Category: In The News

Since its June 9 opening, I have visited the High Line twice — once during the day and once at night. While I have some criticisms, overall the park, designed by Field Operations with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, is a new amenity to the Meatpacking District and an example of how good design can produce successful public space.

A couple of Sundays ago, even though the line stretched down the block to 10th Avenue, I only waited about 10 minutes to ascend the stairs at Gansevoort Street. As my friend commented, it was like walking through all of the renderings we’ve seen over the last couple of years, with a mix of people and kids of all ages crouching at the plants and pointing to the skyline. The amphitheater that allows visitors to view 9th Avenue recalls Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s ICA in Boston, setting up a familiar vocabulary to followers of the firm’s work and also demonstrating a unique way to solve ADA requirements with a ramp that winds along the seats. When I saw that some of the benches had been vandalized already, at first I thought it was unfortunate. Then, I began to think that street art could add another layer to the park, referencing the city’s past in addition to the preservation of the train tracks.

My biggest criticism of the High Line is the lack of shade structures. Other than the shelter from the buildings that straddle the park, there are no opportunities to escape the hot summer sun or the occasional scattered shower. By the time I descended from the park, I needed water to rehydrate.

At night, the low lights (both in setting and luminescence), designed by Hervé Descottes, provide visitors with uninterrupted views of the cityscape. The lighting under the building overpasses is sparse, and could provide areas for future light installations as well. The only area where the limited lights are not successful — even treacherous — is at the amphitheater. I almost fell as I tried to descend the stairs to the seating area.

There is no question that the High Line is a great addition to the city, already publicly recognized as an achievement (See “Architecture Takes the Stairs,” by Murrye Bernard, LEED AP, and “High Line Offers New Slant on City Views,” by Lisa Delgado, in this issue). I plan on visiting it frequently in all seasons to experience the change in foliage, and I am excited for Section 2 to open, supposedly next summer. I also hope that the success of Section 1 will convince the city and developers to preserve the full Section 3 at the West Side Rail Yards.

In this issue:
· Rhythm Comes Alive in Midtown
· “Project of the Year” Transforms SoHa
· Mini Golfers Take On Rocket Science
· Court of Appeals Rules D.C.’s Judiciary Square
· Library is a Learning Landscape in Baltimore
· Exoskeleton Cools Dubai

Rhythm Comes Alive in Midtown

Cassa.

TEN arquitectos

TEN Arquitectos celebrated both the firm’s 25th anniversary and the unveiling of a new project, Cassa, a Midtown Manhattan hotel condominium designed in collaboration with Cetra/Ruddy. The building will rise 48 stories and contain 57 residences and 166 hotel rooms. The building’s windows have a punctured rhythm that are the façade’s only ornament, intending to bring the activities of residents and guests to life. Assa Properties and Desires Hotel are developing Cassa, which will include a world-class restaurant, spa, private terrace, and lounge. Construction has already begun and the project is fully funded for completion by mid-2010.

“Project of the Year” Transforms SoHa

SoHa 118.

GF55 Partners

SoHa 118, a 14-story building in South Harlem designed by GF55 Partners and developed by Artimus Construction, has been named “Project of the Year” by the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH). The 185,000-square-foot, mixed-use project consists of 93 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments offered at both market and affordable rates. SoHa 118 marks the completion of a block on Frederick Douglass Boulevard between 118th and 119th Streets. Artimus and GF55 Partners have worked together to transform this formerly neglected district into a vibrant community, with large-scale urban development on two adjacent blocks, containing five sites and seven residential buildings, with a sixth site containing a newly renovated church.

Mini Golfers Take On Rocket Science

Rocket Park Mini Golf.

Lee H. Skonick Architecture + Design Partnership

The New York Hall of Science in Queens, the city’s hands-on science and technology center, has added a new permanent exhibition called Rocket Park Mini Golf. Designed by Lee H. Skolnick Architecture + Design Partnership, the park uses space-age colors and graphics reminiscent of the 1960s. The exhibition features two authentic NASA rockets and a nine-hole course that was designed to allow mini-golfers to encounter scientific concepts such as propulsion, thrust, gravity, escape velocity, launch window, gravitational assist, and more. For example, the hole called “launch window” forces players to pick the right time to launch their “rocket” through turning, intersecting elliptical orbit with planets and other celestial matter that will hinder its trajectory and hamper their trip to Saturn.

Court of Appeals Rules D.C.’s Judiciary Square

Historic Courthouse of Judiciary Square.

Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners

Following a four-year restoration and renovation program developed by Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners, the Historic Courthouse of Judiciary Square in the nation’s capital will become the new home for the District’s highest court, the D.C. Court of Appeals. Originally designed by George Hadfield in 1820 to serve as the D.C. City Hall, the Historic Courthouse is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest public buildings in the district. Vacant since 1999, the courthouse was in need of a comprehensive overhaul to be restored to its original grandeur, while also in need of being transformed into a fully functioning modern courthouse. Beyer Blinder Belle integrated the expanded facilities and modern systems with minimal disruption to the historic structure.

The most significant challenge was the excavation of the new ceremonial courtroom beneath the grand south-side portico, where the original stone and brick support structure below needed to be entirely removed — with the portico in place — and replaced with a complex, steel structural framework. The new facilities, including a grand ceremonial courtroom, reception and exhibition space, and administrative facilities, were built below-grade, thereby maintaining the integrity of the historic façade. This configuration also allowed mechanical equipment to be located in the residual space between the existing foundation wall and the foundation of the new parking garage, further minimizing impact on the historic structure.

Library is a Learning Landscape in Baltimore

Multi-use “park bench” with computer work stations.

© Erik Kvalsvik

To meet the Bentalou Elementary School’s goal of improving literacy through independent study that incorporates adventure and discovery, NYC-based W Architecture and Landscape Architecture re-imagined the Baltimore school’s library as a “learning landscape.” The 2,016-square-foot flexible space was created from three smaller spaces, and includes an oversized “park bench” doubles as a casual reading area on one side, with a docking area for computers on the other. A green circular carpet provides a more casual reading area. Nine wall clocks installed over the bookshelves tell the time in Baltimore and eight sister cities around the world. Behind the librarian’s desk, a former door to the corridor is now a window allowing visibility into the space as well as displaying special reading material. Storage space was hidden behind a wall of doors, and most of the existing shelving and furniture was adapted for re-use, while new lighting, solar shading, and a more efficient HVAC system all help save energy.

Exoskeleton Cools Dubai

O-14.

© lmresolt.com

The exterior shell of O-14, the 22-story commercial tower perched on a two-story podium in Dubai, recently topped out, revealing a full-height concrete exoskeleton. Designed by NY-based Reiser+Umemoto in collaboration with the Creek Side Development Company of Dubai, the project is located along the extension of Dubai Creek on a waterfront esplanade. High-strength self-consolidating concrete was cast around a basket weave of steel reinforcement resulting in a perforated exterior shell. The concrete shell provides an efficient structure that frees the core from the lateral forces and creates highly efficient, column-free open spaces in the building interior. In addition, the shell acts as a sunscreen open to light, air, and views. A space nearly one meter deep between the shell and the glazing creates a chimney effect; this passive solar technique contributes naturally to the cooling system, thus reducing energy consumption by 30%. O-14 is expected to be completed in the Spring of 2010.

If it ever stops raining, take advantage of this recession-friendly program over the summer. More than 200 bikes are available to ride around five miles of car-free paths on Governors Island, for up to one hour. The entire 2.2-mile promenade that circles the island is open for the first time, including Picnic Point, a new eight-acre picnic area at the southwestern corner. On Fridays through 10.09.09, Governors Island is open from 10am-5pm. Bikes are available to rent on Saturdays and Sundays, and visitors are also permitted to bring their own bikes. For more information, visit the Governors Island website.

While you are on the Island, also check out the city’s first public art quadrennial, Plot 09: This World & Nearer Ones, to be produced by Creative Time. The exhibition, which opens 06.27.09, will feature 19 public art commissions by international artists from nine countries, including Patti Smith and Mark Wallinger.

2009 Lumen Awards Winners include, in the following categories: Lumen Citation for Art Installation in a Public Space, “This Way” — Under the Brooklyn Bridge by Tillett Lighting Design, Inc. and KT3D; Lumen Citation for Featured Visual Element, GSC Group by Cline Bettridge Bernstein Lighting Design, and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill; Lumen Citation for Integration of Light, Architecture and Signage, TKTS Ticket Booth by Fisher Marantz Stone, Inc., Perkins Eastman, and Choi Ropiha Architects (Competition Architect); Lumen Citation for Merchandise Lighting, Elizabeth Arden, Fifth Avenue by RS Lighting Design and Highland Associates, NYC; Lumen Citation for Technical Lighting Achievement, NYC Waterfalls by Jaros, Baum & Bolles; Lumen Award of Merit, Bar Boulud by Tirschwell & Co., Inc., Design Bureaux (Design Architect) and Michael Zenreich Architects (Arch. of Record); Lumen Award of Merit, Royalton Hotel by Focus Lighting Team; Lumen Feltman Award of Excellence, Vera Wang New York Flagship Store by Tillotson Design Associates and Gabellini Sheppard Associates; and Lumen Award of Excellence, Museum of Islamic Arts — Interior by Fisher Marantz Stone, Inc. and I.M. Pei Architect…

The AIA New Jersey Chapter, Preservation New Jersey, and the DOCOMOMO-US New York/ Tri-State Chapter were recognized with a Historic Preservation Award for Bell Labs Charrette…

Parsons The New School for Design has appointed William Morrish as dean of the School of Constructed Environments, which houses Parsons’ programs in Architecture, Interior Design, Lighting Design, and Product Design… The Executive Committee of the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) elected Victor F. Ganzi as Chairman, succeeding John Chalsty who resigned in March after 15 years of service…

Ted Moudis Associates announced an alliance with London-based MCM Architecture Ltd… Alfred Moreno has joined Stantec as a Principal and Airport Terminal Leader for the U.S…

2009 Oculus Editorial Calendar
If you are an architect by training or see yourself as an astute observer of New York’s architectural and planning scene, note that OCULUS editors want to hear from you! Projects/topics may be anywhere, but architects must be New York-based. The themes:

Winter Issue: Health & Architecture. Architecture designed to promote fitness, health, and wellness will be profiled. Projects selected from within this growing field will demonstrate sensitivity to generational and demographic issues, sustainability, and technology.
08.01.09: Suggestion Deadline

If you have suggestions, please contact OCULUS editor-in-chief Kristen Richards.

06.29.09 Call for Entries: Arquitectum Architecture Competition: Paris 2009

11.17.09 Call for Entries: 2010 Skyscraper Competition

Washington Square Park.

Jessica Sheridan

After years of construction, and persisting through community outrage and political strife, Washington Square Park has finally re-opened. With a centered fountain and improved accessibility, I was pleased to see the park return to its original state of crowded inhabitation.

At my first visit, even though I knew that changes had been made, I found it difficult to tell what was different from the previous incarnation. It took a while to sense the symmetry of the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation’s reconstruction to register. After sitting in various places throughout the afternoon, I began to feel the openness at the center of the park where the fountain now aligns with the arch, as well as on the increased grassy areas.

Although I was extremely skeptical about whether the design improvements were necessary, and I was disappointed to have lost the park for so long during construction, I was surprised by the power of subtle shifts in the design. The slightest increase of openness can have a major effect on the experience of space. This is a project that successfully proves the rule.

In this issue:
· Geochemistry Building Supports Climate Change
· A Studio Refines Corian
· Passively Efficient in Brooklyn
· Private School Designed for Its Curriculum
· Center for Light Industry and Artisans Rehabilitates Derelict Factory
· Cancer Research Interrelates at New Research Center

Geochemistry Building Supports Climate Change

Gary C. Corner Geochemistry Building at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory.

Payette

Designed by Boston-based Payette, the 70,000-square-foot Gary C. Corner Geochemistry Building at Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in Palisades, NY, is home to hundreds of research scientists who study the evolution and future of the natural world, including the dynamics of the solid earth, circulation of the oceans and atmosphere, and transport of materials via wind and water. A supporter of climate change research, Payette sought to demonstrate that sustainability is more than using green materials and power. The project is notable for its siting and building organization strategies. The imbalance between the number of laboratories and offices required led to an innovative skip-stop massing strategy. A two-story wing of 15-foot-high laboratories was coupled with a three-story wing of 10-foot-high offices. Separating the laboratory and office functions not only reduced the building footprint, it also allowed for a highly responsive energy infrastructure. The lab side is a high-energy environment with complex mechanical systems, while the office side is a low-energy structure with modest systems and operable windows.

A Studio Refines Corian

DuPont Corian Design Studio.

Morris Sato Studio

The Morris Sato Studio’s custom-designed DuPont Corian Design Studio for Evans & Paul DuPont and Dolan & Traynor recently opened in the Flatiron District. The 5,000-square-foot studio is a multi-sensory experience and features a multiplicity of surfacing solutions and applications. The firm defined the space by using the Japanese concept of a borrowed landscape, and the technologies used within the space were designed to draw people in close to the material. Highlights include “starry sky” lighting, featuring 74 pieces of thermoformed Corian.

Passively Efficient in Brooklyn
After Brooklyn Cohousing signed a purchase and sale agreement for a site in the South Slope/Windsor Terrace area, the membership unanimously voted to create a Passive House for its new home. The circa-1929 three-story factory and warehouse is being retrofitted by Levenson McDavid Architects into 30 units ranging in size from studios to three-bedrooms. Known in Germany, where the method originated as “PassivHaus,” the three principles for buildings are: efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and comfort, and involve a set of techniques that result in a nearly air-tight building that is simultaneously supplied with clean, fresh air. The cost of heating and air conditioning is expected to be reduced by up to 90% and an overall energy reduction of up to 70%. As with other cohousing projects, there will be communal areas including a dining room and kitchen, a living room and game room, kid’s room, guest room, workshop and tool room, and outdoor roof space.

Private School Designed for Its Curriculum

Mandell School.

JRS Architect

The Mandell School will be expanding into a new facility in a 15-story residential building that is part of Columbus Square, a three contiguous block retail and residential community currently under construction on the Upper West Side. The 50,000-square-foot build-out, designed by JRS Architect and Aragon Construction, consists of the building’s entire second floor, half of the first floor, and a cellar, and will serve 650 students. The classrooms will be designed around the curriculum. The school will feature a black box theater for student productions, a 20-foot-digital screen that will display student artwork, a vertical garden in the sub-level cafeteria, and a roof garden complete with a poetry reading space. In addition, the team is building a 10,000-square-foot learning center for the school in a residential building nearby that will contain a library and media station.

Center for Light Industry and Artisans Rehabilitates Derelict Factory
The Greenpoint Manufacturing and Design Center (GMDC) recently celebrated a grand opening at 221 McKibbin Street. A 72,000-square-foot building in the North Brooklyn Industrial Business Zone, the former turn-of-the-20th century jute factory was preserved and redesigned by OCV Architects, and has flexible units suitable for light industrial and artisanal uses. The renovation focused on stripping the existing structure of brick, heavy timber, and cast iron down to the original historic features, restoring and highlighting these elements, while designing a functional and efficient space that takes advantage of the original building’s sources for natural light. 221 McKibbin Street represents GMDC’s first project to utilize New Markets and Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits, and, as a recipient, it will be placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Next month, the project will receive a Building Brooklyn Award in the category of Historical Preservation from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

Cancer Research Interrelates at New Research Center

Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Center at UCSF.

Rafael Viñoly Architects

The Helen Diller Family Cancer Research Center at the University of California, San Francisco, designed by Rafael Viñoly Architects, has recently opened its doors. Designed to encourage interaction and collaboration among three different cancer-related research programs, the approximately 162,000-gross-square-foot, five-story building mediates the city/campus transition with two interlocking L-shaped masses above a stone base. The building’s functional order develops around a sky-lit multi-story atrium located between the lab and the office blocks that also is used for public functions. Terraced floor levels are linked by a series of bridges and cascading stairways. The facility’s program includes research labs that feature an open, flexible environment to serve future planning needs by incorporating custom modular lab bench systems with integrated utilities, faculty offices, conference rooms, open break rooms and lounges, a seminar room, lobby, and rooftop terraces.

Design Trust’s 2007 publication Taxi 07: Roads Forward includes several recommendations that have now been adopted by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission: additional service training for drivers, rideshare fares, and group-ride locations. The TLC will also pilot a roof light that displays destinations; the roof light was first exhibited at the Design Trust’s Taxi 07 Exhibit at the 2007 NY International Auto Show.