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06.22.10 Editor’s Note: To serve our membership better, the AIA New York Chapter is soliciting thoughts and opinions on OCULUS, the Chapter’s quarterly print magazine, and e-Oculus. Please full out an online survey here: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Oculus. There are three brief sections: Format, Content, and Frequency. The survey will remain open until 07.02.10. Thank you in advance for your time!
Also, check out today’s NorthJersey.com to read John Zeaman’s article, “Boat tour offers a look at Manhattan architecture,” on the AIANY Boat Tours offered throughout the summer.
- Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
Note: Be sure to follow Tweets from e-Oculus and the Center for Architecture.
And check out the latest Podcasts produced by AIANY. New this week: Archiculture filmmakers and 2010 Brunner Grant winners, Ian Harris and David Krantz.
Note: This letter is in response to “43-Year Watch,” by John Morris Dixon, FAIA, published in the Spring 2010 issue of OCULUS.
06.19.10
To the Editor of Oculus:
My colleague John West, who was a Sr. Urban Designer in the Mayor’s Office of Lower Manhattan Development (OLMD), and I, who served as a Sr. Urban Designer in The Office of Midtown Planning and Development (OMPD) and later as Deputy Director of OLMD, were delighted to read John Morris Dixon’s article “43-Year Watch” in the Spring ‘10 issue of Oculus.
After four decades the Urban Design Group (UDG) and the precedent it set for design and good government is overdue for such recognition. However, the article only covers half of the urban design commitment in the Lindsay years. The Paley Commission, referred to in Dixon’s article, actually went beyond just the formation of the UDG. In order to elevate the role of urban design politically, it also called for the establishment of an urban design presence within the mayor’s office. This recommendation was adopted and five offices were created. In Manhattan two offices were established: The Mayor’s Office of Midtown Planning and Development, led by Jaquelin T. Robertson, FAIA, and The Mayor’s Office of Lower Manhattan Development, under the leadership of Richard Weinstein. The other three were established in the CBD’s of Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island.
The Midtown Office not only established special districts such as the Theater and Fifth Avenue Special Zoning Districts, it also greatly influenced the massing and relationship of new buildings to their urban context including Olympic Towers and 622 Fifth Avenue, along with many others.
In Lower Manhattan, OLMD, through the introduction of extraordinary zoning and financing, was responsible for the creation of the South Street Seaport. OLMD was also responsible for initiating the rezoning of Battery Park City that led to the highly successful Cooper Ekstut plan, and the rezoning of Tribeca legalizing residential use of the loft buildings.
The UDG and the five Development Offices did, indeed, make significant improvements to New York City, influenced other cities such as San Francisco and Chicago to follow suit, and were actually involved in the development of Form Based Zoning well before it even had a name.
Sincerely,
Terrance R. Williams, FAIA
Professor of Architecture & Urban Design
The Catholic University of America
President , American Institute of Architects, 1984-85
and
John Pettit West III, AIA
Courtesy AIA
After his opening day keynote address, Daniel H. Pink became a hot topic of conversation throughout the convention. Pink is a Washington, DC-based, New York Times bestselling author of four books about the changing world of work. His book, A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future (Riverhead Trade, 2006), which explains the rise of right brain thinking in modern economies, was completely sold out before the end of the convention.
According to Pink, the era of left brain dominance, and the Information Age that was born out of it, are giving way to a new world in which right brain qualities — such as inventiveness and empathy — predominate. Routine work is being outsourced offshore, and software has replaced many functions that were performed by accountants and lawyers in the past. “In the future,” said Pink, “people who can integrate right and left [brain functions] will flourish.”
How does this right brain/left brain talk pertain to architects and “Design for the New Decade,” the theme of this year’s convention? “To be in this business,” said Pink, “you must be literate in design. The future will be sharply influenced by the role of right brain thinking and right brain thinkers. Architects must be able to focus on the real challenges of affordable housing, better schools, and public buildings. Of equal importance, they need to have the capability to verbalize them to the general public.” Moderator Susan Szenasy, Hon. AIANY, Hon. ASLA, editor-in-chief of Metropolis, elaborated: “The story of architecture is a human story. You can speak your priestly language to each other, but shouldn’t to the average person.”
For guidance, Pink recommended that architects clarify their message. Rather than trying to accomplish too many things at once, which often results in muddled communication, he referenced Clare Booth Luce’s question to President Kennedy: “What is your sentence?” Design makes architects relevant and, indeed, essential in the new decade. The goal is to not lose the depth of meaning in the translation.
Linda G. Miller is a NYC-based freelance writer and publicist, and a contributing editor to e-Oculus and OCULUS.
“Today we pay a price for our past and present excesses,” began Ted Landsmark, Assoc. AIA, at the second keynote presentation, “Community Design for the New Decade: Consumerism and Responsibility.” He noted we must change our self-centered ways and start thinking of our impact on the larger, local and global, community.
Until relatively recently, artist Chris Jordan lived a “detached, disengaged life,” perhaps typical of contemporary lifestyles. He saw recycling as a nuisance and found it difficult to truly understand his personal impact on climate change. But his life changed once he began photographing piles of waste. His work now centers on trying to quantify mass consumption. In what Jordan called “transcalar imaginary,” he emphasized the importance of both zooming in and out to see details but also get a perspective from afar.
“It all adds up to a catastrophe,” stated Jordan. Yet, “it’s not about blaming. The generation before us didn’t know better.” We are the first generation as a collective to understand the enormity of what we face in a world of environmental depletion, he posited, and that is a good thing. It is our responsibility to allow ourselves to try to comprehend communally how to make change. Our world view must shift; it is not too late.
“We aren’t changing half as quickly as our environment. The question is, can we catch up?” asked Peter Bohlin, FAIA, recipient of this year’s AIA Gold Medal Award. While he may be a great admirer of Modern architecture, he has always criticized its negligence to address the way people actually live. Through his designs, he tries to enable groups to have a greater quality of life. For him, it is a search that is both intuitive and intellectual.
But not every architect has the same strengths. He acknowledged the wide range of career paths for architects, and urged individuals to discover what they personally can bring to the profession. “We are all unique with different talents, interests, and abilities. We are lucky to be able to dance between people and places and make sense of it all.” Whatever path you choose, however, Bohlin cautioned, “if you don’t love it like a great hobby, do something else.”
When asked to give advice to emerging architects (via Twitter), he responded with the following:
- Find where you fit
- Start wondering
- Don’t believe what everyone tells you
- Read a lot
- Get used to stumbling and finding your way
- Don’t just be computer-based
Bohlin ended his talk by pulling out a pencil from his shirt pocket emphatically exclaiming: “And please use one of these!”
Should Associates Members of the AIA be able to serve as Regional Directors on the Institute’s Board of Directors? The passions about Bylaws Amendment 10-D animated The Fillmore Miami Beach Jackie Gleason Theater in a way that will long be recalled by those attending and those impacted by the vote.
The cover of the Delegate Information Booklet 2010 of the AIA 2010 National Convention is bright yellow, and the bold black lettering of its title seemed large and clear. Convention Resolutions were easily passed by majority vote, allowing for proxy voting, convention location planning, and recognition of those who had become licensed in 2009. But there were four bylaws amendments under consideration — one controversial. Three of the amendments received the necessary two-thirds majority of those accredited to vote. Proposed Bylaw Amendment 10-D did not. Easily passing muster were bylaws changes allowing for abbreviation in nomenclature; electronic voting at meetings; and, importantly, a continuation of the Member Dues Payment Plan, which allows those experiencing hardship to pay yearly dues in partial installments.
The most controversial debate at the Annual Meeting (as it was last year) was Amendment 10-D, allowing Associate Members to serve as Regional Directors on state boards. Associate Members — the fastest growing category of AIA membership — does not only consist of intern architects pursuing architecture; it includes urban designers, educators, engineers, and writers, some who have worked in the profession for more than 20 years who never intend to pursue licensure. This resolution would have given each component the opportunity to nominate the most qualified member to serve as Regional Director.
Those in opposition stated that only architects should be serving in national leadership roles, as it is the American Institute of “Architects.” For local leadership positions, however, the opposition was split. Delegates in favor of the Amendment 10-D stated that it is important to support the future of the profession — Associates — and, since the National Board is a representational board, it should be up to the region to decide who is most qualified. Some referenced Resolution 09-1, the adoption of the “Gateway Commitment,” which passed earlier at this meeting, specifically stating the importance of “learning from other colleagues and related organizations that have successfully addressed diversity issues.” Proponents argued that by passing Amendment 10-D, the AIA would be showing it truly supports diversity within the profession.
Continues…
The voting for officers took place in the AIA Town Square on the AIA Expo2010 floor of the Miami Beach Convention Center. Delegates who were accredited to vote cast their ballots after seeing many of the booths on the trade show floor. It was good to see those whose support of the AIA, nationally and locally, has made it possible for the Institute to do as much as it does in these challenging times. People voted with their feet, stopping to visit with old AIA friends, including Hafele and Trespa, and new ones, such as Toto and Onyx. Eventually the great majority of delegates, if not all, found their way to the voting booths, where Pam Day, Hon. AIA, and Jay Stephens, Esq., assured that no electioneering took place, and that the voting was conducted in a reasonable and linear fashion — no hanging chads for the AIA in Florida!
The AIA New York Chapter cast its votes based on collegial discussions with our colleagues in the New York State caucus, and after a close read of the candidates’ materials. The speeches and responses to questions also helped clarify leadership potential and vision for the future. Dreiling stressed the importance of AIA members and her long experience as both a volunteer as the National Board Vice President, and service on national staff. Andrejko spoke of the need for better communication, collaboration, and connection to community. Padilla addressed the importance of early design education for students in Kindergarten through high school, as well as the role of AIA Components. Potter spoke of the importance of design, the need to help emerging professionals, and how professional advocacy and affirmation can be used to advance our ethical posture. Voting as a bloc has become something of a tradition in New York State, yet a vibrant debate informed the decisions made by each Chapter and its delegates.
Election results were announced at a gathering on the mezzanine level of the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. Those elected were:
- Jeffery Potter, FAIA, AIA Dallas, for First Vice President/2011 President-elect
- Dennis A. Andrejko, FAIA, AIA Buffalo/Western New York, for Vice President
- John A. Padilla, AIA, AIA Santa Fe, for Vice President
- Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, AIA Blue Ridge Chapter, for Secretary
They, and the candidates who did not succeed in gathering enough votes for election, including Pamela J. Loeffelman, FAIA, of AIA New York; Frederick F. Butters, Esq., FAIA, of AIA Detroit; and David Del Vecchio, AIA, of AIA New Jersey, all ran spirited and intelligent campaigns, marked by a focus on real issues.
The process of voting was easier than in prior years. The good choices presented, including the candidacy of a favorite daughter of AIA New York, made the decisions harder than ever.
Rick Bell, FAIA, is the Executive Director of the AIA New York Chapter.
The UAR’s exhibition at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Rick Bell, FAIA
One of the major highlights of the 2010 AIA Convention was an exhibition, in the second floor west gallery of the Miami Convention Center, consisting of 24 extraordinary and unconventional projects from the Russian Federation. The vibrant show was sponsored by the Union of Architects of Russia and organized by Brian Spencer, AIA, IAA, PAACH. Spencer, an architect in Carefree, AZ, had curated exhibitions of American architecture at the two most recent annual Zodchestvo festivals in Moscow. He was the first curator of architecture at the Milwaukee Art Museum, and is an Honorary Professor at both Belgorod State Technical University and the Rostov Institute of Architecture in Russia.
The work shown featured new housing, including the Stella Maris Residential Building by Project Bureau Evgeniy Gerasimov & Partners; the Avangard Residential Complex by Sergey Kiselev & Partners; and the Cooper House Residential Complex by Sergey Skuratov Architects. Commercial space was represented by the Four Seasons Shopping & Leisure Center by V. Plotkin, the Gorki Entertainment Complex by A. Kukovyakin, and the Kitezh Commerce & Business Center by Andrey Bokov, President of the Union of Architects of Russia. Bokov spoke about his work during a well-attended global exchange panel moderated by Thomas Fisher, Dean of the College of Design at the University of Minnesota.
Other colorful projects included the Cocoon Restaurant in Moscow by V. Savinkin, the Peter Fomenko Studio Theater by S. Gnedovskiy, and a “picturesque bridge” by N. Shumankov. There was also a project by Sergei Tchoban, lead curator of Factory Russia, the 2010 Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale. Mr. Tchoban will be speaking at the Center for Architecture at 6:00pm on Friday, 07.09.10 Click here to RSVP.
Whispered gallery comments: “this could fit in anywhere in the world” and “structural expressionism is alive and well.”
Rick Bell, FAIA, is the Executive Director of the AIA New York Chapter.
Fellowship inductees, 134 of us, were arranged in glistening, dark-robed rows on one of the curving blond-wood tiers of the Knight Concert Hall at Miami’s Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (Pelli Clarke Pelli, 2006). The long road to this ceremony required all of us, including 14 successful candidates from the AIA New York Chapter, to consider deeply where our careers had led, both the gratifying accomplishments and the professional ditches we drove into along the way.
Still, I didn’t know what to expect somehow. The ceremony itself mixed metaphors. An elegant organ blast set an ecclesiastical mood. The chancellors and past presidents, hung with medals, suggested Masonic exclusivity and secrecy. Strolling across the stage to receive my medal and be handed a hefty volume listing illustrious fellows of the past, I was reminded of graduations. There were many radiant smiles as my fellow Fellows trod the stage — along with some artistically significant footwear under the rustling robes.
For all the formal trappings, there was not a speck of pomposity. I was happy to be among colleagues I’ve long known, but perfect strangers enthusiastically congratulated me, which was gratifyingly unexpected. Warm wishes flowed across the room for everyone in waves. On my way up to the stage, the formidable officers greeted me with the easy familiarity of old friends and the wise admonition to take the time to recognize the significance of the honor and be present for the moment.
Each of us must have thought again about how we got here. As a young architect in the 1980s, the last thing I could have predicted was that I would be accepting this medal — as a journalist yet — and that I would receive this extraordinary honor in the same year as my employer at the time, Peter Bohlin, FAIA, would receive the AIA’s Gold Medal.
James S. Russell, FAIA, serves as Editorial Advisor on the Oculus Committee, and is the architecture columnist for Bloomberg News.
Editor’s Note: The AIA New York Chapter would once again like to congratulation the 14 Chapter members elevated to the College of Fellows this year: Christine J. Bodouva, FAIA, LEED AP; Michael F. Doyle, FAIA; Donald Fram, FAIA; Lia Gartner, FAIA, LEED AP; Stephanie Gelb, FAIA; Samuel Alexander Klatskin, FAIA; Joan Krevlin, FAIA, LEED AP; Sandro Marpillero, FAIA; Bernard A. Marson, FAIA; Bogdan Z. Pestka, FAIA; James S. Russell; FAIA; Anthony P. Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA; Walter Sedovic, FAIA, LEED AP; Yvonne Szeto, FAIA, LEED AP.
Sustainable Design for the New Decade: Deep Dive on Issues and the Role of Design
What will sustainable design mean — and look like — in the next decade and beyond? For moderator Susan Szenasy, Hon. AIANY, Hon. ASLA, editor-in-chief of Metropolis, “LEED has taken the profession into the sustainable world. Now we have the foundation and are ready to go beyond LEED and come up with design solutions that are carbon neutral.” The three panelists put forth presentations that helped define carbon neutrality and what the A&E industry has achieved — and still needs to accomplish to reach such an increasingly necessary goal.
Yale School of Forestry’s Stephen Kellert linked crises in both natural and built environments, explaining that the separation and alienation of people from nature is critical to rebuilding our degraded and depleted natural systems. He called for moving towards “restorative environmental design,” that combines low-impact, LEED-type design with biophilic design. As examples, Kellert compared Yale’s new Kroon Hall and UC Santa Barbara’s Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. Both serve similar clientele, and both are LEED Platinum, but “which one makes you want to be in it?” His answer: Kroon has “more restorative environmental/biophilic design features,” while the Bren building actually turns its back on its ocean views. (According to Kellert, Kroon Hall “is using more energy than anticipated because students won’t leave the building.”)
Robert Drew, LEED AP, associate principal of Busby Perkins+Will, presented Dockside Green in Victoria, BC, as a case study of how large-scale development can achieve carbon neutrality. The 15-acre waterfront brownfield site is being developed into a 1.3-million-square-foot mixed-use neighborhood (35% is now built out). The design team “moved the focus from buildings to community,” he said, working from a “triple-bottom-line approach” of economic, environmental, and social assessments. Key to the aim of achieving LEED ND Platinum is the development’s self-sufficiency. Dockside built its own biomass and waste water treatment plants, and a planted waterway that supports storm water management. But a key ingredient has been to “empower the user.” Residents can learn what will save energy through the smart metering system installed in every unit that measure a number of metrics, from electricity usage to a greenhouse gas emissions profile.
Continues…
Panel: Mark E. Strauss, FAIA, AICP, LEED AP — Sr. Partner in Charge of Planning, FXFOWLE Architects, New York; Martha L. Welborne, FAIA — Principal, ZGF, and Former Managing Director, Grand Avenue Committee, Los Angeles; Betsy del Monte, AIA — Principal, The Beck Group, Dallas; Michael Damore, AIA — Executive Managing Director and President, Epstein, Chicago; William Menking — Editor-in-Chief, The Architect’s Newspaper (moderator)
The second Four by Four forum continued last year’s presentations and conversation. They discussed how they are redefining their practices and themselves in response to the new administration, the new economy, new technologies, and the future of the profession.
Strauss tackled the political realm: “We are not thinking strategically enough about infrastructure. It’s not just about buildings, it’s about urbanity.” We need to re-program out leaders, he said: “We’re not seeing the political will.”
Welborne used the evolution of the Grand Avenue development project in Los Angeles as an example of how developers and architects are making some creative adjustments in light of the current economy (It’s moving ahead!).
Del Monte looked at the macro and micro models of the BIM process. Her definition of Design for a New Decade: “Technology: doing more and more. Sustainability: a given. Integration: The only way to get it done.”
Damore outlined the effect of the economy in the Chicago market (which holds true in most urban markets): “Private sector real estate is dead; the public sector shows signs of improvement; public/private partnerships have potential, but financing is still a problem; forecasts are still ugly — but improving…Follow the money” (GSA, VA, aviation, TOD, infrastructure, etc.). “Look for unconventional opportunities and add new disciplines.”
At least he ended on a positive note: “Maintain a high level of optimism! There is a future so let’s prepare for it!” Added moderator Menking: “Maybe when we come back next year, things will be rosier.”
Kristen Richards, Hon. ASLA, is the Editor-in-Chief of OCULUS and ArchNewsNow.com.
Why a virtual convention? It reduces our carbon footprint, saves costs, allows us to continue working, or as Theresa Machito wrote, “I really appreciate being able to attend the convention CE courses from home because I have kids and am a single parent, need to fulfill AIA CEUs and LEED CEs. The ability to print out the certificates is great! Knowing that you can report the credits to the AIA is even better! Thank you so much for an excellent job.”
I gauged the online community’s diversity during “Global Design for the New Decade: A Discussion with the 2010 Gold Medalist,” counting 108 attendees from the U.S., Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. I felt the final keynote was the best demonstration of the virtual interaction compared with other presentations throughout the convention. Peter Bohlin, FAIA, humorously responded to questions via Twitter and YouTube during his discussion with Architectural Record Editor-in-Chief Robert Ivy, FAIA. I especially enjoyed his encouraging words from afar inspiring me to continue pursuing excellence.
What’s changed since 2009? Joseph Cornacchia, AIA, wrote, “The exhibitors are starting to gear more toward their virtual audience. They are aware that we are out there.” Likewise he felt, “The virtual seminar format is better. Two screens, with the larger for visual media make for much better viewing.” Absolutely a blessing after watching other online presentations that did not display the visuals being presented! Adrieni V. Fox exclaimed, ” The web page is really easy to navigate and I felt like I was there, watching the presentation sessions. Also, the site allowed visitors to actually visit the Expo booths, download product brochures and information, and ask questions about products.”
However, according to William Arnquist, AIA, “There are a number of things that the virtual convention can never provide. 1) Hands on examination of materials in the Expo, and 2) Face-to-face meetings with old and new friends.” A directory of virtual attendees would have helped networking. Now you must spy on the “Who’s Here” tab at different times, checking to see what new names were present. My new online clan can watch 33 CEU hours of presentations and troll until June 2011. Sign up now (click here) to see what you missed.
Miguel Angel Baltierra, Assoc. AIA, is a senior aviation engineer and architect at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and a member of the AIANY Oculus Committee.
Event: 143rd Annual Meeting of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter
Location: Center for Architecture, 06.16.10
Speakers: Rick Bell, FAIA — Executive Director, AIANY; Anthony Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA — 2010 President, AIANY; Clark Manus, FAIA — President-elect, AIA; Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP — President-elect, AIANY; Umberto Dindo, AIA — Secretary, AIANY; Ken Ricci, FAIA — Treasurer, AIANY; David Childs, FAIA
Organizers: AIA New York Chapter
Joseph Aliotta, AIA, 2012 AIANY President, Anthony Schirripa, FAIA, 2010 AIANY President, and Margaret Castillo, AIA, 2011 AIANY President.
Sam Lahoz
Every so often, the long history of the AIA New York Chapter echoes through the white halls of the Center for Architecture. The Annual Meeting, in its 143rd iteration, is one such long-standing tradition, and on 06.16.10, the Chapter gathered to review the year-in-progress, conduct business, and celebrate members of the community.
A vote on a bylaws amendment changed the structure of the Design Awards committee. The 2011 AIANY Board was approved, making Joe Aliotta, AIA, the Chapter’s 2011 President-elect, to serve as president after Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, in 2012. Beyond that, the meeting was an opportunity for AIANY President Tony Schirripa, FAIA, IIDA, and other members of the board to update the Chapter on programs, finances, upcoming events, and long-range plans. The vice presidents gave three special Citations, and then the Honors Committee presented their seven annual awards and honorary memberships. Read about all the awards and citations here.
Beyond business, the meeting was a chance to celebrate with friends. The room was full of Chapter members, friends, and family. There were New Yorkers that had made a difference in the built environment over the years and eager associates who will change the city in the decades to come. Clark Manus, FAIA, the president-elect of AIA National, flew in from San Francisco. The president of the Union of Architects of Russia, Andrey Bokov; and Ross Clark, COO of the Australian Institute of Architects, attended from overseas. Such a diverse crowd reminded attendees that the Chapter’s sphere of influence — and that of its members — is much wider than the borough of Manhattan.
The evening closed with the Medal of Honor, conferred on David Childs, FAIA. Upon accepting the award, Childs thanked his colleagues at SOM, and emphasized that SOM, more than many other practices, is a collective effort. Two other SOM architects had won the Medal of Honor — Louis Skidmore, FAIA, and Gordon Bunshaft, FAIA — but many more accolade-worthy architects had passed through the firm’s doors in its 75-year history. He listed a few, and found a handful of these former colleagues sitting in the audience.
Emily Nemens is the Communications Director at AIANY.
Event: 2010 Design Awards Panel: Urban Design
Location: Center for Architecture, 06.17.10
Speakers: Annie Barrett — Project Manager, Architecture Research Office; Marc Kristal — Freelance Writer & Documentarian, “Five Principles of Greenwich South”; Guido Hartray — Associate, Rogers Marvel Architects; Rebecca Hill — Associate, dlandstudio
Moderator: Linda G. Miller — Freelance Writer & Publicist, Contributing Editor, Oculus & e-Oculus
Organizer: AIANY
Sponsors: Chair’s Circle: Foster+Partners New York; Benefactor: Studios Architecture; Patrons: Mancini Duffy; Peter Marino Architect, PLLC; Studio Daniel Libeskind; Trespa; Lead Sponsors: A. E. Greyson + Company; Dagher Engineering; F.J. Sciame Construction Co., Inc.; Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson; FXFOWLE Architects; Gensler; Ingram Yuzek Gainen Carroll & Bertolotti; Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates; MechoShade Systems, Inc.; New York University; Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Rudin Management Company, Inc.; Structure Tone, Inc.; Syska Hennessy Group; Toshiko Mori Architect, PLLC; VJ Associates
For the first time, the 2010 AIA New York Design Awards included a category for Urban Design. Each of the four honor award-winning projects — the High Line Park by James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro; the MTA Flood Mitigation Streetscape Design by Rogers Marvel Architects and di Domenico + Partners; The “Five Principles for Greenwich South” project by Architecture Research Office (with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, OPEN, and Marc Kristal); and the BQE Trench: Reconnection Strategies for Brooklyn by dlandstudio — innovatively and collaboratively addresses complex infrastructure. While the High Line is the most well known, all of these projects will no doubt impact future development — a feat in NYC.
Flooded streets too often lead to flooded subway stations. Guido Hartray, an associate with Rogers Marvel, explained that the best option is to install permeable paving surfaces and green roofs, the MTA only has control of the area directly above their ventilation grates.
The team chose to raise the height of the grates. Using the street cross-section as inspiration, they designed a raised grate with a wavy profile. New York magazine ranked the grates as “Highbrow/Brilliant” on its approval matrix.
Architecture Research Office, working with 10 interdisciplinary teams, took an unconventional approach to the neighborhood that lies just south of the World Trade Center site. Rather than create a comprehensive master plan, they were “more interested in the design of the planning process than the design itself,” and aimed to create a guide for growth for the long-term, explained Barrett. The project is now in the hands of the Downtown Alliance, who has already converted some spaces to shared offices and temporary galleries.
Another area that suffers from an east-west divide is Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill in Brooklyn, thanks to Robert Moses’ Brooklyn/Queens Expressway. Completed in the 1950s, the BQE was originally proposed to be flanked by parks, but is instead a bleak, elevated steel hulk that bisects two distinct areas: the brownstone-lined streets of Carroll Gardens on one side, and treeless streets punctuated by empty storefronts in Carroll Gardens West, Red Hook, Columbia Waterfront District on the other.
The designers proposed that Hicks Street should be made into a “productive spine,” according to Rebecca Hill, an associate with dlandstudio. Their suggestions spanned three phases, beginning with a green wall along a trenched BQE to improve air quality and reduce noise, followed by the addition of street trees and bike lanes and a pedestrian street. In the third phase, parks would lid the highway to create a physical east-west connection and turn a “scar into an amenity,” explained Hill.
Murrye Bernard, LEED AP, is a freelance architectural writer and a contributing editor to e-Oculus.
A number of sessions that I attended at the 2010 AIA Convention centered on how architectural education and emerging architects can sustain the profession. After listening to both academics and “young” architects and associates, it became clear to me that “Design for the Next Decade” means engaging with different communities. As the co-chair of the AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA), this was inspiring, since one of our goals is to engage with local neighborhoods in NYC.
At “Leveraging Academic and Professional Partnerships: Inspiring Future Architects,” Nadia Anderson, assistant professor of architecture at Iowa State University, discussed her objective to prevent “naval-gazing design” that is prevalent in many architecture schools. Her Bridge Studio, which won one of two NCARB Grand Prizes this year, is an interdisciplinary studio where students collaborate with local design firms to develop affordable housing projects.
Darris James, Assoc. AIA, a senior associate at Gensler and recipient of the 2010 AIA Associate Award, said he frequently considers what he can do — or what he has not done — “to make today better than yesterday.” At “Creating Sustainable Communities Now and In the Future: Lessons Learned from the AIA Honors and Awards Recipients,” James discussed his active role with the ACE Mentoring program and how he is rewarded by opening students’ eyes to what it is that architects and designers do for communities. By teaching the value of design, he argues, he is helping create an appreciation for the field and our built environment.
Almost every one of the nine recipients of the Young Architect Forum awards at the “During Their First Decade of Success –Young Architects: Making a Difference in Our Firms, Our Communities, and Our Profession” session discussed how civic involvement and volunteering as something that keeps them engaged with the profession outside of work. David Grissino, AIA, LEED AP, a senior urban designer at Goody Clancy in Boston, said that by volunteering he is able to “hear from communities what buildings mean to them.” Even at the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee’s program “Design Your Network of Mentors: Connect with Diverse Women in Design,” I overheard one mentor saying that it is “important to look outside of architecture to find what you like inside.”
At the YAF session it was stated that 25% of architects today fall under the category of “emerging.” While that statistic was not qualified, nor was a definition given for the nebulous term, it was inspiring to me to see so many designers engaging with their communities with the purpose of bettering themselves, their local neighborhoods, and the profession. As James put it, “the term ‘citizen architect’ is redundant,” and young designers are in the field proving it.
In this issue:
· Common Ground Opens The Brook in The Bronx
· Weill Cornell Medical College Expands Interdisciplinary Research
· Public to Walk in Donald Judd’s Footsteps
· SUNY Maritime Harnesses Wind
Common Ground Opens The Brook in The Bronx
The Brook.
Courtesy Alexander Gorlin Architects
Common Ground, New York’s largest provider of supportive housing, recently completed its first project in the Bronx with The Brook, a six-story residential project designed by Alexander Gorlin Architects. The 90,000-square-foot project contains 120 units for formerly homeless adults, including those with special needs, and 70 units for low-income single adults from the South Bronx. The project features a ground floor retail space; a 2,400-square-foot event space open to the neighborhood; a large courtyard garden; computer lab; and fitness room. Sustainable features include a green roof; a high-efficiency building temperature management system; high-efficiency boilers; light and motion sensors; and low VOC paints and materials. Common Ground’s service partner BronxWorks will provide on-site social services. The $43 million project was developed under NYC’s New Housing Marketplace Plan, which intends to build or preserve 165,000 units of affordable housing by 2014, with more than 100,000 units financed to date.
Weill Cornell Medical College Expands Interdisciplinary Research
![Weill[1]](http://www.aiany.org/eOCULUS/newsletter/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Weill1.jpg "Weill[1]")
New medical research building at Weill Cornell Medical College.
©Polshek Partnership Architects
Construction has begun on a new medical research building at Weill Cornell Medical College on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The new, $650 million facility, designed by Polshek Partnership Architects, will more than double the institution’s existing research space. The 18-story, 480,000-square-foot building will include 16 floors of housing research initiatives that target cancer, cardiovascular disease, children’s health, and neurodegenerative diseases, and global health and infectious diseases. Open floor plans throughout will facilitate communication and collaboration among scientists. Its proximity to the Weill Greenberg Center, the Medical College’s ambulatory care building, will further enhance communication between investigative researchers and practicing clinicians.
Public to Walk in Donald Judd’s Footsteps
101 Spring Street.
Architecture Research Office
The artist Donald Judd lived and worked in a five-story cast iron loft in SoHo, and left it as a haunting “permanent installation.” It has not been open to the public. Architecture Research Office (ARO) will restore the building as a museum and office for the Judd Foundation. Constructed in 1870 by Nicholas Whyte, the building was built as a factory. The scope of the restoration includes a complete overhaul of the building’s structural foundation; preservation of the historic exterior fabric; and the installation of building-wide environmental and fire safety systems. Upon completion, scheduled for spring 2013, the ground floor will host public programs, while visitors to the upper floors will experience Judd’s collection of more than 500 objects, original sculptures, paintings, drawings, prints, and furniture, as well as works by Marcel Duchamp, Dan Flavin, Claes Oldenburg, Ad Reinhardt, and Frank Stella, among many others.
SUNY Maritime Harnesses Wind
SUNY Maritime.
EYP Architecture & Engineering
EYP Architecture & Engineering has been selected to design the new academic building on the Fort Schuyler campus of SUNY Maritime College. Located at the confluence of the East River and Long Island Sound in the Throgs Neck section of the Bronx, the building will include classrooms capable of supporting a variety of seating configurations to match different pedagogical styles; a reconfigurable multi-purpose room; formal and informal student areas; conference rooms; an outdoor terrace; and an accessible roof. Clad in glass and metal that responds to its marine environment, the building will be naturally ventilated, deflecting harsh winder winds and channeling cooler summer winds. Southern exposure will allow for passive heating during the winter, and a system of exterior sunshades will minimize solar heat gain in the summer. Rusticated stone panels will visually connect with the stonework of a nearby historic fort.
In this issue:
· AIANY Announces Honorees at Annual Meeting
· Acronyms: NCARB, IDP, and the ARE
· ACE Mentoring Proves Its Worth
· Join the Conversation: Construction Contract Administration
AIANY Announces Honorees at Annual Meeting
At the 143rd Annual Meeting, AIANY bestowed its annual awards and special citations at the Center for Architecture, 06.16.10. By honoring architects, philanthropists, public sector employees, organizations, and individuals that are committed to improving the community through design excellence, these annual awards reinforce the AIA’s central principle: design matters. Following are the awards presented at the Annual Meeting.
Medal of Honor: David Childs, FAIA
Childs, Chairman Emeritus of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, has transformed our skylines from Time Warner Center to Tel Aviv. He is also committed to public sector service, and has served as Chairman of both the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts in Washington. He currently chairs the Municipal Art Society and serves on the boards of the American Academy in Rome and the National Housing Partnership Foundation.
Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund recognized with Award of Merit
While only a few years old, the organization has already left a significant, positive mark on New York, by making the city smarter, healthier, and more inclusive. Under the guidance of the dedicated community leader Laurie Tisch, the Fund has been responsible for public interventions such as the Lawn at Lincoln Center campus. It also supports health initiatives like the NYC Green Carts and City Meals on Wheels.
Two New AIANY Honorary members
Barry Bergdoll, Hon. AIANY, the Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at the Museum of Modern Art, and the AIANY recently collaborated on programs for the Rising Currents exhibition, currently on view at MoMA. This is just the most recent example of Bergdoll’s commitment to promoting the public’s understanding and appreciation of architecture.
Richard T. Anderson, Hon. AIANY, a longtime champion of architecture in NYC, has dedicated his career to promoting the long term growth of the city. Recently, the NYBC supported the Chapter’s urbanSHED international design competition, and Anderson serves on the Center for Architecture’s advisory committee for the exhibition Innovate : Integrate.
George S Lewis Award: Susan Henshaw Jones
Susan Henshaw Jones, the Ronay Menschel Director of the Museum of the City of New York (MCNY), began her career in the Lindsay Administration, where she and two others formed Creative Time, an organization that commissions and presents public art projects. Her interest in preservation led her to become president of the newly formed New York Landmarks Conservancy, where she championed the reuse of the Customs House at Bowling Green, among other projects. In 2003 Jones re-built the MCNY into the vital institution that it is today.
Andrew J. Thomas Pioneer in Housing Award: GF55 Partnership
GF55 Partnership, with partners David E. Gross, AIA, Leonard Fusco, AIA, and Shay Alster, AIA, has designed superlative housing projects for public and private clients nationwide. In New York alone, GF55 has designed 49 multi-family residential buildings providing more than 3,700 dwelling units. For these achievements, the AIA New York Chapter honors GF55 for their work as housing pioneers.
Harry B. Rutkins for Service to the AIA New York Chapter: Bruce Fowle, FAIA, LEED AP
Bruce Fowle, FAIA, LEED AP, founder of FXFOWLE Architects, has dedicated his career to sustainability in all its dimensions and applications; innovations and excellence in design; mentoring and collaboration; engagement with the profession, colleagues, the community, and society are exemplified by his and service to the Chapter as founder and chair of the Planning and Urban Design Committee, a member of the AIANY Committee for NYC Rezoning, a member of the Board of Directors, and as Chair of the 2009 Design Awards Luncheon; by his service to the city with his participation in New York/New Visions Coalition for the redevelopment of downtown; and by his service to the Institute and the profession by participating in the NYC Green Codes Task Force, the selection committee for Edward Larabee Barnes Gold Medal Award, and numerous community and academic endeavors.
Public Architect: Peter Magnani, AIA
Peter Magnani, AIA, is an architect who has made an outstanding contribution in terms of both public policy and process. He served as architect, planner, and director of the NYC City Planning offices in the Bronx and Queens. In 1986 he was appointed Deputy Borough President of Queens. Serving until 2001, Magnani implemented many major capital projects, including Queens West, the new Queens Hospital Center, and the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Olympic swimming pool and ice rink. Magnani is currently the Director of the Capital and Facilities Management Office of the Queensborough Public Library.
Stephen A. Kliment Oculus Award: Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
As editor of e-Oculus since 2006, Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, has shaped AIANY’s electronic publication to become the preeminent source of design news and insightful coverage of Chapter events — read by thousands each month. Sheridan’s thoughtful observations, which include sharp criticism more often than praise, provide valuable insight into issues the industry faces. The Chapter confers this award for her excellence in architectural journalism.
Special Citation: Active Design Guidelines
Created through a collaboration between the NYC Departments of Health & Mental Hygiene, Design + Construction, Transportation, and City Planning, with the Office of Management and Budget, noted academics, and the AIA New York Chapter, the Active Design Guidelines: Promoting Physical Activity and Health in Design is an outgrowth of the Take Care New York 2012 health policy agenda of the Bloomberg Administration, and the five Fit City conferences held at the Center for Architecture. These pivotal, research-based guidelines encourage architects, landscape architects, and urban designers to introduce physical activity within the environments they design while simultaneously supporting objectives of sustainability.
Special Citation: V’Soske
V’Soske was founded in Grand Rapids, MI, in 1924 by Stanislav V’Soske, who revolutionized the technique of rug making through innovative alternatives to the traditional loop pile method, thus changing pile heights, densities, and materials. V’Soske is an integral part of the architectural and design community and enhances design through collaboration, new methods of fabrication, and an unmatched refinement.
VP Citation Design Excellence: Audrey Matlock, AIA; Lori Mazor, AIA
Audrey Matlock, AIA, and Lori Mazor, AIA, were awarded a VP Citation for their outstanding efforts and leadership in bringing together a group of distinguished practitioners who together infused new energy and vision in the New York Chapter’s signature Design Awards program. Their efforts have created a model that has broadened the reach of the program, expanded its vision, and celebrates a more distinctive range of project and type, to the credit of honorees, jurors, and Chapter alike.
VP Citation Professional Development: Jesse Lazar
Jesse A. Lazar was awarded a VP Citation for his outstanding efforts and support of the 24 Chapter committees. Lazar’s excellent organizational abilities and exemplary communication skills have enabled him to orchestrate well over 200 AIANY Committee events and programs per year. He has provided Chapter leaders with a clear roadmap for successful programming. The transformation of the Chapter’s Design Awards Program is Lazar’s greatest legacy.
VP Citation Public Outreach: ARE Bootcamp
The first session of ARE Boot Camp was held in the winter of 2009. Each of the exam sections was taught by volunteer Chapter members who included a mix of seasoned professionals and recently licensed architects in seven day-long weekend marathon sessions. To date there have been three complete cycles. So far 680 interns have taken the classes; 70 of them have become Associate AIA members. Under the direction of Venesa Alicea, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, Mark Behm, Assoc. AIA, and Megan Chusid, Assoc. AIA, and coordinated on behalf of the Chapter by Suzanne Mecs, the committee has worked tirelessly to organize and sustain this heroic effort.
Special Citation: Landmarks Preservation FoundationThe Landmarks Preservation Foundation, and the leadership of Christina Davis, fosters and promotes the mission of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC). A private not-for-profit foundation that provides essential support, resources, and funding for a variety of initiatives at the LPC recognizes and preserves the city’s architectural landmarks and historic districts. Among the significant contributions the Foundation has made in the past year are the publishing of the fourth edition of the Guide to New York City Landmark and the funding provided for the exhibition “Context\Contrast” at the Center for Architecture.
Special Citation: Tribeca Film FestivalThe Tribeca Film Festival was founded in 2002 as a response to the events of 9/11 and the loss of vital activity to lower Manhattan. The Festival founders, Jane Rosenthal, Robert De Niro, and Craig Hatkoff state in their mission their intention “to enable the international film community and the general public to experience the power of film by redefining the film festival experience.” Through their contribution, the founders have created an international center of culture that also revitalized and galvanized NYC.
Understanding the Acronyms: NCARB, IDP, and the ARE
By Murrye Bernard, LEED AP
Event: Got License?
Location: Center for Architecture, 05.25.10
Speakers: NCARB Representative Martin Smith, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA — Representative, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; Robert Lopez, RA — Executive Secretary, NYS Board for Architecture
Panelists: Brynnemarie Lanciotti, Assoc. AIA — Franke, Gottsegen, Cox Architects; Mark Behm, Assoc. AIA — Mancini Duffy & Co-chair, AIANY Professional Practice Committee; Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP — Gensler, Editor-in-Chief, e-Oculus, & Co-chair, AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA)
Moderator: Venesa Alicea, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP — Dattner Architects & Co-chair, AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee
Organizer: AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee
A surprising number of interns aren’t familiar with the steps required to become licensed architects. With so many acronyms involved it can be difficult to know which is the gatekeeper for what. The National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), that sets national standards and administers the Intern Development Program (IDP) and the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE), are the main player along with state licensing boards.
Martin Smith, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, an NCARB representative, suggested that interns visit their state’s licensing board website to learn about evolving requirements, involving, for example, education and experience for IDP credit. Though taking the tests may seem intimidating, Smith — who recently became licensed — recommended diving in. “You’re never ready,” he empathized, and added that NCARB offers plenty of study resources.
One major controversy surrounding the ARE is last year’s breach of exam security. Test takers now have three opportunities to accept the confidentiality agreement, but after the third decline, the test must be rescheduled (and paid for again). Robert Lopez, RA, Executive Secretary of the New York State Licensing Board lamented that four of the eight candidates busted for sharing exam questions were from New York. Despite this disparaging fact, more than 1,200 new architects became licensed last year in the state — the highest rate in 12 years.
A group of panelists discussed their experiences on the road to licensure. Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, admitted that she had trouble completing IDP when she worked at a small firm. Others have found that larger firms offer study material libraries, fee reimbursement, and bonuses upon completion.
Ultimately, each intern must tailor the study process to their own needs. “It’s pass or fail, no ‘A’s,” said Smith. “Don’t wait until life gets simpler. It won’t happen.”
Murrye Bernard, LEED AP, is a freelance architectural writer and a contributing editor to e-Oculus.
ACE Mentoring Proves Its Worth
Last week, the Architecture Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program released results of a study that proves it’s making a valuable impact on high school students. Since its founding in 1994, ACE Mentors have introduced high schoolers to opportunities in the design and construction industries. [See "First Crit: ACE High School Students Present Schemes for NYC," by Murrye Bernard, e-Oculus, 05.18.10, for a report on this year's young designers.] Listening to high school students talk about their ideas at end-of-the-year design reviews is a clear sign that this program makes a difference, but the new results offer more quantifiable indices to the program’s success.
Among the highlights are a 97% graduation rate for ACE participants (versus 73.4% national rate); 94% college attendance (versus 68% national average). Almost twice as many girls who participated in the ACE program enroll in engineering programs than the national average for women in engineering; and almost 10% of college freshman who picked architecture programs in 2009 were ACE alumni. There were also quantifiable results for engaging minority students in the ACE field. Read the results for the entire survey here.
Join the conversation: Construction Contract Administration
The Construction Contract Administration, an AIA national Knowledge Community, is seeking participants. It has completed a white paper on product substitutions, and specifically the architect’s role in the substitution review process for Design-Bid-Build (DBB) projects. The knowledge community is also planning a webinar on Shop Drawings. More details on both can be found on the CCA’s homepage:
http://communities.aia.org/sites/cca/default.aspx.
Jaime Endreny, executive director of the Center for Architecture Foundation critiques high school students’ work (left); student shows portfolio to Yvonne Chang, AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee member and one of the HB:BX competition organizers.
Jessica Sheridan
On June 10, The Bronx Museum of the Arts hosted students from P.S. 73, the High School of Art and Design, and the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College to share their ideas for the future of Highbridge Park in the Bronx. As described previously (see “Youngsters Strengthen Bronx Pride with ENYA Challenge,” by Glenda Reed, e-Oculus, 05.18.10), 5th graders from P.S. 73 participated in a Learning By Design:NY (LBD:NY) after-school program studying their Highbridge neighborhood in preparation for tackling the AIANY Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) Committee’s 2010 design challenge — re-envisioning an arts center on the historic High Bridge, based on the HB:BX Building Cultural Infrastructure competition. Simultaneously, LBD:NY invited students from the High School of Art and Design and the High School for Math, Science and Engineering at City College to address ENYA’s design challenge with their classroom teachers. The result was an evening of sharing ideas among the students as well as to a jury of design and education professionals. Yvonne Chang, juror and ENYA member, commented that the student designs were as successful as those of the professionals who submitted to the actual competition. The group presentations and projects not only demonstrated students’ design skills, but also expressed the deep understanding they developed for this neighborhood and its surroundings.
Bringing together three schools to celebrate and share design ideas was a great moment for LBD:NY and one that exemplifies our educational goals. The collaborative event showcased the power design has to bring people of all ages together to appreciate and improve our built environment and our communities.
To download the High Bridge Neighborhood Guide By Cell Audio Tour created by the 5th graders at P.S. 73 through LBD:NY, visit www.cfafoundation.org.
Read the article written about the event in The Bronx Free Press here.
The P.S. 73 after school program was supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs with special thanks to Councilmember Helen Foster for her generosity.
Did you attend this year's AIA National Convention in Miami?
Note: Results from this poll are non-scientific.
What do you think of artist Molly Dilworth's "Cool Water, Hot Island," a temporary design planned for the pedestrian streets in Times Square?
Note: Results from this poll are non-scientific.
The Intern Development Program Advisory Committee (IDPAC) selected three architecture firms as recipients of the Intern Development Program (IDP) 2010-2013 Outstanding Firm Awards, including Gensler… The AIA’s Young Architects Forum (YAF) and Committee on Design (COD) selected the recipients of the first annual YAF/COD Ideas Competition, including FREE by Gene Kaufman Architect, and Woven Shelter by Jiyoun Kim, which tied for first place…
The 2010 Center for Architecture Scholarship Recipients include Women’s Auxiliary Eleanor Allwork Scholarship Merit Award winners Juan David Cano Bedoya, City College of New York; Yang Hua, Columbia University; Jeffrey Johnson, Pratt Institute; Lyndon Julien-Sehl, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; and Katelyn Mulry, NY Institute of Technology… The Center for Architecture Foundation Design Scholarship Merit Award winner is Kimberly Tate, Parsons the New School for Design; and the Fontainebleau Prize winner for Full Program Tuition is Helen Levin, City College of New York…
The SARA NY 2010 Design Award winners include the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy by Michael Van Valkenburg Associates, Medallion of Honor, Nouvel Chelsea by Ateliers Jean Nouvel with Beyer Blinder Belle Architects & Planners, 2010 Project of the Year; HL23 by Neil M. Denari Architects, Visionary Architecture Award; and One Jackson Square by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, Urban Contextual Award; The New Amsterdam Plein & Pavilion by UNStudio (Design Architect) with Handel Architects (Executive Architect)…
2010 RIBA International Award winners include Stephen Holl Architects for the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, and Rafael Viñoly Architects for the Carrasco International Airport…
Specsimple.com’s Save A Sample! 2010 Top “Boxers” are Nicole Moudis of Ted Moudis Associates; Jana Van Singel, AIA, and Courtney Sempliner of STUDIOS Architecture; Mallory Ortman of daSILVA Architects; Eileen Ragsdale of TPG Architects; Lauren Haber of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, and Kaleena Brzozowski of HOK…
A shortlist of architect and design teams competing for the V&A at Dundee project has been announced, including NYC-based REX and Steven Holl Architects…
Anne Fletcher, AIA, LEED AP, Principal of Zyscovich Architects’ NYC office, has been elected to the board of Women in Housing and Finance (WHF) New York… Illya Azaroff, AIA, has been selected to present research on emerging technologies, rapid prototyping, social and cultural challenges of the 21st century at the fifth annual Design and Practice conference in Rome, Italy, in 2011, as well as the 2011 ACSA Conference in Montreal, 2010 International Design Diversity Conference in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and the 2010 Interior Worlds conference in Milan, Italy…
BBG-BBGM announced the promotion of Stephen Luk, AIA, and Tony Machado to Senior Associate…
06.16.10:The 143rd Annual Meeting of the AIA New York Chapter brought together AIANY members and Chapter friends from near and far.
David Childs, FAIA, accepts the Medal of Honor from Tony Schirripa, FAIA, AIANY President.
Sam Lahoz
Tony Schirripa, FAIA, AIANY President; Marilyn Schirripa; Andrey Bokov, PhD, Union of Architects of Russia President; and his wife Sofia Bokova.
Sam Lahoz
06.10.10-06.12.10: AIANY members traveled to Miami Beach for the 2010 AIA Convention.
06.10.10: IBEX Construction sponsored the AIANYS party at the Mondrian in Miami Beach. (L-R) Tony Schirripa, FAIA, AIANY President; George Miller, FAIA, AIA President; and Andy Frankl, IBEX Construction President.
Photo by Marc Becker
06.11.10: The Royal Institute of British Architects USA sponsored a party at the Wolfsonian. (L-R) Jonathan B. Wimpenny, AIA, RIBA, RIBA USA Presiding Chair; Ruth Reed, RIBA, President of RIBA; and Margaret Castillo, AIA, AIANY President-elect.
Emily Nemens
2010 Oculus Editorial Calendar
If you are an architect by training or see yourself as an astute observer of New York’s architectural and planning scene, OCULUS editors want to hear from you! Projects/topics may be anywhere, but architects must be New York-based. Please submit story ideas by the deadlines indicated below to Kristen Richards: Kristen@ArchNewsNow.com.
THE 2010 THEMES:
Spring: Architect as Leader: (CLOSED).
Summer: AIANY Design Awards 2010: (CLOSED).
Fall: Thinking Back / Thinking Forward and Understanding the Shift: (CLOSED).
Winter: Practice without Borders: The world is growing smaller. New York is an international city, and it is easier than ever for overseas firms to work here and for New York City firms to work abroad. We will look into reciprocity, licensure, removal of boundaries to practice, and international competitions as ways to build renown.
Submit story ideas by 08.13.10
06.28.10 Request for Proposals: Building Back Better Communities, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
07.01.10 Call for Presentations: AIA 2011 National Convention (pdf)
07.01.10 Call for Entries: ArtBridge 2010 (pdf)
07.09.10 Call for Entries: 2010 Annual Design Review
Center for Architecture Gallery Hours and Location
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(Continued from above)
Few delegates were silent when the floor was opened to debate, whether in support of or against this amendment. Representing the New York Region, and the vast majority of those in the room, AIA New York State President Francis Pitts, AIA, spoke of the value of diversity of experience and new voices for the Board. Opponents included representatives from AIA Arkansas, AIA Las Vegas, AIA New Mexico, AIA South Carolina, and, surprisingly, AIA Chicago. Their position raised fears that Associates didn’t have the necessary professional experience to participate in Board dialogue, or might, in some manner, be discouraged from seeking licensure. The opinions expressed by these delegates recalled those previously heard at last year’s Convention in San Francisco, when the amendment was first introduced.
The vote for 10-D was 2,727 in favor, 1,022 opposed, and 21 abstaining. The proposition did not receive a two-thirds majority that would have been possible if all accredited chapters and states were present. It was declared that 2,727 votes were less than 60% of those accredited. But it was also noted, in the Gleason Theater’s back rows, that 2,727 votes was more than 72% of the 3,770 votes actually cast. For the amendment to pass with 3,078 votes of the 3,770 votes accredited, a super-majority of 81% would have been needed.
In The Honeymooners, when the Jackie Gleason character, Ralph Kramden got mad he would say, “One of these days Alice, Bang Zoom! To the Moon Alice! To the Moon!” Maybe one of these days Associates will be accorded proper respect by accredited Convention delegates. Next year in New Orleans!
Venesa Alicea, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP, is the 2010 AIA New York State Associate Director, and co-chair of the AIA New York Emerging New York Architects Committee. She currently works at Dattner Architects. Rick Bell, FAIA, is the Executive Director of the AIA New York Chapter.
(Continued from above)
Jason McLennan, LEED AP, CEO of the Living Building Challenge (LBC), outlined the progress of the LBC — a stringent certification program and advocacy tool originally focused on buildings, but which now includes landscapes, infrastructure, and neighborhoods. There are currently more than 70 projects in the pipeline in the U.S. and Canada, and a growing interest in the program from overseas. “It’s an audacious idea that is spreading,” he said. “But we still have a long way to go… buildings need to act like living things.” He is also bothered by “too many ugly green buildings.” Beauty has been left out of the green discourse for too long, he argued. The LBC’s financial study matrix (online at ilbi.org) proves “you can do a water-independent building in Phoenix,” and an energy-independent building, using solar panels, “in the sunny climate of Portland.”
The New York Times Building: A Tool for Evidence Based Design — The Role of Research and Energy-Related System Databases in Informing the Design Process
The New York Times Building continues to be a “Petri dish for design research,” stated Bruce Fowle, FAIA, LEED AP, principal of FXFOWLE Architects. By using research and practice, the team of Renzo Piano Building Workshop, FXFOWLE, and Gensler was able to make critical design decisions with sustainable results — a process called “evidence based design.” Whether it was the exposed steel structure or the exterior ceramic tubes used on the façade, each element underwent a series of experiments, from “solstice to solstice” daylight modeling to full-scale building mock-ups, to determine its performance characteristics. And in the end, the research seems to be paying off.
Data collection and experimentation not only happened during schematic design and design development. Processes have been set up to collect post-occupancy information. For example, whenever an individual overrides the automatic shading system, which happens a mere 5% of the time, he or she must give a reason. Most of the time, said Glenn Hughes of MechoShade, individuals are overriding to let more light in, rather than pulling the shades down to reduce glare. This, according to Hughes, is a testament to the lighting design, solar orientation, and strategic fritting in the glass — all which were thoroughly researched prior to construction.
With two years worth of data, evidence is showing dramatic pay-offs due to sustainability implementations.
Sustainable Justice: Designing a Green System
“The goal of our practice,” said Frank Greene, FAIA, principal of RicciGreene, “is to make the job of justice planners and architects obsolete.” Greene and fellow panelists, Kenneth Ricci, FAIA, Susan Oldroyd, FAIA, LEED AP, and Beverly Prior, FAIA, LEED AP, along with the several thousand members of the Academy of Architecture for Justice (AAJ), one of the AIA’s Knowledge Communities, claim there is a link between sustainable design, social justice, and economic development.
“Clients ask architects to solve the wrong problem,” according to Ricci. “Instead of asking ‘how big?’ they should be asking ‘how small?’” In simplistic terms, if society can reduce crime and reduce the rate of incarceration, architects can build smaller facilities, government can put funds into other public services, and the nation will reduce its carbon footprint. Police stations, court houses, and detention and correctional facilities that are as green as non-justice offices and residences, will benefit people who work, occupy, and visit these buildings, he said. Justice facilities should be close to courthouses, bail bondsmen, attorneys, and families. Therefore, it makes sense not to isolate inmates, but to locate them in urban areas and integrate them into the fabric of the community. Municipalities might be more accepting of justice facilities as neighbors if they didn’t look like fortresses covered with razor wire. Ricci and Greene argued that these facilities can make good neighbors, and even provide publicly accessible space for meetings and events.
Greene proposed the creation of green jobs within detention centers. Why not train prisoners to become organic farmers or solar panel experts, so they can help advance sustainability when they are released?
Sustainable Suburbs: Preserving Planned Communities in Queens — Douglas Manor and Sunnyside Gardens
Queens, NY, has eight historic districts, including Sunnyside Gardens and Douglaston. Both make the argument that the words “sustainable” and “preservation” are synonymous.
Laura Heim, AIA, LEED AP, principal of Laura Heim Architect and president of AIA Queens, lives in Sunnyside Gardens, a planned, affordable, middle class, and pre-green community. Built in 1924-1928 the community includes rows of one- to three-family private houses with mixed co-op and rental apartment buildings that wrap common gardens. Stores and parking garages are sited around the perimeters of the neighborhood, encouraging residents to walk home and socialize with neighbors along the way. When easements lapsed after 40 years, residents began to construct additional floors, paved yards, and enclosed porches. Today, each court has its own association that governs the community, and residents are encouraged to make more sustainable renovations. As a result, they are reusing materials, building solar tubes for natural light, installing radiant heating, dual flush toilets, and conduits placed for future solar panels on rooftops. For all that’s changed, according to Heim, the community retains what it had when architecture critic Lewis Mumford chose to live there.
Kevin Wolfe, AIA, principal of Kevin Wolf Architect, both lives in and designs projects for Douglas Manor, another planned garden community built around the same time as Sunnyside Gardens, though it serves more affluent owners. This secluded community was created with strict deed rules, but there was no restriction on architectural style. The streets are lined with homes in Tudor Revival, Craftsman, Colonial Revival, and Mediterranean. Prior to landmark designation, teardowns and McMansion-like restorations were changing the face of the neighborhood. Now, homeowners collectively maintain the community’s Little Neck Bay waterfront and wildlife preserve, and are scaling back their renovations with sustainability in mind. They are using recycled materials and natural daylight.
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