by: Camila Schaulson Frenz
This year, Oculus, AIANY’s quarterly magazine exploring issues relevant to architectural discourse and practice in the city, turns 75. On 09.03.13, attendees – including contributors, Oculus Committee members, and current and past editors of Oculus and its digital sister publication e-Oculus – gathered to celebrate the magazine’s long trajectory during the opening of the exhibition “Coverage: Seventy-Five Years of Oculus.”
The exhibition, curated by AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA, and designed by 8 Point Studio, features issues dating back to its inception (an enigmatic, nameless newsletter from 1938), all the way through to the most recent installment for Fall 2013, titled “Politics = Architecture.” According to AIANY 2013 President Jill N. Lerner, FAIA, “Coverage” not only traces the history of the magazine, but also provides “a window into New York City through the eyes of the architect.” Looking through the copies on display offers viewers a glimpse into the relevant issues of the time – from the 1939 World’s Fair, to the Second Avenue Subway and the preservation of Grand Central Terminal.
Circulated to over 8,000 design enthusiasts, including AIANY and AIANYS members, libraries, universities, and city officials, the magazine has long served as a medium for asserting the identity and advocacy of architecture and the profession in New York. The magazine’s significance to New York architects was highlighted by David P. Helpern, FAIA, editor from 1973-1975, who spoke of the role of women reporters at a time when the field was dominated by men. According to Helpern, “Linda Yang, who went on to become a celebrity author about gardening, credits her years on Oculus as her start.”
Past-editor John Morris Dixon, FAIA, also noted that Oculus’s 75-year legacy would not be possible without the guidance of the Oculus Committee, a volunteer group, currently led by Guy Geier, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, AIANY Director for Publications. Speakers also recognized the professionalism and passion of current Editor-in-Chief Kristen Richards, Hon. AIA, Hon. ASLA. Referred to as “the caretaker of Oculus” by Geier, Richards and her trademark sunglasses took on mythical proportions with Bell’s quote from Nicholas Amhurst’s panegyric, Oculus Brittananiae:
“Abstracted forms, and fancied objects rise;
Whilst the pleas’d muse in thoughtful silence roves
Through the cool shades, and academick groves”
Despite the accolades (and a shout-out to her stylists, hairdresser, and agent), Richards remained humble, noting, “I stand on the shoulders of giants,” alluding to the renowned figures who held the editorial position before she took the helm in 2003.
It was a night dedicated to recalling the past and honoring the present, but, as the newest member to the Oculus family, it was also a time to get excited about the future. As the new editor of e-Oculus, I hope to continue in the footsteps of my predecessors, providing the AIA New York Chapter and the New York City architecture community with relevant and valuable information.
Camila Schaulsohn is the Communications Coordinator for AIANY/Center for Architecture and Editor-in-Chief of e-Oculus
Event: Coverage: Seventy-Five Years of Oculus – Exhibition Opening
Location: Center for Architecture, 09.03.13
Speakers: Jill N. Lerner, FAIA, AIANY 2013 President (Opening Remarks); Guy F.X. Geier II, FAIA, FIIDA, LEED AP, AIANY 2013 Director for Publications; Kristen Richards, Hon. AIA, Hon. ASLA, Editor-in-Chief, Oculus; David Paul Helpern, FAIA, Former Editor-in-Chief, Oculus; John Morris Dixon, FAIA, Former Editor-in-Chief, Oculus; and Rick Bell, FAIA, AIANY Executive Director
Organizers: Center for Architecture