Looking on as Davis Piscuskas, FAIA, speaks are (l-r) Paul Goldberger, Hon. AIA, David Burney, FAIA, Sylvia Smith, FAIA, Lance Brown, FAIA, Guy Geier, FAIA, and Joseph Aliotta, AIA.
Suzanne Mecs
Paul Goldberger, Hon. AIA, addresses the group, along with Frank Greene, FAIA, (l).
Suzanne Mecs
Event: Fellow’s Reception
Location: The Century Association, 05.31.12
Organizer: AIANY Fellows Committee
Sponsor: Shawmut Construction
After a provocative presentation by Paul Goldberger, Hon. AIA, on the state of architecture, architectural criticism, and why they matter, AIA Fellows new and old enjoyed a lively discussion about the relationship of culture – highbrow, lowbrow, or no-brow – and architectural expression. With more than 80 Fellows in attendance in what is intended as an annual event, all agreed that such a gathering was an important way to bring the Fellows together to strengthen their collegiality and share ideas about ways to help New York Fellows increase their service to the Institute and to society.
The event took place on the recently-completed rooftop addition, designed by Byron Bell, FAIA, to McKim, Mead & White’s Century Association, where the terrace offers splendid views of many generations of New York architecture.
As a New York State regional representative to the College and chair for the evening, I challenged the Fellows to invest in the next generation of architects by finding ways to assist interns struggling with the cost of the Architect Registration Exam (ARE). The attendees’ stature within the profession is such that they can actually influence talented emerging architects’ decisions to remain in the profession.
David Piscuskas, FAIA, introduced Goldberger, noting his vital contributions to the cultural understanding of the importance of architecture and how his affirmation of our profession’s role in society inspires us to seek design excellence as well as sustainable renewal of communities. Piscuskas pointed out how Goldberger’s contributions as a critic paralleled the careers of many in the room, and that his voice remains relevant and inspiring.
In addition to Piscuskas and myself, in attendance were members of the AIANY Board, including President Joe Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP; AIA National Vice President-elect Susan Chin, FAIA; 2013 Bursar of the College of Fellows John Sorrenti, FAIA; Martin Harms, FAIA, Ithaca, NY, New York Regional Representative to the College of Fellows, and New York Chapter Fellows Committee Chair Sylvia Smith, FAIA, as well as AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA.
Ms. Smith described the intense activity of the Fellows Committee to assist candidates on their path to elevation to the College, and suggested that the present Fellows think hard about prospective candidates, so as to be prepared for the next call for candidates. She mentioned that the recent Fellows workshop at the Center for Architecture would have a more intimate and interactive program than the standard lecture/discussion format of previous years.
Fellows from AIANY as well as from the Long Island, Albany, Ithaca, and Westchester/Mid-Hudson County Chapters enjoyed the opportunity to meet colleagues, the refreshments on the terrace, and to debate the merits of Goldberger’s take on the state of architecture and its critics in a world where images are freely and instantly transported around the globe. With sponsorship by Shawmut Construction, the evening raised funds to benefit future Fellows’ paths to licensure.
Frank Greene, FAIA, is a principal of RicciGreene Associates and an AIA New York State Regional Representative to the College of Fellows.
