The Unisphere!

I finally made the trek out to Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the site of the 20th Century World's Fair, where I saw The Unisphere, and some other strange alien buildings.  The theme of the fair, back in 1964, was"Peach Through Understanding" and dedicated to "Man's Achievement on a Shrinking Globe in an Expanding Universe."  

 

Seeing the colossal spherical structure and connecting with the theme of the fair was rejuvenating and gave me the inspiration I was looking for last week.

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.  

Louis Kahn's FDR Memorial!

This summer I had the privilege of visiting the FDR Memorial on Roosevelt Island, designed by none other than Louis Kahn.  Thanks to my professor Christian Volkman from the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of New York and Sciame Construction for arranging this tour for my fellow students and I.

It was also my first trip to Roosevelt Island, which added to the excitement of the trip.  But seeing the monument, even when it was still in construction, really was amazing.  Even after his death, the memorial is true to Kahn's high level of quality and detail, thanks to a few architects on the job who used to work with Mr. Kahn and are helping to preserve his vision.

Every single part of this memorial is constructed out of Mount Airy Granite as per Louis Kahn's original specification.  It is a bright white, with a few black and gray specks.  The lines are clean and strong, with open joints between each block.  The precision is incredible, and I can't wait to go back when it is complete.

I have had issues in the past, with buildings that almost seem like they were made more for the photographs in magazines than for the people who lived there. And then there are the buildings that don't look so great when you read about them and look at photos, but are incredible when you visit them in person.  This memorial has both qualities.  It has that harmonious balance of proportions, materials, and spirit.  It took my breath away.  The palpable quiet, the utter peace one can experience there.  I enjoyed it when I was there, and I enjoy it still now as I look back at the photos a few months later.  

To read more about the memorial and updates on his progress, click here and here.

Barcelona Chairs and Pilates Reformers

I had a great time visiting Gratz Industries for a meeting last week (for a top secret project!).  Gratz began in 1929 and is the original manufacturer of the Barcelona Chair and the Pilates Reformer machine.  They also design and fabricate custom furniture and other interior components such as the glass wall shown below. I'm excited to work with them on my current project and hopefully more in the future.

To read more about the history of the company, click here.

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Now At the Lever House: The Magical World of Paula Hayes

The best part about going to the doctor is that my doctor's office is right across the street from the Lever House.  I always stop in when I'm in the neighborhood, not only because it is one of my most favorite modern, international style buildings, designed by one of my favorite architects of that time period, Gordon Bunshaft of S.O.M., but also because the lobby is an art gallery, and there is always something interesting on view there.  This time, the work of Paula Hayes is on display, and she has transformed the lobby into a peaceful oasis in the middle of crazy midtown.  Not only is there a giant blob shaped fish bowl and many lush plants, but the sound of water fills the lobby as you explore this strange new world.