A Quiet Spot Along the Newtown Creek

My friend showed me this secret spot in my neighborhood.  Its an abandoned train track that leads to the Newtown Creek, and beyond a series of industrial buildings.  There's something about this lonely, polluted place that is also very beautiful and peaceful.  I like going to visit it every so often. 

Home Audio Lighting Installation

My friend Mara hosts a music show every month at her place, where she invites friends to perform pieces they are working on and experiment with sound.  I offered to make an installation for the last one.  I wanted to play with light and shadows, and create an ephemeral feeling for the singing and sound going on in the space.

I've got a week left to create something for the next one...stay tuned!!

Searching for Knowledge and Inspiration at the Moma Again

Did I find it?  I'm not sure. 

I've been working on a furniture design project, that's weighed heavily on my mind, mostly because I've never designed furniture before, so I am constantly looking at furniture everywhere I go.  I think its hard to see right now what I'm learning, but in a while from now, I'll understand. 

Demolition Depot

My current job has led me back in time, into the world of historical preservation, particularly of a Victorian Bank Building in Williamsburg, and into the realm of architectural salvage shops.

(look at that toilet!)

Architecture In The Subway

I was pleasantly surprised to see this lovely exhibit by the Center for Architecture in the West 4th Street subway station.

Entitled New York, New Work, it features built projects as well as theoretical projects, showing a range of work and ideas generated by AIA New York Chapter members during this difficult economic climate.

Discovering Columbus - Tatzu Nishi

Anything that is a physical, built environment, that causes a shift in our perception of something we previously took for granted, is definitely important.  That is something that all architects are searching for in some way or another.  And last week, in Columbus Circle in New York City, I found it in Tatzu Nishi's installation that entirely encompasses the Christopher Columbus statue in Columbus Circle.  

After climbing up 4 flights of stairs, with great views of the city along the way up, you enter what looks like an apartment corridor, which leads to a very comfortable living room.  The only thing out of the ordinary is that Christopher Columbus is standing on the coffee table.  

To me, what is so important about this project is that by simply changing the backdrop of something we completely alter our perception of it.  I have walked past this memorial statue countless times.  But now it stands out in my mind in a different way.  I now have a greater appreciation for this object that is much more a part of my daily life than I realized previously.