OCULUS NEW YORK CHAPTER AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

THE BIG STEEL BALL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNSEL ANNOUNCED The appointment of Jack Bern· stein Associates Inc. as Public Af­ fairs Counsel to the New York Chapter of The American Institute of Architects has been announced by Frederick J. Woodbridge, Chap­ ter President. Mr. Woodbridge said that the new counsel was chosen by the executive committee from a num­ ber of firms screened and recom­ mended by the Chapter's Public Affairs Committee, headed by Max 0. Urhahn and Edwin B. Morris, Jr. Jack Bernstein Associates served as Public Relations Counsel to the Committee for Modern Zoning, led by Robert W. Dowling and Dr. Luther Gulick, and on which sev­ eral Chapter members served. The Committee spearheaded the suc­ "UNISPHERE" cessful fight for an up-to-date zon­ by E. 0. Tanner ing resolution for New York City. New Yorkers, at least those who have shown interest in their forth­ "Mr. Bernstein's organization coming 1964 World's Fair, had reactions ranging from mild derision will work in close concert with to angry disappointment last month when Fair President Robert Moses our Public Affairs Committee and unveiled its proposed "theme" structure. Christened "Unisphere" by the Chapter's executive secretary U. S. Steel's Roger Bloug·h, who had offered to build and give it to the to develop and carry out a pro­ Fair as a centerpiece (and as a permanent fixture afterwards in Flush­ gram designed to enhance public ing Meadow Park), the big steel ball, standing some 13 stories high, awareness of the architect's role had an almost ludicrous familiar look. Had it been lifted from the shoul­ in our society," Mr. Woodbridge ders of Rockefeller Center's Atlas-or from the KLM ticket office down said. "It is our purpose to re-estab­ the street? Or could it be the Perisphere of the 1939 Fair, brought back lish the architectural profession as to the same old site with the lath and plaster taken off? No, said Fair the technical and administrative officials, it was Unisphere, "symbolizing man's achievements in a shrink­ leader of the construction indus­ ing globe in an expanding universe." Added Mr. Moses· "There is noth­ try thereby furthering the inter­ ing complicated about it. Frankly, I never understood the Trylon and ests of the profession and the ob­ Perisphere." . . . jectives of the Association." Well frankly, Mr. Moses, we design as well as .ideol?~ies, has a don't understand Unisphere either. duty to welcom~ its _YlSl~ors more "We expect to help the Chapter With all the exciting things to be iha_n achieve its objectives with a ek~quently a~d imagmativ;l~· planned, yet flexible, program utiliz­ said about man's advances and as- thi~. Surely it could be a. s. .,1 uctu.r e pirations in this explosive world, which peopl~ co.uld .part~cipat~ m, ing the wide scope of Chapter ac­ and with all the exciting language perhaps b:y viewmg m~erior .obJects tivities and through the effective of modern architecture and engi- or ascend~ng for v.arious vie~s of exploitation of day-to-day oppor­ · · h'ch to say them the exterior. Or it could simply tunities as they arise," Mr. Bern­ neermg m w i h rt' be a stunning piece of architect- stein said. must we. go back to a. eavy i. - tural sculpture that speaks of the eral version of the ancient armil- . · d d Among the clients served by I h 'th decoration by essential umty an grace an op- Jack Bernstein Associates Inc. are ary sp ere, wi . timism of all mankind. Remington Rand, Dow Chemical, Rand McNally and world capitals America has the ideas and the Hamilton Watch Company, Carl and satellites in winking lights? talent in abundance. Why cannot Zeiss Inc., and Dictograph Prod­ Surely, America, a world leader in some of these be tapped? ucts. Inc. 2 as "What Lies Ahead for the ocu·Lus IMPROVING NEW YORK Metropolitan Area," with Mayor Vol. 32 - Number b Wagner, and Governor Meyner Chapter member Victor Gruen participating, "The Educational AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS set forth his views on traffic prob­ Challenge for New York," "Char­ NEW YOIK CHAPTER lems in New York, at the 3rd ter Reform," "Majorities in the Annual Conference "New York in Metropolis," and "Do Cities Breed MARGOT A. HENKEL, Eacutive Secretary Transi·tion," sponsored by the Lex­ Corruption?" Some 600 persons 115 East 40th Street ington Democratic Club, Saturday, attended the meetings. New York 16, N. T. March 4, 1961, at the Hotel Del­ p.j.g. MUrray Hiii 9-7969 monico. As a member of the panel, "Automobiles, Mass Transit and Philadelphia Plans Special Urban Immobility," Mr. Gruen Women's Program proposed that the key to urban re­ FREDERICK J. WOODBRIDGE ---··--- ,,.,;denf A week-long schedule of events DAVID L. EGGERS ···---··- Vic• Preadenf habilitation is the return to the pedestrian. Panel Member John A. is being planned especially for ar­ PETER S. VAN BLOEM ··-·-··---··--·- Secretary Bailey, Director, Urban Traffic­ chitects' wives attending AIA's MICHAEL M. HARRIS -··--·--·--- Trea1urer Philadelphia, proposed New York 1961 national convention in Phila­ follow the example of the Quaker delphia April 24-28. On the pro­ City in promoting a more efficient gram are a visit to the Henry PAUL JOHN GRAYSON, Editor Francis DuPont Winterthur Mu­ rapid transit thereby reducing the seum and 1,000-acre Longwood need for use of private vehicles in Gardens, a private performance at central business areas. the Playhouse-In-The-Park, tea Public transit systems will, it is with famous artists at the Museum GOOD EXAMPLE No. 1 believed, improve in service and of Art, and tours of many fine old comfort. As this develops, addi­ The need is ever present to re­ homes in Philadelphia and Fair­ tional . parking space for feeder mount Park. late architecture to allied profes­ automobiles will increasingly be­ sions, such as engineering, urban come a part of the public transit design, sculpture and the arts. The service. · LETTERS TO TH.E EDITOR I development of such relationships through the exchange of special­ Other panel members were O. To ·the Editor: ized knowledge in the form of col­ Roy Chalk, Charles J. Murphy, I read in the current issue of laborative lectures or seminars, Charles L. Patterson and Profes­ Oculus that the Building Practices can be helpful in strengthening the sor Charles Stonier. Committee has currently under understanding and values of all Douglas Haskell, Editor of the study a search for a clearer and concerned. Architectural FORUM, and Wal­ more exact way of specifying col­ Such an example of how this ter Fried, Vice Chairman, Housing ors in painting reportedly "In re­ process can work effectively was and Redevelopment Board, ex­ sponse to complaints by the New demonstrated at the Technical changed, in the panel ""Rebuilding York Building Congress." Committee's Lecture on March the Oity of People,'' some words I would like to correct this record 7th. Chapter member Albe~t Ken­ on the matter of the controversial since to my knowledge the Con­ nerly, presented in collaboration Greenwich Village Redevelopment gress has not made any such com­ with consulting engineer, Charles Survey, being proposed by the plaints. In fact, in response to a C. Zollman, an informative and in­ Board. Haskell suggested that the painting industry request referred teresting illustrated talk on "pre­ program would involve complete to ~t ?Y the C~apter the Congress' stressed concrete.'' bulldozing of the area. Victor Bmldmg Pratices Committee com­ Along with Mr. Kennerly's bal­ Gruen, whose firm has been men­ pleted such a study about two anced coverage of the subject, tioned for the survey work, speak­ years ago and issued a Building which included such items as the ing from the audience, defended Industry Practices Report on the development of prestressing, ad­ the Board's move, and stated that ~ubject. ~ copy of this report is vantages and limitations, code and the survey was intended to deter­ mcluded m the complete file of 1ike insurance considerations, Mr. Zoll­ mine what methods could be used Congress reports enclosed for your man described engineering tech­ to maintain the character of the Committee's reference. niques and structural details. Al­ community without bulldozer oper­ It appears to me that with the together, this method of presenta­ tions. many subjects needing attention of tion made a great deal of sense Panel member Charles Abrams our respective groups that every and helped provide a clear under­ proposed that a master plan be de­ effort should be made to avoid du­ standing of both the architectural termined for the city, stating in plication of effort and to further and engineering aspects of pre­ general terms what overall shape the acceptance of industry recom­ stressing concrete. and appearance is desired for New mendations by official adoption of The present' series of Sympo­ York, as was done for Paris and reports of other recognized organi­ siums under the joint sponsorship Washington, D. C. Only in this zations when appropriate. of the Architectural League and way, can we begin to rebuild with To this end may I suggest that FORUM is another good example meaning and purpose. · our communications could be im­ of collaboration. The fact that both Other members of the panel proved by exchanges between your the Technical Series and the Sym­ were : Lawrence Orton, Commis­ Committee and our Building Prac­ posiums have been getting gooBrooklyn ; Ladislav Leland Rado, Small House, Reduction in the national Hotel at Idlewild Airport; The Crossing, Armonk ; and Wil­ Cost of Low Income Housing. In Statler Hilton, Dallas, Texas ; liam Benjamin Tabler, 44 Wolver addition, under his guidance Pratt Brown Palace West, Denver, Colo. ; Hollow Road, Glen Head, Long Institute has initiated a growing Ponce International Hotel, Ponce, Island. series of research projects with the Puerto Rico ; Hilton Hotel, Pitts­ aid of financial grants. Among burgh, Pa. On completion of the The newly elected Fellows will them are: Elementary School International Hotel, he was given be officially invested at the national Building Research, Flexible Parti­ first prize for excellence in design convention of the AIA in Philadel­ tions in School Buildings, Methods by the Queens' Chamber of Com­ phia, April 24-28. of Reducing the Cost of Housing in merce. He also was a recipient of New York City. His work in design­ the American Schools and Colleges Mr. Wodbridge said that the ing included the Wallach's Store "Horatio Alger A ward" in 1958. five men had made a significant in White Plains, the Klumpp resi­ Mr. Tabler is a member of the contribution to the advancement of dence in Sands Point, L. I., and the New York Building Congress, the profession. Reid residence in Weston, Conn. Building Research Institute, and the American Schools and Colleges Mr. Gruen has earned distinc­ Sidey Leon Katz, a graduate of Engineers. He also serves as na­ tion for the replanning of central Erasmus High School and New tional chairman of the AJA Build­ city. areas in our nation's redevel­ York University, was elected a ing Codes Committee. opment program. The best exam­ Fellow on the basis of his achieve­ ple is Fort Worth, Texas. He also ments in architectural design. is well known for his individual Many of the buildings he is noted Mies Elected to Arts lnsttiute buildings such as the City National for are located in Brooklyn. Bank in Palm Springs, California, Among them are: Coney Island Mies v·an der Rohe, F AJA Ar­ and the Merchants & Manufactur­ Hospital, Bay View Houses, and chitect, George B.iddle, Painter, ers Club in Chicago, as well as William E. Grady Vocational High and Jacques Lipschitz, Sculptor, for the design of shopping centers, School. During the past 16 years were among the nine distinguished examples of which are N ort~­ he also has had an outstanding artists, writers and composers land in Detroit and Southdale m record as a teacher. Working with Minneapolis. In addition to his the National Institute for Architce­ elected this year to the National achievements in architectural de­ tural Education, he has done much Institute of Arts and Letters. sign, Mr. Gruen was cited for his to help students gain scholarship public service efforts, through awards. Through his efforts the The Institute, and its affiliated writing and speaking engage­ Institute's scholarship assistance body, the American Academy of ments, to dramatize the plight of has grown to $15,000 annually. In Arts and Letters, are the highest our urban centers, the need for re­ 1954 he established a Fellowship honor societies of creative artists development, and for the basi~ .so­ at Pratt Institute to encourage tal­ lution he has advanced, reqmrmg ented students to continue their in the United States. Among their the separation of vehicular and education to earn Master's De­ members are such figures as Van pedestrian traffic to liberate the city grees. The Jury of Fellows of the Wyck Brooks, Pearl S. Buck, Rob­ from the motor car. He is a direc­ AJA stated that his untiring ef­ ert Frost, William Faulkner, Carl tor of the Citizens Planning and forts as an educator, locally and Sandburg, Thornton Wilder, Ed­ Housing Council of New York and nationally, have been an inspira­ serves on the Adminstrator's Ad­ tion to teachers and students ward Hopper, Eero Saarinen, An­ visory Committee on Housing and everywhere. drew Wyeth, Igor Stravinsky and Community Development of the Aaron Copland. U. S. Housing and Home Finance Ladislav Leland Rado is recog­ Agency. Over the years Mr. Gruen nized for his contributions to de­ Membership in the Institute is has received numerous awards and sign. His concepts are best illus­ limited to 250 native or natural­ commendations, not only from his trated in the Reader's Digest ized citizens qualified by notable fell ow architects, but from the com­ building in Tokyo. In addition he munities and organizati<;ms with designed the U. S. headquarters for achievements in art, literature and which he has worked. KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, New music. 5 Architectural League Lectures Public Affairs--Part 2 PROFESSIONAL STUDIES IN (Continued from Page 3) URBAN PLANNING FOR The Fourth in the FORUM and F. National Liaison: Architectural League's Series on Establishment of closer liaison PRACTICING ARCHITECTS The New Forces in Architecture en­ with national AJA, and Regional titled The International Style - Chapters to exchange ideas and de­ The Community Planning and Death or Metamorphosis will be velop effective programs in accord Urban Design Committees of the held on March 30 at the Metro­ with general policy. American Institute of Architects politan Museum of Art. The par­ G. lnforrnation Bureau: outlined in September 1960 the ar­ ticipants in this epic panel will be The public affairs counsel will chitect's responsibility in Urban August Heckscher, Philip C. ]O'hn­ investigate the possibility of pro­ Planning. The Board's resolution son, AIA, and the brilliant and viding a service for the dissemi­ on this subject reads in part: controversial British Critic and As­ nation of architectural news in the sistant Executive Editor of the New York area, and will arrange "Throughout history, the design of Architectural Review, Reyner Ban­ adequate coverage for press re­ cities has been primai·ily a responsi­ bility of the architect. Now, in the bam. Mr. Banham is flying over leases prepared in the interest of present era of technological progress, from Eng-land especially for this the Chapter. Methods for handling the solution of the complex problems event. · public enquiry on all architectural of urban growth demands, more than matters, at the Chapter office, will ever, full utilization of design capabili­ The Fifth and Final Forum in ties. It is the policy of the AJA to en­ be developed and programmed by courage and promote the activities of this series will be entitled Individ­ the Counsel. Lists of public affairs the architectural profession in dis­ ual Expression versus Universal booklets, fact sheets and bibliog­ charging this enlarged responsibility, Order and will be held on April raphy of architectural references both in public service and professional 20 at the Metropolitan Museum practice, for the creation of a- gooa will be made available to the mem­ urban environment." of Art. The participants in this bership and public. panel will be August Heckscher H. Speakers Bureau: The last annual convention of (moderator and chairman), Aline To be expanded and its services the New York State Association of B. Saarinen, Paul M. Rudolph, made available to public and pri­ Architects selected Urban Plan­ AIA, and Marcel Breuer, F AIA. vate organizations. Allied profes­ ning as the theme for the 1961 For both events reserved seats sions are to be invited to exchange Convention and resolved that a are now being sold at the Architec­ and combine programs and aid in Training Institute in Urban Plan­ tural League. the development of broader con­ ning be held prior to that conven­ tacts for the Chapter. tion. Acting on this resolution, the I. Student Programs: Community Planning Committee AIA-ACSA Seminar Programs will be arranged to of the Association requested Syra­ interest architectural students in cuse and Cornell Universities to A ten-day seminar for some 50 Chapter membership. Assistance undertake this Training Institute. teachers of architecture from as will be given to ease the transition In order that the facilities and fac­ many schools will be held at Cran­ from academic to professional ulty of the universities be avail­ brook Academy near Detroit, June status. able, it was determined that the 6-16, sponsored by AIA and the J. Young Architects: Institute be held on Thursday, Association of Collegiate Schools Architects serving their ap­ Friday, and Saturday morning, of Architecture (ACSA). Similar prenticeship, and working toward March 30 to April 1, during the seminars have been held annually registration and/or private prac­ spring vacations. since 1956 to provide an informal tice, should be assisted through exchange of views and experi­ various programs which will serve A program of study has been de­ ences and to help improve archi­ their needs and likewise benefit the veloped that will supplement the tectural education. Arrangements Chapter through participation in background of the practicing ar­ are in the hands of James M. AJA_a.ctivJties. _ _ chitect on the subj_ect of Urban _ Hun1ter, F AIA, AIA's Second Vice Other items, it is to be noted, Planning. The program will be President; Buford L. Pickens, will be added as they develop. The conducted by faculty members of AIA, representing the Association program outlined above empha­ the two universities and by experi­ of Collegiate Schools of Architec­ sizes those areas where it is desir­ enced practitioners in Urban Plan­ ture; and Harold Bus:J1-Brown, able to accelerate action at this ning in New York State. F AIA, Chairman. Theodore W. time. Much work has been done in Dominck, AIA, has been appointed the past in other areas by many Registration in the institute will staff executive. To help defray ex­ Chapter Committees, which have be limited on a first-come, first­ penses of those who otherwise helped the public image of the ar­ served basis to sixty participants. could not attend, aid in the form of chitect. Other programs will be Registration will be by mail and one-half expense scholarships will considered, such as rotating public will include a fee to be announced be awarded. exhibits to be shown at various as soon as the details of the pro­ Last year's seminar at Saga­ institutions, schools, library and gram can be finalized. Upon regis­ more in the Adirondacks dealt museum buildings, and distribut­ tration, the participants will re­ with technology, and was attended ing a Pocket Guide to New York ceive a mailing of information per­ by 51 teachers and 9 prospective Architecture. tinent to the program, including teachers from 50 schools of archi­ Members of the Chapter are in­ examples of Comprehensive Plans tecture. vited to submit their comments and and other study material. Hegi~­ suggestions to the Public Affairs trants will receive, as a part of The Cranbrook seminar will dis­ Committee, and may address their their fee, a printed copy of the in­ cuss environment as well as pro­ statements to Co-Chairmen Ma~ 0. stitute lectures and proceedings fessional responsibilities and teach­ Urhahn and Edwin B. Morris, ~r~ some time during the early ing aims. of the Chapter Office. ' summer. 6

COMMITTEE ACT I v·1 TI ES by F. MAKBHALL SMITH LEONARD BROOKS FREEMAN On Monday, February 6th, the Chapter lost a valued colleague Meetings Committee Shop Drawings. Watch for your with the death of Mr. Freeman. A Chairman E. Allen Dennison and reprint copy of 0. P. C. study of registered architect and member all the members of his Committee shop drawing practices published of this Chapter. since 1955, Mr. are to be congratu lated for the by Architectural and Engineering Freeman was project designer for unqualified success of the just News Dec. 1960. It contains much U rbahn Brayton & Burrows on the past annual A. I. A. Supper Dance. valuable information. New York Downstate Medical Cen­ To quote from a letter fro~ R. Employers (Architects) Liabil­ ter at the time of his death. He Jackson Smith. "The surroundmgs was senior design critic and lec­ were superb, the food good, and ity Insurance. Initiated by the 0. P. C., the NYSAA has been in­ turer at Columbia University, and the atmosphere rampant with ele­ was formerly a project Architect gance." formed that lower rates for archi­ tects will be put into effect by for I. M. Pei & Associates. Hospital and Health Committee March 1961. Check your insurance Born in Philadelphia, Pa., Mr. Continuing their active program broker. Freeman attended Cooper Union of study of all aspects of hospital and received his B.S. in Architec­ design, this Committee under the Liaison with Metropolitan Bui/,d,­ ture from the Illinois Institute of able leadership of James J. Souder ers Assoc. and Construction SpeC'i­ Technology in 1949. That year he has planned a dinner meeting at fications Institute. Joint meetings was awarded the Hutchinson Medal 6 :00 p.m. on Thursday, April 6th, being held and planned by subcom­ for Design. to be held for all interested mem­ mittees to iron out problems com­ bers at the Brass Rail, 521 Fifth mon to us and them. Surviving are his wife Char­ Avenue, New York City. The topic lotte; a brother Jack and two sis:. will be "Architectural Aspects of Publication Committee ters, Mrs. Edith Green and Mrs. the Treatment and Rehabilitation Have you been enjoying your Loretta Warschausky. of the Geriatric Patient." Oculus this year? Have you found The care of geriatric patients is it more interesting, more read­ becoming one of the greatest medi­ able? Your Publication Committee cal and architectural problems of would appreciate your suggestions MEMBERSHIP this century. The number of cases or criticisms just to prove that a is steadily increasing and the in­ few of you are reading your Chap­ WELCOME NEW MEMBERS stitutions to house them are mostly ter's Newsletter. Under the stim­ The New York Chapter extends its crowded inadequate and obsolete. warmest welcome to the following new ulating chairmanship of Paul John members: The ne~d in any community can Grayson, this Committee has tried only be met by a team com~ri~ed to liven up the format and report Corporate of the family doctor, the specialist, on as many activities and current Robert L. Knapp (Former Associate the administrator, consultant, the events as possible each month. Member) government, therapists, techni­ Ralph M. Meyer (Former Associate Philip Chu is our busy Secretary Member) cians and the Architect. To speak and covers research and develop­ Eiji Ninomiya on this and other aspects of geria­ ment. Vice Chairman James L. Sylvan L. Joseph, Jr. tric care we are most fortunate to Gunther Heinze! Cady spends much time contacting Seymour D. Gurlitz have made arrangements to have V.I.P.'s for special reports, com­ William K. Frizzell as speakers: ments, etc. These are often the subject of our feature articles. CANDIDATES Miss Ollie A. Randall, Consult­ Information r egarding the qualifica­ ant; Dr. John S. Bourke, Asst. Other feature articles are written tions of the following candidates for Commissioner-N. Y. S. Dept. of by Edward 0. Tanner, Saul Ellen­ membership will be considered confiden­ Health; Mr. William Ademan, Ad­ bogen and Contributing Editor tial by the Admissions Committee: ministrator-Beth Abraham Home. John J. Carlos, Rolf Myller han­ dles special assignments such as Corporate Leonard Jacobson Please notify the Chapter Office layout studies, cartoons, book re­ Dean McClure no later than April 6 whether or views and occasionally a story. Murray Sput not you intend to be present. The Robert A. Djerejian reports on Bernard A. Kessler cost of the dinner will be $5.60 Ruth Aci·es Scott Chapter activities and writes book Marvin B. Soklow per person. Payment may be made reviews and F. Marshall Smith at the meeting. tries to keep you informed on the AsS'ociate doings of all Chapter committees. Sponsors : Office Practice Committee Briefs Judith York Newman Robert M. Engelbrecht New member, Dave Brignati, is David K. Spector Chairman Samuel M. Kurtz has I var Paulsen George F. Poehler now gathering news on Improv­ George H. Cooley summarized the current work of Otto J. Schumm Peter S. Van Bloem his committee in the following ing New York City and Woman's Pier L. Cherici Auxiliary News. This Committee Fred Jaross J. Armand Burgun briefs in order to bring to the at­ Robert M. Bradbury, Jr. is studying the possibility of using Charles Edwin Thomsen Theodore Karl Rohdenbur ~ tention of the Chapter member­ James Grote Vanderpool ship pertinent items of interest some dignified advertising to help and importance in advance of the defray the cost of publication. ELECTIVE COMMITTEE-1961 issuance of formal documents. After a final report by Jim Cady, Nominations CommiHee the Committee will submit its find­ Lewis G. Adams MU 7-4456 Supervision of Construction. ings and recommendations to the Harmon H. Goldstone CI 7-1237 Douglas Haskell JU 6-1212 Definitions of responsibilities of Executive Committee some time in L. Bance! LaFarge MU 2-8075 architects being studied. April. Edgar I. Williams MU 6-0791