Cocktails and Conversation with Bartholomew Voorsanger, FAIA, and Alastair Gordon

On 06.16.17, the Center for Architecture gathered two of the industry’s beloved veterans and a good-sized crowd for another installment of “Cocktails and Conversation.” The hosts were distinguished architect Bartholomew Voorsanger, FAIA, of Voorsanger Architects and renowned journalist Alastair Gordon. The two recently collaborated on a biography of Voorsanger’s poignant and fascinating life and his artistic process. The book is titled Unfolded: How Architecture Saved My Life and is available now through Gordon’s own “Gordon de Vries Studio” imprint. Continue reading “Cocktails and Conversation with Bartholomew Voorsanger, FAIA, and Alastair Gordon”

Climate Change in NYC: Bridging Science and Practice

On 06.08.17, the Center for Architecture continued the environmental momentum from the previous night’s lecture with a panel discussion on the effects of climate change on New York City’s future urban design. While the previous lecture addressed what individual property owners could do to mitigate their environmental impact through retrofitting, “Climate Change in NYC: Bridging Science and Practice” focused on the imminent threat to New Yorkers of rising sea levels and increased average temperatures. Continue reading “Climate Change in NYC: Bridging Science and Practice”

Michael Gabellini, FAIA, Delivers AIANY 2017 Gil Oberfield Lecture

Master minimalist Michael Gabellini, FAIA, delivered the 2017 Gil Oberfield Lecture at the Center for Architecture on 5.18.17, sharing anecdotes and philosophical imperatives he’s developed at his firm Gabellini Sheppard, along with a few hints about what’s on the boards. Continue reading “Michael Gabellini, FAIA, Delivers AIANY 2017 Gil Oberfield Lecture”

Social Sciences, Good for Your Bottom Line and Society

When social science research is characterized as the antidote to contemporary life’s afflictions, architects are justifiably wary. The practitioners who shared their insights at a recent AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee argued against compartmentalizing this field of study. Rather, their aim is to make the research more ubiquitous, a more substantive part of how we understand and shape the built environment. When we improve our understanding of society, the chances that social relationships will be “linked to place,” to quote moderator Margaret Newman of Arup, are also improved. “We are addressing a ‘better architecture’ topic,” said committee co-chair Melissa Marsh; social science is intrinsically connected to design excellence. Continue reading “Social Sciences, Good for Your Bottom Line and Society”

Oculus Book Review: The Arab City: Architecture and Representation

The Arab City: Architecture and Representation, edited by Amale Andraos and Nora Akawi, is comprised of 26 essays discussing not just the state of Arab architecture but the state of architecture in an endlessly fluid political landscape. The essays and commentaries were gathered for the 2014 symposium at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) entitled “Architecture and Representation: The Arab City.” The result is an endlessly handsome volume of poetic dialogue about the region. Continue reading “Oculus Book Review: The Arab City: Architecture and Representation”

Michael Maltzan, FAIA, Says Public Housing Must Anticipate the Future

On 03.29.17, the conversation surrounding the future of public housing returned to the Center for Architecture. Housing by Los Angeles-based architect Michael Maltzan, FAIA, Design Principal, Michael Maltzan Architecture, has won numerous awards within the past year including the American Architecture Award, the AIA Los Angeles Gold Medal Honoree, and two Residential Architecture Design awards. Architect and AIANY Housing Committee co-chair Fernando Villa, AIA, LEED, AP BD+C, introduced Maltzan’s work, calling it “always inspiring, innovative and thoughtful.” He noted too how architecture can be “a bulwark” against a government that is increasingly unconcerned for people relying on public assistance. Continue reading “Michael Maltzan, FAIA, Says Public Housing Must Anticipate the Future”

Jeanne Gang and Michael Kimmelman Discuss Truth and Public Work in Architecture

On 03.24.17, two of the biggest names in architecture stopped by the Center for Architecture for a lively evening of illumination and calls to action. Once the crowd of 180 fans filed into Tafel hall and the mezzanine balcony, AIANY and Center for Architecture executive director Benjamin Prosky warmed up the crowd for the two giants who, as he noted, needed no introduction: Jeanne Gang, principal of Chicago-based Studio Gang, and Michael Kimmelman, New York Times architecture critic. Continue reading “Jeanne Gang and Michael Kimmelman Discuss Truth and Public Work in Architecture”