Author: Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP

Chapter members lobbied on the stairs of the Rayburn House Office Building at the Grassroots Conference. Pictured (top-bottom): Charles Linn, FAIA; Margery Perlmutter, AIA; Burt Roslyn, AIA (President, AIA New York State); Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP; Tony Schirripa, AIA, IIDA; Venesa Alicea, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP; Sherida Paulsen, FAIA; Mary Burke, AIA; Michael Cosentino, AIA (President-elect, AIA Queens); and Laura Manville.

Rick Bell

Saturday General Session at Grassroots. (L-R): Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA (2009 AIA President); Shanntina Moore, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP (2009 AIANYS Associate Director); George H. Miller, FAIA (2009 AIA First Vice President); Dominque Dawes (Olympic Gold Medalist); Christine McEntee (AIA
Executive Vice President/CEO); Burton L. Roslyn, AIA (2009 AIANYS President); Venesa Alicea, Assoc. AIA LEED AP (2009 AIANY Assoc. Director); Daniel Edgell, AIA (2009 NY Regional Associate Director).

Marthanne G. Gershman

Presenting their designs for a new library at PS 9/MS 571, an assignment for a course taught by architectural technology professor Illya Azaroff, AIA, were City Tech students (l-r): Diego Bartolo, Carlos Honorio, Jr., Clemente Martinez-O’Neill, Natalia Vela, Randy Heeralall, Chen Wei Pua, Richar Lopez, Adia Henton, Jevon Duff and Boris Segovia.

Courtesy City Tech

Center for Architecture Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-8:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: CLOSED

Join an Architalker for a Hosted Tour of Center for Architecture
Exhibitions
Join us for free Architalker-hosted tours of the Center for Architecture exhibitions Fridays at 4:00pm. To join one of these tours, meet in the Public Resource Area on the ground floor of the Center for Architecture.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

January 22 — April 25, 2009

MAKE IT WORK. Engineering Possibilities

Today’s engineers are working across disciplines and driving innovation. MAKE IT WORK. Engineering Possibilities looks at how engineers are envisioning and realizing the future of our built environment by transforming structures, improving environments, enhancing materials, re-inventing building technologies, and advancing forms. This exhibition highlights how inventive strategies for building are born from multidisciplinary research and integrated practice. Small engineering firms, large engineering firms, engineering schools, university labs, materials labs, artists, inventors, and architects are all part of the exchange of ideas — plotting trajectories of innovation.

Building on observations, analysis, and mathematical principles, engineers have developed the profession from empirical analysis into a field of expertise based on predictability and synthesis. With digital simulation and processing capabilities, engineers are utilizing comprehensive models to explore different options for optimizing structures and systems.

Twenty-first century engineers are tackling some of the most challenging concerns of our day. Exceeding LEED standards for sustainable building, engineers are conceiving of new ways for buildings to harvest and manage energy — floors that create electricity and facade systems that respond to the sun. Anticipating dwindling global resources, engineers are designing structures to new standards of efficiency and economy — stadiums that use 50% less steel and towers formed for optimal wind-loading.

These solutions are the product of creative and collaborative pursuit. This exhibition highlights how inventive strategies for building are born from multidisciplinary research and integrated practice. Small engineering firms, large engineering firms, engineering schools, university labs, materials labs, artists, inventors, and architects are all part of the exchange of ideas — plotting trajectories of innovation.

Exhibition Curatorial Team:
Rosamond Fletcher
Eli Gottlieb
Zak Kostura
Erik Madsen
Jonah Stern
Beth Stryker

Exhibition Designer:
Pure + Applied

Framing Space Installation by:

Phillip Anzalone and Stephanie Bayard, aa64

The Trusset Structural System, invented by Phillip Anzalone and Cory Clarke, is a project of the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) at Columbia University in collaboration with the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Research Assistant:
Ginger Nolan, Columba GSAPP Ph.D Candidate

Research Intern:
Alicia Arroyo

Special Thanks to our Advisory Committee:
Julie Applebaum, Center for Architecture Foundation Board

Phil Bernstein, Autodesk
Vincent Chang, Grimshaw
John Hennessy, ACEC President
Marvin Mass, Cosentini
Dan Nall, Flack + Kurtz
Craig Schwitter, Buro Happold
David Scott, Arup
Susan Szenasy, Metropolis
Richard Tomasetti, Thornton Tomasetti.

Underwriter:

Patron:

Lead Sponsors:

Supporters: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, Josef Gartner USA, and Weidlinger Associates

Friend: Grimshaw Architects

Supporter: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York

The Framing Space Installation is generously provided by aa64 with additional support from:

Alusion, a product of Cymat Technologies Ltd.

Contrarian Metal Resources

General Plastics Manufacturing

Indalex Aluminum Solutions Group

Maloya Laser, Inc.

Panelite

Related Events

Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Multi-disciplinary Innovation

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 11:00am — 5:00pm

Symposium: Energy Engineering

Thursday, February 26, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

100% BIM

Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Tapered, Tilted, Twisted Towers: a lecture by David Scott, Arup

Friday, March 27, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Screening of Bird’s Nest, a film by Christoph Schaub & Michael Schindhelm

01.27.09

01.27.09

This issue introduces a new column, Preview: AIA Guide to NYC. Penned by Fran Leadon, AIA, co-author with Norval White, FAIA, of the fifth edition of the AIA Guide to NYC, each monthly installment will provide a sneak peek into the book leading up to its 2010 publication. Also, be sure to read the editorial by AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA, on current events, Bloomberg & Obama in Concert. And if you are LEED accredited, or considering becoming accredited, read my Editor’s Soapbox about LEED 2009, More Red Tape to Complicate Going Green.

– Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

CLICK ON BLOG CENTRAL: AIANY BLOG: The AIANY Chapter’s Blog Central features opinion pieces on architectural issues relevant to NY-based designers, firms, and projects, along with spotlights on debates and discussions at the Center for Architecture and AIANY. It is an informal discussion board. To become a regular contributor to Blog Central, please e-mail e-Oculus. Pen names are welcome.

Architecture Community Comes Together: Advocacy, Volunteerism, Expertise

Event: Not Business As Usual
Location: Center for Architecture, 01.07, 01.21.09
Organizers: AIANY; Center for Architecture Foundation
Sponsors: AMX; Chief Manufacturing; Lutron Electronics

As the economy has yet to take a turn for the better, AIANY and the Center for Architecture Foundation continue to make an effort to ease the situation for design professionals in the city. In the last issue of e-Oculus, the report “AIANY, Center for Architecture Foundation Address Economic Woes”, introduced the Not Business As Usual series — lunchtime forums bringing together the community to brainstorm ways to cope in these difficult times.

After two general sessions, the forums will be topical going forward. The next meeting focused on advocacy will take place February 11 at 12:00pm at the Center for Architecture, and the following will be an opportunity fair on February 25 at the same time. A website has been created with information about recent discussions and future events, as well.

Here is a summary of what’s been brought to the table so far in terms of advocacy (by Rick Bell, FAIA), volunteer opportunities (by Jaime Endreny and Suzanne Mecs), presentation skills (by James McCullar, FAIA), training programs (by Ken D’Amato), and virtual communication (by Abby Suckle, FAIA, LEED AP, and Diana Darling):

Advocacy
By Rick Bell, FAIA, AIANY Executive Director

Energy Survey. Modeled on the Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS), which uses trained professionals to assess building conditions, an energy survey or audit of public and private structures in the U.S. would create employment opportunities and provide a starting point for a facility-based discussion of energy conservation and physical remediation.

Design Corps. Based on the AmeriCorps approach to channeling the idealism of recent graduates, a design-oriented component of an expanded AmeriCorps or Opportunity Corps would allow young design professionals to find employment in nationwide design-related endeavors. In NYC, Design Corps members could be posted to public sector offices such as the Department of Design + Construction, non-governmental organizations such as Architecture for Humanity or the Center for Architecture Foundation, or possibly even to private offices working on public projects.

Infrastructure. Advocating for an expansive and inclusive definition of infrastructure is timely as the AIA and other professional societies increase their outreach to the new administration. The Economic Stimulus proposals in Congress presently address the importance of “ready to go” projects that lack funding, such as school projects as well as bridges and roadways. Discussing other types of urban infrastructure, including, for example, window replacement at NYC Housing Authority structures, can also incorporate energy considerations into the discussion of funded tasks and commissions. Collaboration on the definition of infrastructure with the engineering community was felt to be most needed, particularly in the context of the Make It Work: Engineering Possibilities exhibition at the Center for Architecture.

Continues…

More Red Tape to Complicate Going Green

This year the Green Building Certification Institute (GBCI) is launching a new version of LEED. Instead of streamlining the process, or making the system more clear to professionals seeking accreditation for themselves or their buildings — not to mention to the clients — the new version is sure to create many levels of confusion.

First of all, titles will change. Individuals who are already accredited professionals (APs) will become Legacy LEED APs, and unless they change their status they will no longer appear as active LEED APs. Individuals who have passed the exam but are not presently working on a LEED project will be called LEED Green Associates, while those who are working on a LEED project will be designated LEED APs. There is a category of LEED AP Fellows for those who are “distinguished by their years of experience,” to be determined by a peer review that is not outlined on the website. One of the differences between LEED GAs and LEED APs is that the latter will a have higher application fee (new in 2009), a higher exam fee, and double the number of required continuing education hours (also new in 2009). I, personally, do not understand a need for a distinction between professionals who are working on LEED projects and those who are not. Everyone should have the same requirements, pay the same fees, take the same test, and benefit from the program universally. It’s bad enough the exam will be more difficult, claiming a pass rate of only 20% compared to the current 34%.

Secondly, a new point system has been created that is weighted using what the GBCI calls “Life Cycle Assessment Indicators.” Priority will be given to Climate Change, as it is currently the most pressing issue. In the future (new versions will launch biennially), if environmental and societal priorities shift, so will the point system. In addition, local chapters may allow for bonus credits based on issues unique to their locales. For a building to obtain certification the scale has increased from 69 to 100 points — certified projects require 40 points, silver 50, gold 60, and platinum 80.

Since the system will keep changing, I understand the need for LEED APs, or LEED GAs, to complete continuing education requirements. Plus, I feel it is important to stay up to date on new developments in the industry. However, with the new AIA sustainability requirements for CEUs, the ARE exams changing to reflect more green issues, the new building code taking a cue from the more environmentally sound International Building Code, not to mention other local initiatives, I wonder why the GBCI needs to add another layer of red tape to the process. How come the GBCI did not collaborate more closely with the AIA (as far as I know) when coming up with continuing education requirements?

Overall, I am not averse to change. What I do protest, though, is making the process more complicated, much more expensive, and ultimately more difficult for those dedicated to sustainable design.

Volunteer Call: Encourage Kids to Explore Color

The International Interior Design Association (IIDA) NY Chapter is looking for volunteers to help out with its annual support of Publicolor, a non-profit organization with the mission to use color, collaboration, design, and painting to empower students to transform themselves, their schools, and their communities. Volunteers will work alongside the students, not only brightening up their environment, but also providing them with important exposure to positive role models and opportunities for informal mentoring. The event will take place Saturday, 02.21.09, from 10:30am-3:00pm. There is a $10 donation to cover lunch, and volunteers will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. RSVP to jbarr@tedmoudis.com or call 917-340-1857.

01.22.09: The MAKE IT WORK. Engineering Possibilities exhibition opened at the Center for Architecture.

(L-R): AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA; exhibition designers Urshula Barbour and Isaac Gertman; 2009 AIANY President Sherida Paulsen, FAIA; exhibition designer Paul Carlos; and AIANY Director of Exhibitions Rosamond Fletcher.

Tyler Coburn

(L-R): James Dunphy, Isaac Gertman, Paul Carlos, Urshula Barbour, and Joanne Chew of Pure + Applied, the exhibition designers, with Rick Bell, FAIA.

Tyler Coburn

Partygoers gathered at the Center.

Kristen Richards

The exhibition allows for many types of interaction.

Kristen Richards

Make It Work advertisements are plastered throughout the city bringing people from all over to the Center for Architecture. Here, a couple of Irish tourists plan on stopping by.

Rick Bell

11.06.08: The Capauchin Food Pantries hosted its ninth annual “Doodle For Hunger” event at Tavern on the Green. The celebrity art auction consisted of signed original works by artists, athletes, entertainers, politicians, and business icons, and the money raised goes to help feed those in need in the NY area. Ted Moudis, AIA, founder and senior principal at Ted Moudis Associates, co-sponsored the event.

(L-R): Event host Ernie Anastos and guest of honor Rosanna Scotto of Fox 5 News; Ted Moudis, AIA; and Nick Gregory, Fox 5 chief meteorologist.

Courtesy Ted Moudis Associates

Center for Architecture Gallery Hours
Monday-Friday: 9:00am-8:00pm, Saturday: 11:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: CLOSED

Join an Architalker for a Hosted Tour of Center for Architecture
Exhibitions
Join us for free Architalker-hosted tours of the Center for Architecture exhibitions Fridays at 4:00pm. To join one of these tours, meet in the Public Resource Area on the ground floor of the Center for Architecture.

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

January 22 — April 25, 2009

MAKE IT WORK. Engineering Possibilities

Today’s engineers are working across disciplines and driving innovation. MAKE IT WORK. Engineering Possibilities looks at how engineers are envisioning and realizing the future of our built environment by transforming structures, improving environments, enhancing materials, re-inventing building technologies, and advancing forms. This exhibition highlights how inventive strategies for building are born from multidisciplinary research and integrated practice. Small engineering firms, large engineering firms, engineering schools, university labs, materials labs, artists, inventors, and architects are all part of the exchange of ideas — plotting trajectories of innovation.

Building on observations, analysis, and mathematical principles, engineers have developed the profession from empirical analysis into a field of expertise based on predictability and synthesis. With digital simulation and processing capabilities, engineers are utilizing comprehensive models to explore different options for optimizing structures and systems.

Twenty-first century engineers are tackling some of the most challenging concerns of our day. Exceeding LEED standards for sustainable building, engineers are conceiving of new ways for buildings to harvest and manage energy — floors that create electricity and facade systems that respond to the sun. Anticipating dwindling global resources, engineers are designing structures to new standards of efficiency and economy — stadiums that use 50% less steel and towers formed for optimal wind-loading.

These solutions are the product of creative and collaborative pursuit. This exhibition highlights how inventive strategies for building are born from multidisciplinary research and integrated practice. Small engineering firms, large engineering firms, engineering schools, university labs, materials labs, artists, inventors, and architects are all part of the exchange of ideas — plotting trajectories of innovation.

Exhibition Curatorial Team:
Rosamond Fletcher
Eli Gottlieb
Zak Kostura
Erik Madsen
Jonah Stern
Beth Stryker

Exhibition Designer:
Pure + Applied

Framing Space Installation by:

Phillip Anzalone and Stephanie Bayard, aa64

The Trusset Structural System, invented by Phillip Anzalone and Cory Clarke, is a project of the Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) at Columbia University in collaboration with the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Research Assistant:
Ginger Nolan, Columba GSAPP Ph.D Candidate

Research Intern:
Alicia Arroyo

Special Thanks to our Advisory Committee:
Julie Applebaum, Center for Architecture Foundation Board

Phil Bernstein, Autodesk
Vincent Chang, Grimshaw
John Hennessy, ACEC President
Marvin Mass, Cosentini
Dan Nall, Flack + Kurtz
Craig Schwitter, Buro Happold
David Scott, Arup
Susan Szenasy, Metropolis
Richard Tomasetti, Thornton Tomasetti.

Underwriter:

Patron:

Lead Sponsors:

Supporters: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York, Josef Gartner USA, and Weidlinger Associates

Friend: Grimshaw Architects

Supporter: American Council of Engineering Companies of New York

The Framing Space Installation is generously provided by aa64 with additional support from:

Alusion, a product of Cymat Technologies Ltd.

Contrarian Metal Resources

General Plastics Manufacturing

Indalex Aluminum Solutions Group

Maloya Laser, Inc.

Panelite

Related Events

Wednesday, February 4, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Multi-disciplinary Innovation

Saturday, February 21, 2009, 11:00am — 5:00pm

Symposium: Energy Engineering

Thursday, February 26, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

100% BIM

Thursday, March 19, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Tapered, Tilted, Twisted Towers: a lecture by David Scott, Arup

Friday, March 27, 2009, 6:00 — 8:00pm

Screening of Bird’s Nest, a film by Christoph Schaub & Michael Schindhelm

Architecture Community Comes Together: Advocacy, Volunteerism, Expertise (Continued)

(Continued from above)

Apart from these three principle concepts, five other ideas were elaborated. There was enthusiasm for more competitions at the Center, including those following the models of the Emerging NY Architects (ENYA) Committee’s international ideas competitions, and the second New Housing New York “Legacy Project” competition, which involved partnering with a public agency that controlled a site allowing for the eventuality of construction of the winning proposal. Also presented was the idea that additional technical assistance team charrettes for both urban design and sustainability should be welcomed, either through AIA National and its Design for Communities efforts, or locally, as was done through AIANY’s Planning & Urban Design committee for 23rd Street. Advocacy for more involvement in a variety of issues having to do with health care, the aging population, and accessibility were discussed. While the Center’s Fit City program recognizes the policy implications of the connection between design and chronic diseases prevention, more can be done to make our sidewalks and neighborhoods safer for those with limited mobility.

Changes in credential requirements were discussed in regard to such areas as substitute teaching. Investigation of current NYC Department of Education standards, and what might be revised to encourage unemployed architects to find temporary employment in the public school system is needed. Easing reciprocity of architectural licensure in other states was also discussed along with the need for further discussion with NCARB on the impact of a changing economy. Finally, it was agreed that any efforts that promote the design community’s involvement in sustainable initiatives would be useful.

Volunteer Opportunities
By Jaime Endreny, Executive Director, Center for Architecture Foundation Executive Director and Suzanne Mecs, Director of Membership, AIANY

The discussion centered on current Center for Architecture Foundation programs and opportunities for volunteerism and more limited paid opportunities.

New programming ideas include:
· Organized building tours coordinated by volunteers.
· Resource development to connect with other community groups like Architecture for Humanity and community boards.
· Invite community board members to the Center so they may help architects understand their communities’ needs. “Ask an Architect” day or program could help make the connection.
· Provide counsel and architectural help about housing issues.
· Examine business models and frameworks and recommend adjustments.
· Individuals could become mentors. The Chapter has launched a Mentor-Match program, which is currently seeking volunteers. Contact mentoring@aiany.org for more information.
· Coordinate with other volunteer community groups and link opportunities online.
· Coordinate a panel on how people have survived other recessions.
· Explore how volunteer work may feed into AIA continuing education requirements.
· Share the Learning by Design:NY curriculum with the public.

Presentation and Marketing Skills
By James McCullar, FAIA, 2008 AIANY President

Greg Silk of API Partners and Dana Byrne of RMJM North America led a discussion on the importance of communication, grooming, and portfolio presentation skills. Recommendations included: setting up portfolio and marketing training programs; developing a database on building types (i.e., health facilities) and areas less affected by the recession; joining AIANY committees to develop organizational and speaking skills; participating in reading clubs, or starting an architectural reading group, to hone speaking skills.

The current downturn offers opportunities to develop skills that will be critical in the future:

Registration. Professional registration will be extremely important when the economy revives. AIANY and the Emerging NY Architects committee have organized ARE courses beginning in February offering reduced charges for members.

LEED Certification. The USBGC will be a leader in President Obama’s green energy programs and the revival of the economy where LEED certification will be important.

Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is viewed as an equally important skill set to develop. It was recommended that the Chapter initiate a training program.

Continuing Education. Continuing to develop knowledge in both design and other fields will provide new opportunities.

Building Social Capital. Volunteering to serve on Community Boards, Habitat for Humanity, and other civic organizations to share experience, develop skills, and network.

Sharing Experiences. Older architects have experienced previous recessions and found ways to adapt, such as working in related fields like construction, the arts, and community organizations.

Training Programs
By Ken D’Amato, IMAGINiT Technologies

The discussion led by Paul Seletsky, Assoc. AIA, senior manager of digital design technologies at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, focused on ways to help the profession re-tool toward BIM and LEED during the economic downturn. He would like to set up a new service where contributors create BIM models of federal buildings with the aid of government funding.

There is a continued need for learning and a group should bring together evangelists for continuing technical learning. BIM should be as up-front in the industry as LEED has been. In fact, the USGBC is interested in integrating green initiatives into BIM modeling technology. We have an opportunity to implement this now. Also, the AIA is pushing for its new Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Standards. This group could push the standards through with the BIM process.

Virtual Communication
By Abby Suckle, FAIA, LEED AP, AIANY Secretary, and Diana Darling, founder and publisher of The Architect’s Newspaper

A new website, Exchange Place, will be set up to include free postings of jobs, resumes, available space, and volunteer opportunities. The website will launch in a few weeks, but in the meantime, AIANY is posting important dates and information at http://www.aiany.org/notbusinessasusual. A set of paper files for resources is now located in the Center for Architecture’s Common Room, as well.

01.13.09

01.13.09

Happy New Year! This year begins on a sour note with the state of the economy and architecture firms struggling to stay afloat. The AIANY Chapter is making an effort to help ease woes. Check out “AIANY, Center for Architecture Foundation Address Economic Woes” about its most recent initiative, Not Business As Usual, and be sure to participate in the ongoing discussion about how the architecture community can support itself in these times. Also, be sure to check the e-Oculus Classifieds for the latest job postings, and the New Deadlines section for the latest grant opportunities and competitions (including the Open Call for exhibition designers at the Center for Architecture!).

– Jessica Sheridan, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP

CLICK ON BLOG CENTRAL: AIANY BLOG: The AIANY Chapter’s Blog Central features opinion pieces on architectural issues relevant to NY-based designers, firms, and projects, along with spotlights on debates and discussions at the Center for Architecture and AIANY. It is an informal discussion board. To become a regular contributor to Blog Central, please e-mail e-Oculus. Pen names are welcome.