eOCULUS 10.04.05

Editor's note: For anyone who might have been living under a rock the last few weeks, this is a reminder that Architecture Week 2005 begins this week! Time to get tuxedos pressed and ball gowns primped for the Heritage Ball at Chelsea Piers Thursday night, then plan to party heartily until the wee hours of the morning at the Party@theCenter (for Architecture).

Exhibition receptions, the Design-In Marathon, Family Day, openhousenewyork, and so much more continue through Tuesday, October 11. So get your dancing—and walking shoes—primed! We'll see you there...

ABOVE THE FOLD

Job Opportunity
AIA New York Chapter Communications Technology Coordinator Click here (.pdf) for more details.

(For those reading eOculus via email, please note that clicking on a link in the Table of Contents may open this issue in your Web browser).

REPORTS FROM THE FIELD

Well over 100 people came to the Center for Architecture on September 29 for Session Two of the quarterly New Practices Roundtable series, "Architectural Business: A Running Start (840K .pdf)." Who were they? A balanced mix of design professionals who were either just starting their own practices or thinking of stepping out on their own. Why were they there? The program, spearheaded by Mark Strauss, FAIA, 2005 First Vice-President, President-Elect, AIA NY Chapter and sponsored by the Chapter and The Architect's Newspaper, brought together an impressive panel of experts in business management, legal issues, insurance, and banking. Not the most glamorous aspects of a design business, but the ones most needed if you want a successful business in the design field.

Moderator Gregg Pasquarelli, co-founder of SHoP Architects, summed up the "why" of the program in his introduction: "Treat architecture as a business first, design second. Clients want to see a professional organization—and you'll end up with more freedom to be creative. Spend time early on setting up the business structure. If you don't, it will catch up with you. It'll be harder to do tomorrow than if you do it today."

Following Pasquarelli's comments, were the experts: Thomas Coghlan, President, Design Insurance Agency; Elyse Engelhardt, Business Management Consultant, AP3D Consulting; Robert F. Herrmann, Partner, Menaker & Herrmann Attorneys LLP; and Patricia Stumpp, V.P., Commercial Markets Group, Citibank. They're presentations were specific to small and start-up design practices: choosing to be a professional corporation (PC), limited liability company (LLC), or partnership; owner/architect agreements; consultant agreements; budgets and accounting strategies; insurance and liability issues; and finding the right attorneys, accountants, insurance agents, and bankers who care about small businesses (yes, the experts said they do exist).

There was disappointment that the Q&A session was cut short—questions in the air were palpable. But the speakers spent time with attendees after the program, and a PDF of the salient talking points is posted on the AIA NY Chapter web site; click on link above.

Mark your calendars: the next New Practices Roundtable on December 7 will focus on Technology. Details will follow shortly.

It took 18 months to pull all the pieces together, but come together it did. "9 Architecture Schools Expo(sed)," is the brainchild of Lance Jay Brown, FAIA, Program Director and 2004-2006 AIA NY Chapter Director for Educational Affairs. The inaugural exhibition and accompanying events kicked off what will be an annual September program intended, says Brown, "to open a new era of communication and dialogue among the school communities and the profession in the region."

A highlight—and a New York first—was the Deans' Roundtable on September 21. The table wasn't round, but gathered around were deans, chairs, and professors from nine area architecture schools:

The Center resembled a university commons with several hundred students (all carded and "banded" at the door) from all the schools filling the lecture hall and hanging from the rafters. There were rousing cheers as each school's speaker was introduced. The evening was moderated by Susan Szenasy, editor-in-chief of Metropolis magazine. The first question—"What makes your school unique?"—led to brief but eloquent "infommercials" about each school.

The second program in conjunction with the "9 Architecture Schools Expo(sed)" exhibition was two panel discussions for a student audience on September 26. The first panel, moderated by Trinity Simons, Assoc. AIA, Director, Community Services for the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) national office in Washington D.C., provided students with a sneak preview of what to expect upon graduation. Speakers were Nicholas Colello, Assoc. AIA, Curtis + Ginsberg Architects; Ely Fretz, Assoc. AIA, Brennan Beer Gorman Architects; and Carlos Rodriguez, AIA, Rodriguez Studio Architects and Designers. This panel candidly discussed the advantages and disadvantages of various firm types and sizes, and shared their experiences regarding what today's firms expect from their emerging professionals.

The second panel, moderated by Kate Bojsza, Assoc. AIA, Pei Cobb Freed & Partners, included Simons and current students Evan Lepore (New York Institute of Technology); Jeff Carnell (City College of New York); and Casey Nixon, Assoc. AIA (University of Hartford). The discussion began with a basic understanding of each student's personal goals, and analyzed how an architectural education can prepare students to achieve their aspirations. Particular attention was paid to the pros and cons of the studio model and its ability to prime students for entering the profession. The students described their most positive studio experiences as those that fostered a culture of collaboration, encouraged friendship, and celebrated individual talents.

The program was sponsored by the AIAS, the Center for Architecture, and Kaplan AEC Education. This successful evening provided students with an opportunity to connect to all that the Center for Architecture has to offer.

West Harlem Waterfront Transformations
by Alfreda Radzicki, AIA, Co-Chair Planning & Urban Design Committee

West Harlem's waterfront is undergoing a transformation that will reconnect the entire neighborhood to the Hudson River, from 125th Street to Hamilton Heights, with new piers, parks, and public access. Two of the projects, the 125th Street Pier and "Take Me to the River," a waterfront access and economic development study between 143rd and 155th Streets, were presented to a capacity crowd at the Center for Architecture on September 27. Both projects will add recreational amenities, improve access to the waterfront, and foster economic development.

Participants included: Bonnie A. Harken, AIA, President, Nautilus International Development Consulting, Inc., and chair of the American Planning Association (APA) NY Metro Chapter Waterfront Committee; Donna Walcavage, Principal, Donna Walcavage Landscape Architecture + Urban Design; Nancy Welsh, who supervises the NYC Unit for the NYS Department of State, Division of Coastal Resources; and Barbara Wilks, FAIA, ASLA, Principal, W Architecture and Landscape Architecture. Rick Muller, environmental/transportation policy analyst at the Manhattan Borough President's Office and project manager for Take Me to the River, moderated the evening program.

Not all the news from the sites in Lower Manhattan is bad. Not all the city agencies are at war or adrift. Not all the architects are at odds. In fact, look north, to where 7 World Trade Center collapsed into Fiterman Hall, a building owned by the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), thus totally disrupting the college's semester.

Replacing this building is a tale of architectural success in the face of incredible odds. For starters, the federal and local emergency authorities basically occupied the rest of BMCC's nearby property. Emma Macari, AIA, CUNY Vice Chancellor for Facilities Planning, Construction & Management—and also co-chair of the AIA NY Chapter Committee on Women in Architecture—has proudly told this story many times. But on September 21, close to the fourth anniversary of 9/11, she related it for the first time to a Chapter audience.

The presentation included how the College and University fared in the aftermath of 9/11, provided details of CUNY's RFQ and RFP process for the Fiterman Hall replacement building, and ended with a presentation by Yvonne Szeto, AIA, about how Pei Cobb Freed & Partners' response brought the firm the commission to proceed with the project.

"These weren't normal times," Macari understated. One example: emergency squads for the Ground Zero Command Center commandeered nearly every chalkboard in BMCC's main four-block-long building on Chambers Street. But BMCC President Antonio Pérez stayed at his campus to ensure that, despite the occupation, the building was not abused. Just keeping the building clean was a heroic feat, with the barges that carted debris to Staten Island moored right across the way. This maintenance saved CUNY millions of dollars when it was time to reoccupy the Chambers Street structure.

Peter Eisenman: The Immemorial Memorial
by Linda Crites, Hillier Architecture

In late September, Peter Eisenman, FAIA, spoke at the 92 Street Y about his Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. The conversation, led by Amei Wallach, president emeritus of the International Association of Arts Critics/USA, touched on the project's controversy, the public's reaction, and Eisenman's view of its success.

The project almost never happened. After winning the design competition in 1994, Eisenman recalled the project almost died—caused by a combination of politics and budget. In 2003, construction finally began on land that once housed the bunker for Hitler's Minister of Propaganda, and the memorial was dedicated in May 2005. "It is part of a living memory and an attempt to normalize the Holocaust in the minds of normal Germans," observed Eisenman.

But is it possible to normalize the Holocaust in the minds of Germans, wondered Wallach, who asked about the project's original purpose. Eisenman responded that the memorial is specific to the Holocaust, Berlin, and the site: "It was not to be for anyone but the German person." He went on to say people use and see the memorial in different ways. Teenagers have taken to skipping along the pillar tops, some of which are 15 feet above the ground, and children regularly play tag in the deep forest of pillars.

Still haven't seen Tod Williams Billie Tsien's American Folk Art Museum, Beyer Blinder Belle's restored ballroom at the Prince George Hotel, Caples Jefferson's Heritage Housing HQ, Murphy Burnham & Buttrick's restoration of the Peter Jay Sharp Volunteer House, Karlsberger Architecture's Queens East District 7 Annex Garage, Gluckman Mayner Architects' Jacob H. Schiff Robin Hood Library? These and other projects by AIA NY Chapter members will be open during the 3rd annual openhousenewyork, which is part of Architecture Week 2005. A number of architects, designers, historians, and landscape architects are giving tours and lectures at many of the locations—currently more than 150 sites, dating from the 18th to the 21st century in all five boroughs. The Center for Architecture will once again serve as OHNY's Welcome Center. Click links for more information.

IN THE NEWS + NEW DEADLINES

Deadline October 14: Call for Ideas: Memorial to Northeastern University Veterans
Northeastern University invites designers, architects, artists, and students to compete in an ideas competition for a new memorial honoring the many students who have given their lives in military service to the country. The memorial will be situated in a prominent location on school's campus in Boston. Prizes: $10,000 for first place, $5,000 for second, and $2,500 for third. Click on link for details.

Deadline October 21: RFQ: New Jersey Urban Parks Master Plan Design Competition
The State of New Jersey invites the nation's architects, landscape architects, artists, designers, and planners to express their interest in submitting concepts and visions for two new urban state parks in Paterson and Trenton. Click on link for details.

Deadline October 21: Call for Proposals: Seminars at the SMPS/PSMA 2006 National Conference
The Society for Marketing Professional Services and the Professional Services Management Association (SMPS/PSMA) are soliciting proposals for breakout sessions and workshops for Build Business: Setting the Stage (.pdf), The joint conference will be held August 16-19, 2006, in Hollywood, CA.

Deadline January 17, 2006: NYCDEP/EPA 2nd NYC Green Building Competition
The NYC Department of Environmental Protection and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 recently launched the second New York City Green Building Competition (.pdf). Architects, artists, community members, environmental designers, landscape architects, urban designers, both individuals and teams, are invited to submit proposals that illustrate innovative green building design projects and ideas for New York City—built and unrealized—in five categories. The jury includes: Carlton Brown, CEO, Full Spectrum; Chris Garvin, AIA, LEED, Co-Chair, AIA NY Chapter Committee on the Environment, Croxton Collaborative Architects; Craig Graber, Assoc. AIA, LEED, Co-Chair, AIA NY Chapter Committee on the Environment, Steven Winter Associates; Julie Hoover, Senior V.P., Parsons Brinckerhoff; Brian McGrath, Co-Director, Urban Field Station, U.S. Forest Service/Columbia University's GSAPP; and Wayne Tusa, Chair, Liaison and Communications Committee, NY Chapter USGBC, Environmental Risk and Loss Control, Inc. Submissions must be received by January 17, 2006 to be considered. Click on link for details.

FXFOWLE Architects: A Banner Week
The last week of September was a banner week for a certain firm with offices on West 19 Street. After 27 years, the name Fox & Fowle Architects has been retired. On 9/26, the firm revealed its new moniker, FXFOWLE Architects, PC. The announcement was just in time to update the 9/29 news release from Empire State Development naming the design team selected for the expansion and renovation of the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center: Richard Rogers Partnership, FXFOWLE Architects, and A. Epstein and Sons International. The $1.4 billion Phase 1 will expand the Javits Center south to 33rd Street and north to 40th Street, and include a 1,500-room headquarters hotel. Overall expansion, including Phase II, will increase exhibit and meeting room space from approximately 790,000 square feet to 1.5 million square feet. The team is expected to have a master plan and concept design ready by early 2006.

Voici! Le Gagnent! Imrey Culbert /SANAA Team Win Louvre Lens Competition

Imrey Culbert/SANAA As reported in previous issues of eOCULUS, New York-based Imrey Culbert in a joint venture with SANAA of Tokyo, has gone from shortlist to finalist phases in the international competition to design a new Louvre satellite museum in Lens, France. Last week, the team was selected as the winner. Imrey Culbert assembled the international project team which includes Paris-based landscape architect Mosbach Paysagistes. According to Tim Culbert, the museum, located on a 62-hectare former mining site, will be comprised of six single-height, gently-curved volumes clad in brushed aluminum and clear glass, and topped by a glazed roof with a series of variable angled louvers. "Each of the volumes is arranged in the site, so as to slide by an adjacent volume, creating both separation and connection," says Culbert. "The slight curvature of the pavilions will create blurred reflections of the landscape, and dissolve the building into its natural setting." The design phase should be completed by June 2006, with an expected opening by the end of 2009. Imrey Culbert and SANAA are collaborating on the Toledo Museum of Art's Glass Pavilion, set to open in Spring 2006.

Lux Condo w/Time Sq. Vu

1600 Broadway on the Square
Sherwood Equities Is Times Square ripe for residential development? Sherwood Equities is building 1600 Broadway on the Square, a 27-story residential and retail complex on a site formerly occupied by the Studebaker showroom between 48th and 49th Streets. Architect Jorge Szendiuch, AIA, of the NYC office of Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, working with SLCE, faced the challenge of blurring the lines between the building's architecture and its 12,000 square feet of super signage. Interiors are designed by Cetra/Ruddy; 137 condos, from studios to three-bedrooms, range from $725,000 to $2.8 million. Perhaps the pièce de résistance in amenities is what landscape architect Rick Parisi of M. Paul Friedberg and Partners contributed to the project: a tree and grass lined rooftop observatory and a landscaped terrace on the fourth floor with trees, rolling lawns, and, for golf aficionados, a putting green!

Perkins Eastman/Rafael Viñoly Architects: Penn Medicine Center for Advanced Medicine

Perkins Eastman/Rafael Viñoly Architects Groundbreaking for Phase I of the new Center for Advanced Medicine in Philadelphia, designed by designed by Perkins Eastman/Rafael Viñoly Architects, is set for October 20. Phase I incorporates a cancer center, a cardiology center, an ambulatory surgical center and procedure suite, and underground parking. When completed, the multi-phase clinical and research complex could house an estimated two million square feet of clinical, medical education, and research space. Penn Medicine consists of the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the University of Pennsylvania Health System.

Wearing of the Green comes to The Octagon on Roosevelt Island
On September 21, NYC Dept. of Housing, Preservation and Development Commissioner Shaun Donovan and Judith A. Calogero, Commissioner, NYS Division of Housing and Community Renewal and board chair, Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, were joined by other dignitaries, preservationists, and environmentalists to celebrate the topping out ceremony of The Octagon, a residential complex on Roosevelt Island developed and designed by Fairfield, CT-based Becker + Becker.

The original Octagon, designed by Alexander Jackson Davis, opened in 1841 as an island retreat—its centerpiece being a five-story octagonal rotunda of blue-gray stone quarried on the island. Becker + Becker and consultants Building Conservation Associates worked on the preservation design aspects of rotunda, which had been plagued by a series of fires. The rotunda, with its signature "flying staircase," has been reinvented by the Rockwell Group to house a lobby and fitness center, café, billiards and clubroom, gallery, and conference rooms.

Two 14-story gray stone wings flanking the rotunda have 500 residential units: 400 will be rented at market rate and 100 will be dedicated to affordable housing for middle-income residents. The complex lays claim the largest array of solar panels in Manhattan that will help make the building 35% more energy efficient than other new buildings. Other green elements include high-efficiency boilers and building materials containing no formaldehyde or volatile organic compounds. The project includes a two-acre ecological park and access to a riverfront esplanade. A hybrid shuttle bus will transport residents to the tram and subway. The project has received a Green Apple award from the EPA and the DEP for leadership in applying sustainable design principles to residential development, and a Silver LEED rating.

Holl x 2: Pratt's Higgins Hall and Whitney Water Purification Facility
by Kristen Richards and Linda G. Miller

Higgins Hall by day and night
Kristen Richards

Studios
Kristen Richards

Whitney Water Purification Facility
Courtesy Paul Warchol

The dedication celebration of Pratt Institute's new Higgins Hall center section in Brooklyn on September 22 was aglow and abuzz with a festive mix of elegant patrons and artfully-garbed architecture students. The 22,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed building designed by Steven Holl Architects, is the new entry to the historic north and south wings of Pratt's School of Architecture. Holl worked in collaboration with Rogers Marvel Architects, who designed the existing wings. Approaching the school in the late afternoon, one might have thought the new building was clad in an opaque, reflective metal skin. But once the sun went down, its true character came to life—gleaming from within. Holl said, "We used an elementary architecture formed of concrete bones and a thick glass skin to create a 'complimentary contrast,' an innovative approach to dealing with the real problem of inserting new buildings into existing context." The new connector houses a two-story lobby, a gallery, a terrace, an auditorium, a digital resource center, two classrooms, and architecture studios. The manipulation of interior spaces is most interesting in the upper-floor, skylit studios that had to negotiate between the misaligned floor plates of the adjoining wings—what Holl called a "dissonant zone"—where ramps connect the varying levels, and all the studios are open to skylights and clerestories above.

Also recently dedicated was the Holl-designed $49 million Whitney Water Purification Facility in Hamden, CT, designed by Steven Holl Architects, purifies millions of gallons of water per day for south Central Connecticut in the midst of a vibrant watershed ecosystem that includes a public park and educational center, along with a diverse habitat and sanctuary for migrating birds. The 14-acre site incorporates the original Eli Whitney, Sr. colonial house and barn (1798), and is adjacent to the Eli Whitney Museum. The design fuses architecture with a landscape created by Michael Van Valkenburgh Landscape Architects—including a 35,000-square-foot green roof with "bubble" skylight lenses that bring natural light into the plant below. The water purification facilities are located beneath the park while the operational programs rise up in a 360-foot-long, stainless-steel "sliver"—likened to an inverted drop of water. The sliver houses an exhibition lobby, laboratories, a lecture hall, conference spaces, and extensive operational facilities. In 2001, the project was the only American design to receive the Van Alen Institute Award in the International Projects in Public Architecture Competition. Two weeks ago, it received an Honor Award in the 2005 AIA NY Chapter Design Awards. "Why shouldn't a water purification plant look like a museum?" asked juror Stefan Behnisch when describing the project.

Beyer Blinder Belle: Humanities Building at Stony Brook University

Beyer Blinder Belle: Atrium, Stony Brook University Humanities Building
Fredrick Charles, FCharles.com

The completion of the new $20 million, 104,000-square-foot Humanities Building at Stony Brook University affirms the importance of the humanities at an institution primarily known for science and research. The Beyer Blinder Belle-designed Humanities Building includes 52,000 square feet of new space coupled with 52,000 square feet of completely renovated space. The entrance leads into a skylit, two-story atrium, which links the new building to the renovated portion, and provides a common space for all of the Humanities departments to foster social and intellectual interchange among the disciplines.

The building's completion marks the latest milestone of a work-in-progress to reshape the campus. Over a decade ago, Beyer Blinder Belle, in collaboration with Lynden B. Miller Public Garden Design, created the six-acre Academic Mall, replacing vast areas of pavement with lawns, gardens, walkways, and fountains. The firm also designed the University's Jasmine Café at the Charles B. Wang Asian-American Center, and has the Center for Bioengineering and Biotechnology and the Laboratory for Brain Research on the boards.

New York Team Shortlisted for California Project

Ken Smith Landscape Architect Ken Smith Landscape Architect, in partnership with Enrique Norten's TEN Arquitectos, Mary Miss Studio, and Mia Lehrer and Associates (of Los Angeles) is on the shortlist to design California's Orange County Great Park. The 1,370-acre park will be the focal point of redevelopment of the larger 4,700-acre former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station. The Smith team design would create a canyon extending along the northern border of the park site, joining with the Agua Chinon riparian corridor and ending in a lake with an amphitheater facing east across the lake. The former runway would be retained as monument to the site's Marine history, with fighter planes stationed along its entire length. Other features include: sports fields, a skate park and amateur athletics stadium, and a museum district. Added attractions: orange bicycles and three large hot air balloons to give people a bird's eye view of the park. EMBT of Barcelona, and Royston Hanamoto Alley & Abey from Mill Valley are also in the running.

Names in the News
LeAnn Shelton, AIA, Esq., has joined the New York office of Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects as an Associate Principal... The Cooper-Hewitt, National Design Museum recently named Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley as Design Patron for the 2005 National Design Awards in recognition of his efforts to make his city the greenest in America. On October 20, Daly, along with Lifetime Achievement Award winner Eva Zeisel and Katherine and Michael McCoy, the Design Mind Awardees will be honored at the Cooper-Hewitt; Design Award winners—from among nominees including Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Michael Gabellini, FAIA, Richard Gluckman, FAIA, and Hugh Hardy, FAIA—will be announced... Marilyn Jordan Taylor, FAIA, Partner, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Eugene R. McGrath, Chairman Consolidated Edison of New York; Philip Altheim, Chairman/CEO, Forest Electric; and Howard Hirsch, President, Forest Electric, will be honored at the 2005 New York Building Congress Industry Recognition Dinner on October 20; Patricia J. Lancaster, FAIA, Commissioner, NYC Department of Buildings, will receive a special recognition... New York-based architect/sculptor Teresita Fernández, known for integrating architecture and the optical effects of color and light to produce room-sized installations, was among the recipients of the 2005 MacArthur Genius Grant... Matthew Gottesgen, AIA, founding partner of Franke, Gottesgen, Cox Architects, will be honored by the New Destiny Housing Corporation for his for his pro bono architectural consulting work for the not-for-profit housing developer.

AROUND THE AIA AND THE CENTER FOR ARCHITECTURE

Winners ALL: 2005 AIA New York Chapter Design Awards and Housing Design Awards Announced
by Kristen Richards

Design Awards Architecture jurors (l-r): John Patkau, Hon. AIA, Patkau Architects; David Heymann, David Heymann, Architect; and Stefan Behnisch RIBA, Behnisch, Behnisch & Partner
Kristen Richards

Design Awards Projects jurors (l-r): James Timberlake, FAIA, KieranTimberlake Associates; Mario Gooden, AIA, Huff Gooden Architects; Luca Merlini, M+V Merlini and Ventura Architectes
Kristen Richards

Housing Committee Chair James McCullar, FAIA, keeps an eye on the Housing Design Awards jury (l-r): Adele Naude Santos, FAIA, Dean, MIT School of Architecture and Planning; Michael Pyatok, FAIA, Pyatok Architects; and Julie Eizenberg, AIA, Koning Eizenberg Architecture
Kristen Richards

On September 19, award fever was in the air all day at the Center for Architecture. Three juries judicated 458 entries in Architecture, Interior Architecture, and Projects categories for the 2005 AIA NY Chapter Design Awards program. The results: 16 Honor Award and 25 Merit Award winners.

Meanwhile, ensconced in the library, the jury for the Housing Committee's inaugural 2005 AIA NY Chapter Housing Design Awards considered 102 entries, and selected nine Award and five Citations winners. Click the links for a complete list of both award programs winners and projects, and their respective jury members.

That evening, the three Design Awards juries reconvened for a symposium where the winners were announced and the jurors commented on the whys and wherefores of their selections. Michael Sorkin moderated the lively discussion. All three juries said they were generally impressed with the breadth and quality (and quantity) of the submissions, but surprised and deeply disappointed with the lack of sustainable elements in many of the projects. More commentary about both the Design Awards and Housing Design Awards will be included in the special awards issue of Oculus magazine in Spring 2006.

Both awards programs will be feted and on show at the Center for Architecture. The opening reception for the Design Awards exhibition will be October 11, 6:00-8:00pm, as part of Architecture Week. On October 17, 5:00-8:00pm, the Housing Design Awards will go on view with an opening reception and presentation of winning projects. Both events are free. RSVP: 212.358.6111 or rsvp@aiany.org.

Town Hall: Results of Special AIA NY Chapter Membership Meeting
On Friday, September 23, a special meeting of the Chapter membership was held to vote on the proposed amendments to the AIA New York Chapter Bylaws (148K .pdf). The primary purpose of amending the Bylaws was to create better continuity on the Board of Directors by creating a seat for the immediate past president; to improve fundraising and sponsorship efforts by creating a position for a Director of Development Affairs; and to make language clarifications and updates. The proposed amendments to the bylaws were unanimously approved.

The Chapter's Annual Town Hall meeting that followed was a disappointment, if measured quantitatively by the number of participants on hand for the lively discussion. Previous Town Hall sessions elicited many more Chapter members than the handful of stalwarts who came on a pleasant Friday evening to the Center for Architecture. Saf Fahim, AIA, Chair of the Dialogue Committee, introduced the evening by noting the importance of the dialogue format in shaping Chapter policy. He also expressed the emerging importance of technology as a de facto fourth theme of the Chapter's structure—along with design excellence, professional development and advocacy/public outreach.

AIA Pushes for Long-term Hurricane Recovery, Permanent Solutions
Congress is about to launch the largest rebuilding effort in our nation's history. It's crucial that architects have a voice in this process. The AIA has issued a Hurricane Disaster Rebuilding Legislative Agenda (.pdf). It deals with everything from community redevelopment to Gulf Zone investment incentives, historic preservation to environmental protections, sustainable building design to new school construction, brownfield renewal to Good Samaritan laws. Federal rebuilding efforts need to be based on sound planning and design principles at every step. The AIA is asking members to contact your members of Congress today on behalf of the agenda. Click on link for details.

Wanted: Architects, Planners, Preservationists, etc.—FEMA Disaster Recovery Jobs Available Immediately
The recent hurricanes and flooding on the Gulf Coast have generated the need for additional staff to support the Federal recovery efforts. FEMA is looking for qualified individuals to add to its "hazard mitigation reservist staff," with experts in everything from Community Planning and Environmental & Historic Preservation to Engineering & Building Sciences. Among the post-disaster goals is to "promote hazard mitigation community planning and project development that will result in sustainable community development." The caveat: "Candidates must be immediately able to work in Louisiana and other southeastern states for an extended period of time. The work environment will be stressful and the hours long. Do not expect air conditioning or a room with a view. Do expect a rewarding job experience, in public service to the communities and citizens rebuilding their lives." If you are interested in applying, position descriptions are available on the web at: fema.gov/fima/recoveryemployment.shtm.

New York Heads To Boston In November

The AIA New York Chapter is proud to once again join the Boston Society of Architects/AIA as a sponsor of the 21st annual Build Boston. As an AIA member, you are invited to join your colleagues for this special event, November 15-17, 2005, at the Seaport World Trade Center.

Thirty industry professionals from New York will be speaking at this year's convention. One workshop of particular note is called "Memorial Design—before and after 9/11." The session is on Wednesday, November 16 (event #B75), and is moderated by Ric Bell, FAIA. Panelists include Michael Arad, AIA, Handel Architects, designer of the World Trade Center 9/11 Memorial; Lance Jay Brown, FAIA, City College of New York School of Architecture, Landscape Architecture and Urban Design; and Frederic Schwartz, FAIA, Frederic Schwartz Architects, designer of the Jersey City, NJ, and Westchester, NY 9/11 Memorials. This workshop is one of five in a day-long symposium on memorials entitled "Designing for Memory."

Other programs at Build Boston include the 6th annual Women in Design conference, and symposiums on diversity, housing, materials, smart growth, small firms, the public interest, and K-12 facilities design. Build Boston also boasts the largest tradeshow for our industry in the Northeast with over 350 of the country's top suppliers of building technologies, products, and services.

Also offered is an expanded tour program and special events including a keynote luncheon on the construction outlook for 2006 hosted by McGraw-Hill Construction and SMPS, the BSA Gala/Design Celebration, and nightly cocktail receptions. With nearly 200 workshops, Build Boston is an opportunity to earn all of your AIA Learning Units (LUs) for the year in one place, in three days. Visit www.buildboston.com or call 800.544.1898 for details and to register.

ON VIEW

At the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place:

Two Columbus Circle (plus): Museum of Arts & Design and Allied Works Architecture

The Museum of Arts & Design will present a preview of its new premises at Two Columbus Circle. Allied Works Architecture is the architect for this transformation and renewal of the long-derelict building into a state-of-the-art, light-filled museum to house MAD's expanding collections and programs.

Elsewhere:

eCALENDAR
eCalendar now includes the information that used to be found in eOculus' Around the Center, Around the AIA, and Around Town sections. Click the above link to go to to eCalendar on the Web.

DEADLINES

CLASSIFIEDS

Would you like to get your message above the fold? Spotlight your firm, product, or event as a marquee sponsor of eOCULUS, the electronic newsletter of the AIA New York Chapter. Sponsors receive a banner ad prominently placed above the table of contents. Your message will reach over 5,000 architects and decision-makers in the building industry via e-mail every two weeks (and countless others who access the newsletter directly from the AIA New York web site). For more information about sponsorship, contact Dan Hillman: dhillman@aiany.org or 212.358.6114.

AIA New York Chapter Communications Technology Coordinator
Click here (.pdf) for more details

Design Faculty Position
The Landscape Architecture Program at the City College of New York seeks a design professional to fill a tenure-track faculty position in the new Masters Program in Landscape Architecture. The successful candidate will be expected to teach graduate design studios that integrate existing and emerging digital technology and to teach a course in at least one additional area of the Program. In addition to teaching, there is a responsibility for conducting a distinguished program of scholarship and service. Full-time appointment at the Assistant Professor level.

Requirements: The candidate must be a Registered Architect and/or possess a Ph.D., and have an MLA degree. Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

To Apply: Please submit CV, letter or application, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers for three (3) professional references to: Professor Hanque Macari, Chair, Design Faculty Search (PVN #FY 10630), School of Architecture, Urban Design and Landscape Architecture, The City College, 160 Convent Avenue, NY, NY 10031. Letters of reference may be requested subsequent to application. Position is open until filled.

For more information, please visit the College's website at: www.ccny.cuny.edu/positions
An AA/EEO/ADA/IRCA Employer

Senior Project Managers
Callison Architecture, Inc. is an international design firm with over 500 team members and growing! Callison is currently seeking Senior Project Managers for our New York office. Responsibilities include: preparation of design concepts and translation into construction systems; maintaining technical and design control; maintaining records to document phases of client/architect/consultant/contractor relationships. CADD proficiency and 10–12 years of experience with retail and/or commercial projects required. Requires Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Architecture, Interior Design or a related field. Licensure preferred.
Resumes to: employment@callison.com. Please see our website at www.callison.com. We are an Affirmative Action/EEO employer and value Workplace Diversity.

Intermediate Architect
Respected design-oriented Manhattan architecture firm, with broad portfolio of new buildings and major renovations, seeks architect with 3–5 years experience in diverse project types, strong technical skills and AutoCad. Benefits. No calls. E-mail resume and portfolio samples: info@brsny.com

Intermediate Architect needed for growing design studio. Variety of projects. Must have 6-10 years experience in design, planning, construction documents, detailing, interiors and base building. Strong designer skills. Pleasant, friendly office. Competitive salary with full benefits. Fax to 212.620.5584 or email to Maureenc@hsd-nyc.com.

ARCHITECTS
Growth opportunity; want to relocate! DLR Group, award winning national design firm, 15 offices, seeks Architects producing design/related documents for $10+ million projects. Interface with clients, project management, field administration. AutoCAD proficient, Architectural Bachelor's degree. www.dlrgroup.com. Submit resume: sschutt@dlrgroup.com.

ARCHITECTS
Well-known New York firm seeks intermediate and senior architects for various international and US projects. Strong design skills are essential. Comprehensive office experience including presentation graphics and working drawings a major advantage. Deliver or mail cover letter, resume, and portfolio to Pei Partnership Architects, attn. Human Resources, 257 Park Avenue South, New York, NY 10010. Sorry, phone calls cannot be accepted.

Campus Facilities Officer
New York City College of Technology, the City University of New York
New York City College of Technology is seeking applications for the position of Campus Facilities Officer. The position reports to the Vice President of Administration and Finance. Successful candidate will oversee the long range planning for academic department needs. Participate in the planning of new academic department facilities. Oversee and coordinate major projects to include developing project objectives with senior administration.

A relevant baccalaureate degree plus eight years applicable experience is required. Must possess a Professional Engineer (PE) or Registered Architect (RA) license. For complete details go to: www.citytech.cuny.edu

Cover letter and resume to: Michelle Harris; Human Resources; NYC College of Technology; 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201. ADA/IRCA/EOE Employer.

Project Architect Needed: 5–7 years experience, 5–year BA, recently licensed architect or taking the licensing exam; Autocad proficient; designer's eye/hand, strong technical knowledge, construction detailing expertise; oversee junior/intermediate architect, manage medium-large project skilled in technical writing, assist in developing project proposals, analysis and review of zoning laws and building codes; must be organized, dedicated, motivated self-starter. Send resume to mds@goshow.com

AIA Contract Documents
The American Institute of Architects has Released Twelve New Contract Documents
New Documents Include a Design-Build Family, Six New Standard Forms of Architects' Services Documents, and a Request for Information (RFI) Form
For more information click here.

Paper 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, please click here (.pdf) or call 212.358.6113 with your fax number.

Electronic Format Documents
The new AIA Contract Documents software. Completely redesigned and based on Microsoft Word, the new software is easier to use than Word itself. Enter project and document information once and reuse it automatically. E-mail documents as Word or PDF attachments. Print "clean copy" final documents with all changes captured in a special report. Go to http://www.aia.org/docssoftwaretraining for Contract Documents Software Training and
http://www.aia.org/docs_purchase to download the AIA Contract Documents software.

Request for Proposals
Arverne East, Queens
The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development (HPD), in partnership with New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), is currently seeking proposals from experienced real estate developers for mixed-use development of a 47-acre transit-served oceanfront parcel in the Arverne section of the Rockaway Peninsula in Queens. HPD and EDC will jointly evaluate the commercial component of this project.

The RFP is available as of August 29, 2005 on HPD's web site, www.nyc.gov/hpd, or may be obtained by calling Christopher Pope at 212.863.7499. A pre-submission conference will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. at HPD, 100 Gold Street, Room 1R, Manhattan. All proposals are due by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 19, 2005. All responses must be submitted to the attention of Christopher Pope at HPD, Office of Development, 100 Gold Street, Room 9I, New York, NY 10038.

SOHO OFFICE SHARE 1000sf
Share loft office with small arch firm. Half of bright space in desirable, design-oriented building (180 Varick). Great view, light, Internet. 24/7. Ready to go. $2550. See mesh-arc.com/office for info and pictures or call 212.989.3884.

Architect's Office for Sublet
Workspace (225 square feet) in Chelsea Arts Building, 526 West 26th Street in shared 9th floor loft with air conditioning, window wall great north view. $700 per month lease. Electric and telephone extra. Contact david.elwell2@verizon.net.

Design Leader
Butler Rogers Baskett, a mid-size NYC architectural firm, seeks senior design leader for growing educational/institutional practice. Will serve as project designer for challenging projects and oversee design of others. Demonstrated design excellence in built work, skills in communication and mentoring emphasized. Send resume to: bobbyv@brb.com.

AIA New York Chapter's HOME page
If you have any comments, questions or concerns regarding eOculus or would like to know about advertising in or sponsorship of eOculus, or would like to be included in our mailing list please write to us at dhillman@aiany.org.

A more interesting question was about if and how the schools collaborate. Vidler said there's a "deep need to collaborate," and Wheelwright pointed out that there's more conversation going on now than in the past. Gauchet expressed disappointment that the collaboration doesn't extend to the students. (Though that may change, if the student attendees studying each other's exhibit boards is any indication.)

Diversity and globalization were also hot topics. Hawkinson said it's important for women and people of color to hold important positions. Krumwiede pointed to the use of experts from other Yale schools at every opportunity, saying, "Architecture schools collaborating with architecture schools creates in-breeding." Hanrahan added to the thought: "We have to bring outside and interdisciplinary voices to our schools."

The conversation continued with forthright (and some surprising) statements. A sampling: "It's expected we know what we're doing, but the expectations are ahead of what we can deliver...it's more important that students are taught to be responsible to the client and the world." "We need to ferret out the social complexities and contradictions. Our job is to use students to research and help us all figure it out."

The subject of ethics rounded out the evening. Allen said he's optimistic: "Clients are coming to architects with social or urbanistic problems to be addressed." A debate about what constitutes fundamentals of architectural education ensued, with an emphatic Ranalli: "Architecture starts from any position as a theoretical base? Architects all wind up making buildings. We don't make films. We're not computer jockeys or social scientists. We're teaching students how to make buildings." Szenasy concluded, "We're all in this together, trying to figure out what the 21st century will be like for human beings who want to live happy, healthy, disease-free lives in this chemical world that we have created. We have a lot of work ahead of us."

Brown hopes to see the "Architecture Schools Expo(sed)" format expand to other regions and, ultimately, organized as a regularly scheduled national exhibit and dialogue. "Our culture needs it," he says. "Our profession will benefit from it, the students will be better served by it, and hence so will our society."

Welsh explained that the state agency's Coastal Management Program, Environmental Preservation Fund, provided the seed money, in partnership with local agencies, for the design work for both projects. The agency, based in Albany, disburses state-wide approximately $10-12 million in funding annually.

Wilks presented her design for the West Harlem Waterfront Park, between 125th and 135th Streets. The project was developed for EDC with the active participation of the West Harlem community. The community started the process more than 30 years ago, and the project is now on the verge of receiving permits for construction. The site is a long narrow strip, which the plan expands by adding a diagonal pier jutting southwest into the Hudson River. The pier is broken at 125th Street to create a focus on the water and a gathering place on the upland. The south pier will be a water taxi stop; the larger northern pier will be for fishing and recreation. The plan includes lawn areas, plantings, specially designed benches, and sculptures by artist Nari Ward.

Harken and Walcavage presented the Take Me to the River plan, which was initiated by Savona Bailey-McClain, director of the West Harlem Art Fund. Bailey-McClain was successful in sponsoring state designation for the Heights Heritage Area in November 2004, the 18th such heritage area in the state, to attract tourism and funding. The Take Me to the River process is in its initial stages, seeking funding of the 10-year, three-phase, $50.5 million project.

The 143-155 Street portion of the Hudson River waterfront is located just north of the Riverbank State Park. Access from Broadway to the waterfront is hampered by up to a 100-foot grade change, the open railroad tracks, and the Hudson River Parkway and ramps. The existing park and abutting areas suffer from erosion due to storm water runoff, compacted lawn areas, and overgrown planting.

The development plan from Broadway to the Hudson River calls for enhanced streetscape and access to the park at multiple locations. The "Gateway" at 145th Street provides opportunities for large site, mixed-use development, and access via the Riverbank State Park elevator. The "Neighborhood Center" between 146th and 152nd Streets on Broadway provides additional opportunities for redevelopment. A "Cultural Corridor" on 155th Street takes advantage of Audubon Terrace, Trinity Cemetery, and the churches to connect to the waterfront.

The park plan calls for reclaiming an area between Riverside Drive and the railroad/highway barrier, with a planted area, paths, and art called the "Enchanted Forest." A community garden, mini-golf, skate park, and basketball courts are proposed between the railroad and highway. By re-siting parking to areas below the highway, additional athletic fields can be created. Also proposed: a bicycle path, multipurpose and picnic areas, an eco/habitat area, use of temporary barges, seasonal piers for boating, and a fishing pier. Access to the park depends on cooperation with NYS and NYC DOT to improve tunnels, bridges, and stairways. Reuse of a circular overlook, historic rotunda, loggia, and oval terrace will enhance the park experience.

The Q+A broached a range of topics, including access for the elderly and handicapped, the bike path, desire for a marina, billboards on private property, parking to support the playing fields, safety, and plaques for historic sites.

The event was co-sponsored by the AIA Planning & Urban Design Committee, the American Society of Landscape Architects, the West Harlem Art Fund, and the APA NY Metro Chapter Waterfront Committee, organizers of the program.

In the interim period, environmental testing, insurance claims, FEMA disputes, and structural analyses continued. To replace thousands of square feet of missing classroom space, CUNY located bright red trailers and, with the help of the Port Authority Police, brought them in overnight to the West Street flank of the campus.

The saga continued as other trailers became a satellite "new" BMCC campus, designed by Helpern Architects—complete with decks and its own generator—on two parking lots at the south side of the City College of New York campus. Generous sister institutions provided a colorful hodgepodge of chairs and tables for classroom furniture. BMCC's new campus was up and running in only four months.

It was not an easy decision to demolish Fiterman Hall, an office building that Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates had just redesigned and nearly completed at the time of the terrorist attacks. But the south portion of the building had caved in and the elements decimated what remained. Ultimately, Richard Donald's structural engineering report and AirTech's environmental analysis indicated the building was no longer viable.

CUNY's negotiations yielded insurance and federal funds—$187 million of the total $202 million estimated for the job. But even before all the funds were in place, CUNY had decided to proceed with demolition and new construction of "this important and symbolic project." And so the process began. "There was finally light at the end of this tunnel," Macari reported.

As a result of one decision made about the Ground Zero district, the replacement building will have an improved setting: Greenwich Street has been reopened, and the grid makes possible a new public park just to the south of BMCC's new building. "The trapezoidal site now absorbs two of the city's geometries," Szeto noted.

The Women in Architecture Committee, co-chaired by Nancy Goshow, AIA, hosted the program. As Vice Chancellor, Emma Macari carries the highest title of any architect at an American university. By dint of this commission as well as her Pei Cobb Freed partner status, Yvonne Szeto has standing in the New York design community. Certainly, CUNY's determination to move ahead with speed to heal BMCC gives new meaning to the phrase, "Ladies first!"

Located in the heart of Berlin, not 500 yards from Norman Foster's renovated Reichstag, the memorial is surrounded by city noise. But Eisenman explained that as people venture further into the site, the noises from the city fade and the sound of feet on gravel becomes exaggerated—heightening the sense of solitude. The architect also remembers watching blind people navigate the memorial. Feeling their way along the tall, smooth concrete pillars, Eisenman felt the experience was more profound for them "than those who see and expect things."

The audience asked a number of provocative questions, including one that is circulating on Internet blogs: "What is the significance of the number of pillars?" Originally designed to incorporate 4,300 pillars, the memorial's plan was whittled down to 2,711 to accommodate more sidewalks. Eisenman didn't intend the pillars to symbolize anything—"just a series of mute, silent objects," he said. Interestingly, he learned in a recent encounter with a rabbinical student that there are also 2,711 pages in the Modern Talmud (other scholars whose work has appeared online have also pointed out the connection).

Wallach ended her questions with the pointed inquiry: "Is it successful?" To which Eisenman responded, "I don't believe that success is a possible answer to what is there. How can a Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe be a success?" However, Eisenman recalled children crying after losing their way in the memorial, people holding on to the pillars for support and, conversely, locals sitting down to eat lunch. To the architect, the mixed reactions illustrate something akin to success and, he said, acceptance from the city.

Many more daily visitors than were expected are coming to the Memorial, prompting Berlin officials to extend the hours of operation. In September, the Memorial won an Honor Award for Architecture in the 2005 AIA NY Chapter Design Awards.

The discourse had seating arranged as a roundtable, appropriate since significant operational and conceptual comments came from "AIA Roundtable" founder Sarelle Weisberg, FAIA. Gary Higbee, Executive Director of the Steel Institute of New York, emphasized the importance of technology as an agent of change. A format is to be investigated to engage manufacturers and the Chapter in an open dialogue on the subject. The most spirited input by far came from Chapter member Adelia Chan, AIA. Among many other suggestions, Chan enthusiastically proposed creating a garden in the rear courtyard/airshaft space of the Center to better represent the "greening" of our space and our partnership with the American Society of Landscape Architects New York Chapter.

The evening's two highlights were undoubtedly presentations by President Susan Chin, FAIA, regarding the achievements of 2005, including the regeneration of a diversity task force, and strong presence at the Center of other industry professionals, such as the Steel Institute of New York. President-elect Mark Strauss, FAIA/AICP, announced the 2006 Chapter theme, "Architecture as Public Policy," and explained how that could translate into specific programs and exhibitions honoring NYC firefighters and police officers.

As before, specific suggestions made will be further considered by the Chapter Board and implemented by staff. The Town Hall meetings in past years have been very useful as a way of reaching out to members not otherwise engaged in Chapter committee or task force activity.

This year was a bit different. As Strauss noted, perhaps there were simply fewer gripes, fewer problems, and fewer questions. The format and timing of subsequent Town Hall meetings will be reconsidered to assure maximum member participation and interest.

10.04.05