by: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
Each year, openhousenewyork (OHNY) is a way for me to reconnect with the city, see neighborhoods I don’t normally visit, take tours of places I walk by every day, and get a sneak peek into private residences I could never afford. I enjoy seeing architecture firm offices, especially those that prioritize sustainability, to see how they have re-thought office spaces (from Atelier Ten’s desks made from doors to anderson architect’s roof garden), and opendialogues offers a chance to speak with designers in the spaces they have designed. Especially during difficult economic times, who can complain about a weekend of free events?
One of the strongest aspects of OHNY is the volunteer network. By donating a few hours to help out at a site, each volunteer receives a pass to cut the lines at other sites throughout the weekend. It is a great way for the organization to give back to those who participate.
As great as the weekend is, there is always room for improvement. I felt that this year there were too many reservation-only sites. Unless you were aware when reservations opened, there’s no chance of getting on some of the tours (it took me five years to get a slot at Murray’s Cheese). Also, for the first time, OHNY offered OHNY Passports. For a $150 tax-deductible donation, individuals could cut the lines and enjoy the same privileges as volunteers. I understand the need for the organization to raise money, but this takes away from the event’s free nature. It made the weekend feel more like a visit to an amusement park, rather than a leisurely weekend of culture. I think OHNY should stick to charging for its year-long programming, holding fund-raising events, and offering advertising opportunities, instead of taking away from the spirit of the weekend.