check payable to the AIA New York Chapter, 200 Lexington Avenue Suite 600, New York, NY 10016. To pay by credit card download this form and fax to 212.696.5022.
Registration Contact: Madelyn Torres
Reg. Tel: 212.683.0023 x17
Member Price: $10.00
Nonmember Price: $15.00
CES Lus: 3, CES HSW: 3

Thursday, 01/30/2003, 6:30 p.m.
Brooklyn Public Library's Visual & Performing Arts
Location: The Cooper Union Great Hall 7 East 7th Street
Sponsored by: The Architectural League of New York
Brooklyn Public Library
The Municipal Art Society
For Information: 212.753.1722
Speakers: Enrique Norten, TEN Arquitectos
Reg. Tel: 212.980.3767
Member Price: Free
Nonmember Price: $10.00
More Info: http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Committee Meetings
All AIA New York Chapter committee meetings occur at 200 Lexington Avenue, Suite 600, unless otherwise noted. CES learning units are determined by educational content and length of meeting.

Thursday, January 2nd
Professional Practice 8:30 am

Friday, January 3rd
Committee on the Environment 8:00 am

Monday, January 6th
Housing 6:00 pm

Wednesday, January 8th
Public Architecture 8:30 am

Friday, January 10th
Transportation Infrastructure,1st floor 8:30 am

Wednesday, January 15th
Roundtable 4:00 pm
Health Facilities, 1st floor, 6:00 pm
Arch Dialogue, 6:30 pm
AIA New York Chapter's HOME page
If you have any comments, questions or concerns regarding e-OCULUS,
or would like to know about advertising in or sponsorship of e-OCULUS
please write to us at oculus@aiany.org