In late December 2016, the AIA National Board of Directors adopted the recommendations of the Equity in Architecture Commission, who identified root causes to the lack of diversity in the profession and offered suggestions on how to address these issues, as well as a timeline for implementation. The commission, which included architects, educators, and diversity experts, was launched in November 2015 with the goal of forging action plans for achieving equitable practices through measurable goals. Continue reading “AIA Board Adopts Equity Recommendations”
Category: Chapter News
Oculus Book Review: Never Built New York by Greg Goldin and Sam Lubell
Never Built New York is a straight-forward embrace of the architectural imagination that has flourished around New York City since the Industrial Revolution. Greg Goldin and Sam Lubell have put together an exhilarating romp through the New York City-that-could-have-been with 400 pages of speculative buildings, monuments, and infrastructure. Continue reading “Oculus Book Review: Never Built New York by Greg Goldin and Sam Lubell”
Last Letter from the Editor
After 13 years and almost 60 issues, I am stepping down as editor of Oculus. AIANY is bringing its publications program in-house, and now seems a good time to spread my wings and explore new horizons. Continue reading “Last Letter from the Editor”
Women in Landscape Architecture
On 11.29.16, AIANY’s Global Dialogues and Women in Architecture Committees hosted the fourth annual “Leaning Out” lecture, a series focusing on women in the industry, with a discussion of women in landscape architecture. Dan Gallagher, AIA, and Hana Kassem, AIA, LEED AP, moderated the discussion, and AIANY 2016 President Carol Loewenson, FAIA, LEED AP, provided introductory remarks. Continue reading “Women in Landscape Architecture”
I Love This Place! Social Research-Driven Design
On 12.05.16, the AIANY Social Science and Research Committee held its seventh public program, the last of this year, at the Center for Architecture: “I Love this Place! Exceptional Design Driven by Social Research.” Co-chair Melissa Marsh, Assoc. AIA, explained that she and Evie Klein, Assoc. AIA, positioned the committee under the “Design Excellence” umbrella at AIANY because a social science perspective is critical for great architecture. Continue reading “I Love This Place! Social Research-Driven Design”
Book Review: The Well-Tempered City
On 11.09.16, Jonathan F.P. Rose presented his new book, The Well-Tempered City: What Modern Science, Ancient Civilizations, and Human Nature Teach Us About the Future of Urban Life, at the Center for Architecture. This is an epic tale; a kind of broad-reaching text akin to Howard Zinn’s A People’s History of the United States for cities. Continue reading “Book Review: The Well-Tempered City”
Share Your Thoughts On Architectural Education
The Spring 2017 issue of Oculus will explore contemporary architectural education. We are gathering feedback from AIANY members about their expectations and experiences in hiring recent graduates. We would also like to hear from recent graduates about how they feel their education prepared them for practice. This survey will be used to inform the issue. No one will be quoted without permission.
To respond to the survey, please click here.
Infrastructure, Politics, and the Dilemma of Donald Trump
On 11.18.16, what was originally supposed to be a straightforward discussion between Michael Sorkin, principal of Michael Sorkin Studio, and Michael Murphy, co-founder and executive director of MASS Design Group, was transformed (at their suggestion) into a hothouse of political debate and dissension. They were joined by a sprawling crowd (even the overflow room did not have enough seats for all) to discuss questions facing architects in light of the recent election results, and the initial statement issued by AIA National CEO/EVP Robert Ivy, FAIA, on behalf of AIA’s 89,000 members, that the organization was “committed to working with” President-elect Donald Trump on the infrastructure promises he has made. Continue reading “Infrastructure, Politics, and the Dilemma of Donald Trump”
Roadmap to 80×50
On 11.14.16, the Center for Architecture hosted an intimate discussion of New York City’s progress on its 80×50 initiative, an ambitious plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. Mayor de Blasio’s Office of Sustainability released its “Roadmap to 80×50” strategy this September, detailing how this goal would be achieved in various sectors of environmental concern, including waste, energy, transportation, and buildings. The city joined the 80×50 initiative in 2014.
Three members from the Office of Sustainability led the discussion: Benjamin Mandel, Renewable Energy Policy Advisor; Lia Carione, Senior Policy Advisor; and John Lee, RA, LEED AP, Deputy Director, Buildings and Energy Efficiency. Continue reading “Roadmap to 80×50”
2016 Samuel Ratensky Lecture: Rosanne Haggerty
On 11.17.16, AIANY’s Housing Committee honored the memory of Samuel Ratensky, former New York City Housing Authority director and Monument Man, with a lecture presented by MacArthur Fellow and Jane Jacobs Medal recipient Rosanne Haggerty. Continue reading “2016 Samuel Ratensky Lecture: Rosanne Haggerty”