Month: October 2013

FAR ROC Rocks!

On 10.23.13, the organizers of the FAR ROC: For a Resilient Rockaway gathered in Far Rockaway to unveil the winner of the design competition for the development of a resilient and sustainable community at Averne East. The winning proposal, “Small Means and Great Ends” by White Arkitekter in collaboration with Arup and Gensler, was announced by Ron Moelis, chariman and CEO of L+M Development Partners and Steven Bluestone, partner at the Bluestone Organization. Continue reading “FAR ROC Rocks!”

Midtown’s Shifting Center of Gravity

In advance of the Heritage Ball recognizing the Related Companies’ Stephen Ross (among others), three architects whose major contributions are shaping the Hudson Yards megaproject appeared together for the first time, discussing the master plan as a whole and their own contributions: the four main towers and Culture Shed, arranged around the Eastern Rail Yards’ public square. The Yards neighborhood, described as nothing less than “the new New York,” is taking shape amid high hopes and intense scrutiny. Its eastern half will be completed before the western segment. With two essential infrastructural components preceding the buildings (the High Line approaching from the south and wrapping around the full site from the west, and the #7 subway extension opening in 2014 on the northern edge, where 33rd Street meets the new hockey-stick-shaped Hudson Boulevard), the planners can reassure retail tenants that the Yards will have what Related’s Jay Cross calls the “critical mass” in place to begin life as a viable destination, not an indefinite construction site. Continue reading “Midtown’s Shifting Center of Gravity”

Quandaries, Possibilities, and Cityscapes on Celluloid

For four days last week, New York City’s Tribeca Cinemas became home to the fifth season of the Architecture & Design Film Festival, welcoming a diverse cross section of professionals and non-professionals to experience powerful, design-centric, long- and short-form films and exchange in meaningful discourse. Among the highlights of this five-day event – the nation’s largest devoted to the industry – were director Q&As filled with passionate exchanges; explorations of controversies, design practices, and our rapidly shifting world during expert panel discussions; and, of course, the hushed camaraderie of packed, popcorn-fueled film screenings. Continue reading “Quandaries, Possibilities, and Cityscapes on Celluloid”

Sibs, Sox and Repositioning

The annual meeting of leaders of the dozen largest AIA Chapters took place last week in Boston, as the American League Championship Series, the Head of the Charles Regatta, the Fort Point Open Studio weekend, and various mayoral races were unfurling.

BSA Space, the new architecture and design center of the Boston Society of Architects, was the venue. Designed by Meejin Yoon, AIA, and Eric Höweler, AIA, of Höweler & Yoon, the location features two levels of gallery space linked by an inviting Celtic green stair – featured in AIANY’s “FitNation” exhibition. An absorbing exhibition about Boston City Hall complemented the Canstruction installation there. Continue reading “Sibs, Sox and Repositioning”

One Year Out: A Progress Check on Sandy

Nearing the first anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, the AIA New York Chapter, Architecture for Humanity, and Cooper Union organized a symposium to report on and measure programs in place and steps still to be taken in the wake of the 2012 storms. The focus was resiliency, with the speakers presenting work done so far – and work still to do – in exploring approaches for future resiliency. Continue reading “One Year Out: A Progress Check on Sandy”

Improving Senior Living in NYC

The audience was young and old, but all interested in the myriad of ways that we can improve the ability of seniors living in NYC to age in-place. “Age-Friendly Strategies for NYC” was a continuation of the AIANY Design for Aging Committee’s successful one-day charrette “Booming Boroughs,” which delved into NYC residential environments. The panel explored two additional aspects of aging in place: use of technology and community activism. All three panelists are involved with the Age-Friendly NYC initiative of the NY Academy of Medicine, which was recently recognized by the International Federation on Aging as the Best Existing Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Innovation in the world. All three speakers shared their vision for initiatives to positively impact the lives of older adults. Continue reading “Improving Senior Living in NYC”

World Architecture Day 2013: A Housing Oddysey

During Archtober, New York City hosts a marathon of architecture and design conferences, from Architectural Record’s Innovation Conference, to the Association for Preservation Technology’s Preserving the Metropolis Annual Conference, and the Municpial Art Society’s MAS Summit for New York City. This year, the Center for Architecture joined in on conference frenzy, hosting World Architecture Day 2013 – Towards Eight Million: Housing the Next Generation on 10.07.13. Organized by World Architecture News, the conference was ensured international relevance in the architecture, planning, and design communities. Continue reading “World Architecture Day 2013: A Housing Oddysey”

A Posthumous Tribute to an Unsung Architect (Natalie de Blois, 1921 – 2013)

On 11.05.13, AIA Chicago will be honoring the life of Natalie de Blois, FAIA, the 2010 AIA Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award winner, who passed away on 07.22.13 at the age of 92. Speakers at the tribute will include former Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) colleague John Zils, FAIA, Craig Dykers, AIA, a former student at University of Texas, and her son, Robert. Continue reading “A Posthumous Tribute to an Unsung Architect (Natalie de Blois, 1921 – 2013)”

Center for Architecture Foundation’s Inaugural Young Patrons Event Proves If You Build It…

On 10.08.13, the Center for Architecture Foundation’s Young Patrons hosted their first event at Knoll’s new mid-town showroom. Seventy rising design stars came together for a fun evening filled with snacking, sipping, and designing, sponsored by Arenson and Knoll. Continue reading “Center for Architecture Foundation’s Inaugural Young Patrons Event Proves If You Build It…”