Incorporated in 1894 to unite, represent, promote and enhance the profession and practice of architecture in the borough of Brooklyn. www.aiabrooklyn.org december 2014
AIA BROOKLYN Board of Directors GreeK reVIVAl ArcHItecture OFFICERS: - President: brooKlYN borouGH HAll Ida Galea, AIA [email protected] rooklyn received it’s city charter in 1834 - Vice President: and the cornerstone for the building was Anthony Marchese, AIA [email protected] B set in 1836. The land for the building was donated to the city by the Remsen and Pierre- - Treasurer: Patricia Sears, AIA pont families. A competition to design the build- [email protected] ing was won by architect Calvin Pollard. How- ever, due to lack of funds the construction was - Secretary: Vincent Nativo, AIA halted until 1845. [email protected]
- Chapter Attorney: When work resumed again it was according to Ray Mellon, Esq. Honorary, AIA the design of architect Gamaliel King who had DIRECTORS: been the second place winner in the original Teresa Byrne Salter, AIA design competition. King’s design was scaled [email protected] Gerald Goldstein, AIA down to save money but the design paid hom- [email protected] age to Pollard’s original “Greek Revival Style” Susana Honig, AIA The building was constructed of Tuckahoe [email protected] Pamela Weston, Associate, AIA Marble.* Construction was completed in 1848. [email protected] In the year 1895 fire destroyed the cupola that REPRESENTATIVES: AIA/NYS stood at the top of the building. It was made of Giuseppe Anzalone, AIA wood and painted to look like the marble Sebastian M. D”Alessandro, AIA used for the exterior. ARCHITECTS COUNCIL: Gerald Goldstein, AIA Sebastian M. D’Alessandro, AIA Three years would pass before a new cast iron cupola was installed, and about COMMITTEES: the same time, i.e.1898 Brooklyn became - Continuing Education continued on page 4 Jean Miele, AIA
- Design Committee Teresa Byrne Salter, AIA
- Emerging Professionals David Flecha, Associate AIA david.fl [email protected]
- Membership Committee Pamela Weston, Associate, AIA [email protected]
- Programming Committee Susana Honig, AIA [email protected]
- Sports Committee Gaetano Ragusa, AIA Nick Raschella, Assoc. AIA
- Urban Design Committee I. Donald Weston, FAIA
photos credit: anthony marchese, aia DECEMBER 2014
3 CONTENTS 6 5 1 Kitchen Renovation Italian Style 12 9 8 8 8 4 4 3 Rubberstamping Rampant Rubberstamping Greek Revival Architecture FEATURES Upcoming Chapter Meeting AIA Brooklyn News Quotes The Corner The Siccups Corner Presenter Months Last AIA National News Committee Design Urban Calendar of Events Calendar DEPARTMENTS 6 5 OBJECT TEXT FRAME OPTIONS BASELINE: LEADING
committee report BROOKLYN urban desiGn ARCHITECTS SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION INC. October 15, 2014
Formed to raise funds for awarding Topic: Pier 6 Brooklyn Bridge Park Development architectural scholarships to qualifi ed persons and to advance the architec- The Brooklyn Bridge Park Organization is to be commended for its efforts in seeking the best tural profession. All members that are solution for this important location.* After reviewing the 14 design proposals the Urban Design in good standing of the AlA/Brook- Committee reached a consensus nominating scheme number 10, by the team of NV/da + O’Neill lyn are automatically members of the Brooklyn Architects Scholarship McVoy Architects, as the most interesting building concept but, immediately after, unanimously Foundation Inc. agreed that Brooklyn Bridge park is not the place where it should be built, and could could set a precedent leading to further development in the park. PRESIDENT Incorporated in 1894 to unite, represent, promote and enhance the profession and practice of architecture in the borough of Brooklyn. www .AIABrooklyn. Frank LoPresto, AIA org AIA BROOKLYN Board of Directors AIA Brooklyn is opposed to this usurpation of parkland for development. OFFICERS: - President: M AY 2014 Ida Galea, AIA [email protected]
- Vice President: Anthony Marchese, AIA [email protected] ICONIC - Treasurer: BROOKLYN The Urban Design Committee report in the October 2014 Pylon suggests Patricia Sears, AIA VICE PRESIDENT [email protected] NEON SIGNS - Secretary: Vincent Nativo, AIA [email protected]
- Chapter Attorney: Ray Mellon, Esq. Honorary, AIA
DIRECTORS Sebastian D’Alessandro, AIA an alternate method of generating revenue for park maintenance which Teresa Byrne :Salter, AIA [email protected] Gerald Goldstein, AIA [email protected] Susana Honig, AIA [email protected] Pamela Weston, Associate, AIA [email protected]
REPRESENTATIVES: AIA/NYS could at the same time contribute to the creation of new parks. Giuseppe Anzalone, AIA Sebastian M. D”Alessandro, AIA
ARCHITECTS COUNCIL: Gerald Goldstein, AIA Sebastian M. D’Alessandro, AIA TREASURER COMMITTEES: - Continuing Education Jean Miele, AIA
- Design Committee Teresa Byrne Salter, AIA
- Emerging Professionals Patricia Sears, AIA David Flecha, Associate AIA [email protected]
- Membership Committee * To read Pier 6 Development Sites RFP Update - see May 2014 Pylon (right). Pamela Weston, Associate, AIA [email protected]
- Programming Committee Susana Honig, AIA [email protected]
- Sports Committee Gaetano Ragusa, AIA You can also visit our website to obtain a copy: Nick Raschella, Assoc. AIA www.aiabrooklyn.org/pylons - Urban Design Committee SECRETARY I. Donald Weston, FAIA Giuseppe Anzalone, AIA To see the design proposals go to: DIRECTORS www.BrooklynBridgePark.org/pages/project-approvals-and-presentations SusanaHonig, AIA BarryStanley, AIA DmitriyShenker, AIA RayMellon, Esq., Hon. AIA ~ PYLON STAFF ~
EDITOR : Anthony Marchese, AIA [email protected]
CREATIVE DIRECTOR : Allen Kushner [email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGERS : Anthony Marchese, AIA [email protected] LEGEND RESIDENTIAL CONTRIBUTORS : PUBLIC John Gallagher, AIA PARKING / STORAGE Gerald I. Goldstein, AIA Anthony Marchese, AIA I. Donald Weston, FAIA Pamela Weston, Assoc. AIA
Deadline for submission to the Pylon is the second Wednesday of each month. Articles or notices may be submitted to the Editor by e-mail, fax or on disc. Handwritten acticles or verbal comments are cheerfully receieved. Material printed in the PYLON is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon nor acted on as legal opinion or advice. The PYLON is published by the Brooklyn Chapter AIA and no portion may be reproduced without written permission. Copyright: 2014
pylon december 2014 3 aia national news
he message from the voters in this year’s election for design fi rms of all sizes who wish to enter the fed- was pretty clear: “We are tired of the gridlock and eral marketplace. It will ensure that agencies have the T partisanship.” But Congress and the White House ability to select the most qualifi ed design-build teams have plenty of opportunities to get back in the voters’ who will deliver the best buildings for agencies and the good graces. As architects on the front lines of job cre- public. And, it will encourage more of the best talent ation, we have two easy-to-implement ideas about how in the architectural community to bid for Uncle Sam’s to do just that. Each has as its goal a primary concern of business, which will benefi t not only job creation but voters – increasing jobs and opportunity for small busi- tax payers as well. ness. Better still, each has bipartisan support. Second, Congress should restore an important in- First, Congress can take a big step toward reforming centive for energy effi cient building, the Section 179D how the government spends taxpayer dollars on design incentive, which was fi rst included in the tax code in and construction. Federal procurement policy currently the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Commercial buildings discourages the best architecture fi rms from ever com- consume roughly 36 percent of the electricity gener- peting for Uncle Sam’s business. Firms are often forced ated in this country, so by improving a building’s en- to spend hundreds of thousands – if not millions – of dol- ergy effi ciency, you take a big step forward to energy lars to compete for a contract they have a small chance independence and lower electric bills. In the statute, of winning. That means small architecture and design the more energy-effi cient the building is, the bigger the fi rms face the dilemma of ‘betting it all’ on a contract they deduction (up to $1.80 per square foot). Encouraging may not win, or simply staying on the sideline. conservation is that rare bird on environmental issues where there are areas of agreement between Repub- Legislation in both the House and Senate (in the House: licans and Democrats. Unfortunately, Congress let the Design-Build Effi ciency and Jobs Act of 2013 - H.R. incentive expire at the end of 2013. Restoring it will cre- 2750; in the Senate: S.2652) would alleviate the strain ate jobs and save energy: a win-win for everybody. on small fi rms by improving the odds that a qualifi ed design fi rm can win a contract. The “Design Build” leg- - Joe Smith islation would provide more certainty and opportunities Executive Director of AIA Component GreeK reVIVAl ArcHItecture cont.
consolidated into the city of New York. Thereafter the Courthouse on Chambers Street and Saint Patrick’s building went from Brooklyn City Hall to Brooklyn Bor- Cathedral. (note: the Tuckahoe quarries are only ough Hall. The building was designated a New York about 30 miles from Brooklyn – good for obtaining City Landmark in 1996. In 1980 the building was add- LEED credits!) ed to the National Register of Historic Places, the gild- ed statue of justice was placed on top of the cupola. On January 21, 2014 the new Commissioner of the Department of Buildings will be at our Chapter’s *Note: Tuckahoe or Westchester marble was quarried General meeting. See Events section. at Tuckahoe NY and besides the Borough Hall was used on many of New York City’s notable buildings – to name a few: Federal Hall on Wall Street., Tweed - Anthony Marchese, AIA
last presenter month
many thanks to last months presenter…
Laurel Christensen Bigass Fans
e would like to thank Laurel, she taught everyone what defines the index of comfort W and all about HVLS Fans. www.bigassfans. 4 december 2014 pylon rubberstAmPING rAmPANt IN brooKlYN (PArt 1)
disturbing trend within the profession, which has been growing over the last several years A but is hard to document, is that of a licensed architect or engineer affi xing his or her signature and seal to drawings that were not prepared by the individ- ual, nor prepared under the direct supervision thereof. Commonly called “rubber stamping”, documentation from the Department of Buildings web site has shown that this practice is more widespread than heretofore imagined. The rubberstamping phenomenon generally takes three forms. It is by no means limited to Brooklyn.
First, are jobs run by fi ling reps, also known as expedit- them, although it is hard to discern patterns. In some ers. This fi rst scenario usually begins with a homeowner cases the previous arrangement becomes unaccept- who wishes to enlarge or improve his home. The fi rst per- able to one or both parties. Often, too many changes son the owner calls is usually a contractor. Those con- based on resolution of objections requires more pro- tractors who are unwilling to work without a permit often fessional input than the licensee bargained for or that steer the owner to an expediter. Sometimes an owner, the expediter is willing to pay for. . Jobs involving su- through friends or associates, will contact the fi ling rep perseding of applicants are often examples of rubber directly. The expediter will discuss the project scope with stamped projects gone sour. the owner, design the job and prepare plans or arrange with freelance drafters to prepare plans, and then shop RA’s and PE’s, many of them newly for a professional to sign and seal the plans. The expe- licensed, willing to make easy money by diter will fi le the job and pursue approval at DOB with as participating in this illegal activity. little further involvement of the professional as possible.
In most of these cases the expediter controls the entire Unfortunately, here seem to be plenty of RA’s and PE’s, job including the fi nancial arrangements. The owner many of them newly licensed, willing to make easy mon- pays the expediter directly for all services. Cases have ey by participating in this illegal activity. AIA campaigns been documented where a job has stagnated at DOB, to warn owners to “see an architect fi rst” have been or the job has otherwise soured, and inquiries by the largely ineffectual in reaching homeowners or small owner were made to DOB. When asked for the archi- businesses. Mainly, since past messages have been tect’s name the owner often does not know it, or names targeted at an audience that already knows the value of the expediter as the architect. an architect’s services from the beginning of a project.
DOB had, a policy of requiring the applicant of record Second are jobs where licensed professionals actually to attend all examiner appointments after number 5, as provide access to their stamp to third parties. In this sce- a way of requiring direct input of the professional. This nario a formal arrangement between a licensed profes- policy was recently changed after Borough administra- sional and an expediter for the use of the stamp is made. tion grew tired of repeated complaints from fi ling reps that they had been turned away from appointments DOB has seen several cases where applicants notify because the applicant could not, or would not attend DOB of misuse of their stamp and wish to withdraw from meetings with examiners. a list of jobs. This often occurs after disagreements oc- cur between the fi ling rep and the licensee over fi nancial Cases where an examiner appointment is attended arrangements. Again, owners often do not deal directly by both the professional and the fi ling rep have been with the licensee and often have made all payments for noted where the professional agrees with the examiner services to the fi ling rep. For the licensee the arrange- that a change to the plans is necessary, but the fi ling ment is quick money without the work. For the fi ling rep rep protests. This is often the result of promises made the arrangement leads to credibility in the community, to the owner by the fi ling rep that cannot be approved. and the major part of the fee for services. The fi ling rep is unwilling to go back to the owner and explain that what was promised cannot be built. This artcile shall continue within the next Pylon.
Some fi ling reps who illegally practice architecture - John Gallagher, AIA, in this way use several professionals to aid and abet President Brooklyn AIA (1996-1997) pylon december 2014 5
the Siccups corner
he Latin word “Sic” pronounced sik,or sek and Open porche (sic) meaning “Thus”; or; “it is so” is used in written – a convertible sports car T texts to indicate that a surprising or paradoxical Proposed beating (sic) and drinking establishment word, phrase, or fact is not a mistake and is to be read – a new S & M bar? as it stands. Garbage chew (sic) – not very appetizing The advent of the computer allows us to make mis- Dinning (sic) Room takes faster than ever before. Most spell checking – too noisy too eat programs will not pick up every misspelling and will Elevator sing (sic) off do nothing for correctly spelled but out of place words. – sounds even better than in the shower The following are taken from actual working drawings, Herewith Submitting Super Structural (sic) Drawings applications and correspondence filed with the DOB, – and the sprinkler drawings aren’t so bad either along with some commentary. - John Gallagher, AIA
the Quotes corner
“A truly great book should be read in youth, “A doctor can bury his mistakes, again in maturity and once more in old age, but an architect can only advise his clients as a fine building should be seen by morning light, to plant vines.” at noon and by moonlight.” - Robertson Davies - Frank Lloyd Wright
aia brooklyn news
A warm welcome to our Newest Members
Mr. Paolo Agostinelli, Intl. Assoc. AIA Mr. Ojiakor Obinani, AIA
Ms. Fajer AlQattan, Assoc. AIA Mr. Matthew F Potts, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Nicholas Caron, Assoc. AIA Mr. Nicholas Miyamoto Reiter, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Stephen Conte, Assoc. AIA Mrs. Stephanie L Rogowski, AIA
Mr. Erik T Gerlach, Assoc. AIA Mr. Andrew Salter, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Andre J Herrero, Assoc. AIA Mr. Ivan Segic, AIA
Mr. Parker J. Hoar, Assoc. AIA Mr. Richard J. South, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Andy Jordan, Assoc. AIA Mr. Wesley J Thompson, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Andrew R. Kracht, Assoc. AIA Ms. Jessie A. Turnbull, AIA
Mr. Soonjae Kwon, Assoc. AIA Mr. Harry F. Vicci, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Vincent Linarello, AIA Mr. Jimmy Villarraga, Assoc. AIA
Mr. Matthew K. Lynch, Assoc. AIA Mr. Ahmed T Wafik, Intl. Assoc. AIA
Mrs. Ruth C Mandl, AIA 8 december 2014 pylon LOOKING AHEAD
REGULARLY SCHEDULED CHAPTER MEETINGS Design Insurance Agency, inc. Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are scheduled at: Committee Meetings: 5:30 PM Dedicated to satisfying the needs Cocktails: 5:30 PM of today’s design professional Dinner: 6:00 PM Program: 7:00 PM ------90 Broad Street, 15th floor new york, ny 10004 Phone: 212) 233.6890 • Fax: 212) 233.7852 General Meeting email: [email protected]
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pylon december 2014 11 PYloN newsletter AiA Brooklyn Chapter of the American Institute of Architects
41 Second Street Brooklyn, NY 11231
Brooklyn Architects Scholarship Foundation
UPCOMING CHAPTER MEETINGS Dec. 3, 2014 Jan. 21, 2015
eVents calendar actiVities
CHAPTER’S GENERAL MEETING AIA BROOKLYN Education (CAE) connects architects HOLIDAY PARTY and allied professionals interested in Jan. 21, 2015 designing, building and using superior Wednesday, December 3, 2014 educational, cultural, and recreational The new location: The Liberty Warehouse facilities that meet the needs of Brooklyn Borough Hall 260 Conover Street students of all ages. AIA-CAE members Community Room 209 Brooklyn, NY 11231 educate the public about the value of Joralemon Street, Bklyn, NY 1120 quality educational facility design.
The new LATIN AMERICA IN Brasilia under construction, 1957 Commissioner of the Department CONSTRUCTION: of Buildings will be speaking at our ARCHITECTURE 1955-1980 Chapter’s General meeting March 29, 2015 - Sunday, July 19, 2015 New York, NY - MoMA SAGRADA FAMILIA GAUDÍ’S UNFINISHED In 1955 The Museum of Modern Art MASTERPIECE: GEOMETRY, staged Latin American Architecture since CONSTRUCTION AND SITE 1945, a landmark survey of modern architecture in Latin America (photo right). September 29, 2014 – May 8, 2015 On the 60th anniversary of that important The City College of New York, show, the Museum returns to the region to 141 Convent Avenue (at 135th Street) offer a complex overview of the positions, debates, and architectural creativity from Hosting a once-in-a-lifetime exhibition Mexico and Cuba to the Southern Cone of La Sagrada Familia, between 1955 and the early 1980s. the magnum opus of Antoni Gaudí.
This is the only time that such a 2015 CAE SPRING CONFERENCE demonstration of Gaudí’s genius will be featured on American soil. Many April 15 - April 18, 2015 institutions have vied for this singular Detroit, Michigan opportunity, and City College is honored to offer this extraordinary experience. The American Institute of Architects Not to be missed. Committee on Architecture for