Interior of the Octagon on Roosevelt Island as it is today. Photo: Andrew Morgan. 2 NYC/AJA OCULUS

OCULUS COMING CHAPTER EVENTS

Volume 51, Number 9, May 1989 Oculus Monday, May 1. The exhibit Ignazio Tuesday, May 23. The Religious Acting Editor: Marian Page Art Director: Abigail Sturges Gardella's renovation of the Plaza Architecture Committee is presenting Typesetting: Steintype, Inc. del Duomo in Milan has been the last lecture in the series "Sacred Printer: The Nugent Organization postponed. Watch for new date in Architecture: Places for Worship" Photographer: Stan Ries upcoming Oculus. (see February Oculus, pg. 13). Frederick The New York Chapter of R. Bentel FAIA and Maria A. Bentel FAIA the American Institute of Architects Tuesday, May 9. The Architects for will show slides of their work and 457 Madison Avenue Education Committee is sponsoring a describe the specific attributes that help New York , New York 10022 tour of recently completed work at create a "sacred quality" in their designs 212-838-9670 John Jay College of Criminal of places of worship. Following the Executive Committee 1988-89 Justice. 3 pm. 893 Tenth Avenue presentation there will be a summation Martin D. Raab FAIA, President (between 58 and 59 Streets.) 838-9670. ofthe series with discussion. 6 pm. The Denis G. Kuhn AIA, First Vice President $5 charge. Urban Center. $5 charge. David Castro-Blanco FAIA, Vice President Douglas Korves AIA, Vice President Stephen P. King AIA, Secretary Tuesday, May 9. "Corporate Tuesday, May 23. The Interiors James L. Garretson AIA, Treasurer Architectural Graphics: A Dialogue Committee wi.11 sponsor a seminar in Wendy Evans AIA, Director on Design," a panel discussion jointly which Gray Robertson, President, ACVA Harold Fredenburgh AIA, Director sponsored by the Corporate Architects Margaret Helfand AIA , Director Atlantic, and Kenneth M. Block, Partner Ronnette Riley AIA, Director and the Communication in the Built in LePatner Gainen Block will discuss John Winkler FAIA, Director Environment Committees. Speakers will "Pro-active Approach to Indoor Margot Woolley AIA, Director include Bruce Blackburn, Blackburn Pollution: The Sick Building Associates; Judith Rae Solomon AIA, Syndrome." Committee Chair, Ted Lenore M. Lucey AIA, Executive Director Cathanne Piesla, Executive Secretary Marine Midland Bank; Ron Cobb, APCO Hammer will be moderator, 5:30 p.m. The Graphics; Mary Joan Glynn, Senior Vice Urban Center. $5 charge. Chapter Staff President of BBDP, and a corporate Regina Kelly maintenance manager. Albert Pfeiffer Rosa Rivera Judith Rowe AJA, Knoll International Holdings, Inc. Stephen Suggs will moderate. 5:30-7:30 pm. Knoll International Showroom, 105 Wooster © 1989 The New York Chapter of Street. Light refreshments. 838-9670. $5 the American Institute of Architects charge. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is Tuesday, May 16. The Housing strictly prohibited. Committee presents NY's Mayoral OCULUS, published ten times a year, Candidates discussing '~ordable September through June, is a benefit of Housing, What We Can Expect." 6 NYC/AIA membership, toward which $32 pm. The Urban Center. $5 charge. of membership dues are applied. New York Foundation for Architecture public member subscription rates: First Class Mail $45 Overseas First Class Air Mail $85, Overseas Surface Mail $45. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Executive Committee or Staff of the NYC/AIA. For more information on ptofessional and public memberships please call the Chapter, at 212-838-9670. MAY 1989 3

Columbia University Elevations of The Octagon. A.J Davis' original design for The Octagon, left, was Preservation Students never built. Records indicate that the Take on a New York carpenter Joseph Dunn redesigned the asylum complex, right, after Davis f ell ou t Landmark in Ruins offa vor with City officials.

by Cynthia Conigliaro

The Octagon on Roosevelt Island was both for the poetic aspects in confronting received a $200,000 award from the NYS recently the subject of a Columbia a ruin and the challenging design Environmental Quality Bond Act to University Historic Preservation design problem it presents. The powerful begin the much needed restoration. This studio, presenting an unusually complex geometry of Davis's octagonal plan grant opened up a host of possibilities set of issues for an adaptive reuse brooks little interference, and the for the Octagon. But RIOC knew, given scheme. The Octagon, designed by A.J. Octagon's landmark status limits the the condition of the building, that this Davis in 1839, is currently one of choices for adaptive reuse. To complicate money could at best stabilize the ruin to Roosevelt Island's most famous ruins, matters further, Roosevelt Island is prevent further deterioration. Martha with an infamous and illustrious past. undergoing radical changes as the new Sickles, Director of Development for Dickens called it one of the grandest Starrett housing at Northtown RIOC, decided to contact Columbia's interior spaces in mid-nineteenth­ (Manhattan Park) nears completion. Preservation program for ideas, to help century New York, shortly before This will add an additional 5,000 frame the choices in a concrete and reporter Nelly Blye checked in as an residents to a community that considers visual manner. Sickles and Hewitt undercover mental patient. Declared a itself an oasis of small-town tranquility. foresaw a studio project for the design landmark in 1975 for its brooding Construction of the 59th Street subway students in the Graduate Preservation Tuscan/Victorian exterior and delicate extension has resumed, and the much Program both as an actual and pressing skylit spiral staircase, the Octagon is now needed link to Manhattan now seems to problem in the Historic Preservation in danger of being lost, the unfortunate be a reality for 1989, thereby broadening field, and as an opportunity for RIOC to victim of deterioration through neglect the horizons for Roosevelt Island as a visualize potential uses for the Octagon and vandalism. Relatively intact (though vital reisdential neighborhood in the through models and drawings prepared abandoned since 1950), it was City. The subway may also make the by the students. Serendipitously, the Fall devastated by a major fire five years ago, Octagon more accessible and may semester ·design group numbered eight, causing the roof to collapse atop the elevate it to a more prominent position and this octet set to work under the four-story cast-iron staircase into the in New York's cultural patrimony of guidance of Professor Hewitt. majestic central atrium. Despite architectural masterpieces. As the landmark status and the desire of interests of the historic preservation The students' first task was to measure Roosevelt Island residents to save the community, island residents, and real and document the structure, both in its massive granite structure, the Octagon estate developers converge on Roosevelt current near ruined condition and in its is dying a slow death from exposure to Island, the possibilities for the Octagon's various manifestations-built and the elements. restoration and meaningful reuse drawn-over time. A set of measured multiply. As yet, however, no one seems drawings and details was presented to Last fall Professor Mark A Hewitt of the to have found the answer that will satisfy RIOC as a historical record of th~ Graduate Preservation Program at everyone. building, including plans and elevations Columbia chose the former main of the Octagon as A.J. Davis originally building of the New York Lunatic Asylum In December of 1987, the Roosevelt designed it, as well as the built and as the subject for his design students, Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) renovated versions from 1848 through 4 NYC/AIA OCULUS

After six years as the head book buyer for Rizzoli International Bookstores, Cynthia Conigliaro returned to Columbiafor her Masters and will graduate from the Historic Preservation program this year.

1879 documenting the alterations and additions over the course of the Octagon's life. Details of the Greek Revival doorways and archways, of the lovely cast-iron rosettes spiralling up the staircase, and of the signature Ionic columns of the atrium were also documented. The students prepared a bibliography and historical synopsis of the building's past as well as a conditions survey and photographic recording, all donated to the Roosevelt Island Historical Society:

The next phase of the project was a charette to develop an adaptive reuse scheme with the preliminary design sketches for the Octagon and surrounding 4-acre site. This first pass yielded two philosophical camps among the students: those who restored the Octagon, featuring the building in a parklike setting with a variety of 1 programs, and those who stabilized the Octagon as a ruin, without a specific function other than as a powerful monument to the past within a contemplative garden setting. One student proposed demolition but then recreated the Octagon in the ground plane as an outline of the shadow cast by the structure, using the stone from the building itself.

The "pragmatic" group proposed a wide range of adaptive reuse schemes including a museum, a marina, a library, a cultural center with dance and artist studios, a restaurant, a festival market, even a cemetery: The "poetic" group envisoned lyrical configurations of stone, water, and greenery surrounding the Octagon as an object of memory. This site was also subject to a variety of interventions including a deep carving 2 out of the land to create a basin, 1. Harbor Park Museu m, Marina and 2. Island Cemetery an d Chapel by William including marine access to the island for Market by Cynthia Conigliaro. This Pospishil. Mon olithic forms, housing recreational and educational purposes in schem e adds a Roosevelt Islan d stop to the funerary urns, bound the j ourney a link with New York City's Harbor Park harbor tours tracing the history of New through light and shadow along the Museum project. One of the schemes York City. The basin is carved f rom the descending paths to the m editative space existing shorelin e, restoring marine of The Octagon Chapel. In the East River, instead used water to evoke the footprint access f or residents an d visitors. The the crematorium tower is set on an island, of the previously demolished wings to complex of restauran ts, shops and with a spiralling exterior staircase the Octagon, creating pools of reflection museum bounds the site creating an open leading to a terrace from which the and remembrance to bound the site. lan dscaped area with spectacular views cem etery complex can be contemplated. of Manhattan. By actually engaging the structure of the Octagon, the students explored the full range of choices in preservation theory. Whereas some opted to replace MAY 1989 5

3 deteriorated members with historically correct fabric, others introduced internal steel framing and modem structural technology to shore up the building while restoring visually prominent areas with historical accuracy: And in the most radical intervention, three faces of the eight-sided building were removed, with the plan exploding out towards the waterfront in a glass addition of gallery space. Some schemes invaded the structure while others maintained a respectful distance. As testimony to the power of the spiral cast-iron staircase and Ionic rotunda, this element was restored in each and every scheme.

At the final review for the semester-long project, the jury consisted of representatives from the Landmarks Preservation Commission, architects with both preservation and modernist sensibilities, Columbia and visiting faculty, staff from RIOC and the Roosevelt Island Historical Society, and island residents. The diversity of schemes was applauded by all present, but perhaps the most provocative discussions centered on the dilemma of balancing the island residents' needs with aesthetic and preservation issues.

Among the questions raised were the following: In confronting a project such as the Octagon, should the architect design with a researched and well­ considered program as the primary focus, or does the object itself dictate the design resolutions? How can the architect reconcile the economic reality of a dilapidated ruin of great historical and architectural import with the cultural, social, and recreational needs of 5 Roosevelt Island residents and the larger 3. Site Plan ofRoose velt Island. Roosevelt 5. Roosevelt Island Branch of The New New York community? The final Island was home to the infirm and insane York Public Library by Holly Northrop. consensus seemed to admit both a of 19th century New York. Many The lower floors of The Octagon are financial and an aesthetic rationale to institutions surrounded The Octagon restored as a reception area and reading guide the restoration efforts. More which was sited at the level of 79th Street rooms, while the remains of the cupola in Manhattan. are stabilized as a ruin for memory. The importantly, the exercise confirmed the whole is then wrapped in a modernistic need to act quickly, as the students' 4. Art Museum and Sculpture Gallery by envelope housing the stacks. proposals brought to light the richness Whitney Weller. Three sides of The of possibilities for the Octagon. But none Octagon have been removed, extended will be realized unless the first steps to and wrapped in glass to create a save the Octagon are taken soon. This light-filled gallery space. The planarity of important 19th-century structure on the long basin culminates in the simple Roosevelt Island cannot survive another and powerful geometry of a recessed octagonal pool, serving as a counterpoint season of neglect. to the rising mass of The Octagon. 6 NYC! AIA OCULUS

Todd Welcomed at NYC/AIA 1. Marshall Cogan, Diane Mulcahy Coffey, NYC/AIA Historic Buildings David FM. ToddFAIA, andMartinD. Raab & Knoll Reception FAIA. Committee meets with David Todd 2. Charles M. Smith AJA.

3. George S. Lewis FAIA, Paul Segal FAIA.

David Todd AIA, the new Chairman of the Landmarks Preservation Commission, met with the AIA's Historic Buildings Committee on March 6, 1989 to discuss ways in which our profession can support the work of the preservation movement consistent with our own point of view: A focus of the discussion was the recently released report, "New York: The Historic City", which was produced under the auspices of the Municipal Art Society and chaired by William J. Conklin, AIA. David Todd was an active member of the committee preparing the report. The report evaluates the goals and operations of the Lanmarks Commission, and makes specific recommendations for the future. The following questions and answers summarize our dialogue.

1 Q: There were many specific recommendations in the report relating to staffing, administration, restructuring, and annual calendar. Was there unanimous support for these recommendations?

David Todd: There were many disagreements over specific points, and much rewriting to respond to specific comments, but, in the end, there was strong support from almost all Committee members for the general direction of and the recommendations in the report. 2 3 Knoll International and the Chapter in attendance along with LPC Executive Q: What do you see as the schedule for joined Mayor Koch's Chief of Staff Diane 1 Director Joseph Bresnan AIA. City implementation on the report? M. Coffey in welcoming David F. M. Todd Planning Commission Chair Sylvia FAIA as the City's new Landmarks Deutsch, was also there to welcome DT: The impression given in the report Preservation Commission Chair. David to his new post. is that there are changes that can be Marshall S. Cogan, chairman of Knoll achieved in the immediate future. It will International, welcomed Martin D. Raab Chapter members included the actually take many years to implement FAIA, co-host, Ms. Coffey, Deputy Mayor Executive Committee, the Presidential all or most of them. The important thing Robert Esnard AIA, David Todd, and Decade, and the Convention Steering is that we have begun. guests to The '21' Club. Committee. In addition to architect members of the LPC, the non-architect Q: As an architect who has had an active In addition to Deputy Mayor Esnard, commissioners, and Counsel also practice, what do you think is the most distinguished architects from the City attended. valuable message that comes out of the included Buildings Commissioner Historic City report? Charles M. Smith, Jr. AIA, Board of Our appreciation to Marshall S. Cogan Estimate Member Ray J. IrreraAIA, City and Knoll for their generous support of DT: I recommend that you read the Planning Commissioner Stuart K. Pertz Chapter activities. Our thanks also, to Chairman's preface, which represents a AIA, and Deputy Borough Albert Pfeiffer Jr. AIA, of Knoll consensus of our group, and which also Superintendent Valery Baker AIA. International Holdings, Inc., who was seems to be consistent with the point of Landmarks Preservation Commissioners responsible for arrangements for the view of a practicing architect. We must George S. Lewis FAIA, Mildred Schmertz evening. work hard to preserve what is valuable FAIA, and Gene A Norman RA were also in our past, without the exclusion of the MAY 1989 7

1. David Todd FAIA.

2. Raymond lrrera AJA, Sylvia Deutsch.

3. L ewis Davis FAIA, Gene Norman.

1 new. As Bill Conklin says, "the goal for specific designation, but by saying why where to start-who may not have New York. .. surely is to reach a new kind certain designations are important and known they are in a landmark district, of equilibrium ... find a way to keep on by helping to establish a point of view who don't have the money to hire an growing, but to keep on changing, to be about, or consistent approach to, what architect, and who know nothing about the home of the ever new, but to do so should be designated in the future. Part preparation of drawings that would be within the rich context of the incredible of this relates to changing fashion; for sufficient to explain their plans to the architectural and cultural heritage of the example, in recent years, there has been Commission. city? an interest, which was not apparent in the early days of landmarking, in Art Q: Do you see the need to hire more Q: What sorts of diverse pressures does Deco and Moderne design. The architects at the LPC? the LPC experience with regard to profession should address and comment attitudes toward preservation? on other prevalent philosophies in DT: Yes , particularly in the area of designation; for instance, the idea that regulation. Most of the staff are trained DT: On the one hand, there are those landmark designation is a tool, the in preservation and have the highest who are against all preservation, purpose of which is to promote tourism, professional approach to designation particularly when it affects their own or that one purpose of district issues. But someone - an architect-is perceived interests. On the other, there designation is to preserve a sense of needed to help the storekeeper figure are historians or preservationists who place. Should the same standards of out how to design an appropriate are very resistent to change, even in quality used for midtown Manhattan storefront or deal with other building­ connection with buildings of apply to a less populated neighborhood specific issues that require LPC questionable quality in Landmark in the Bronx? We need you to address compliance. districts. Sometimes community groups the question, "What is a landmark?" look to the LPC as a stabilizing force, because they fear any change. The trick Q: How should light, air, and density be is to steer the right course between addressed? these differing points of view. DT: These are clearly zoning issues, and Q: The LPC has been criticized for a policies regarding them should be reduced pace of landmark designation in created and implemented by the recent years. Is this valid, and what do Planning Commission. We need much you think should be done? closer coordination between the Planning Commission and LPC, since in DT: First, there is truth in the fact that many ways they are interrelated, and I the burdens of regulation have exploded hope very much that I'll be able to have in recent years, taking a great deal of closer ties with the Chairman of the staff time. However, actual designation Planning Commission as part of my of individual landmarks has been quite agenda. But I don't believe in landmark 2 good over the past five years. If we get designation when the quality of the Ladies' Mile and the Upper West Side landmark is questionable and when the districts approved, the numbers will real issue is to control light, air and dramatically increase. Every building in density. a proposed district must be researched, and the appropriate boundaries of a Q: Are there specific tasks you would district are often difficult to establish. hope to see architects help out on? All of this takes a great deal of time. D.T.: Yes, there are two. The first is to Q: What do you see as the challenge help respond to the unending problem ahead to designation, and how can our of installation of unit air conditioners in profession contribute? the landmark buildings. It would be wonderful if a group of architects could DT: Since the LPC was founded in 1965, get engineers and/or manufacturers to many of the most prominent design window or wall type AC units with 3 monumental landmarks have been much smaller grills or heat exchange designated-the Grand Central apertures that would have minimun Stations and Brooklyn Bridges. But that impact on landmark structures. does not mean that all inportant landmarks have either been designated The second task, for architects who want or identified. The profession can help, to do something for society, is to provide not just by corning out in support of a service for applicants who don't know 8 NYC/AIA OCULUS

Chairman's Preface to 1. Redevelopment of42nd Streetfacing west New York, the Historic City by Richard Haas. 2. The New York Historical Society building.

by William J. Conklin FAIA

This study comes at a time when New to be identified and to mature, thought York's self image is without doubt should be given to the provision of undergoing a profound change. A rewards to certain extraordinary generation ago every believer in the landmarks which promote neighborhood city's ego bragged that he or she lived in stability and have attained special the city whose skyline changed every significance in the life of the city. Such morning. Now their sons and daughters structures might be those which are want most to inhabit the ever-old, more than a century old, are privately never-changing, constant-profile owned, and have their original non­ portions of the city. The promise of residential functions either still intact or Urban Renewal with its sparkling and in a restored state. More detailed formal spacious image of a new city has beaten requirements and exclusions should be a full retreat. The works of Robert Moses developed by the Commission. now appeal to us not really beause of their derring-do, but because of their Such landmarks, for example a deco architecture and the antique cars neighborhood hardware store or drug on the old parkway photographs. store, which not only appears as it did but also functions as it did, deserve Preservation has scored an astonishing special notice. These might be called acceptance fueled to a remarkable new York City Living Landmarks-a degree by a populist base. Everyone, it designation to be conferred jointly by seems, has become a preservationist. the Landmarks Preservation Commission and by the city Planning But every student of urban history Commission and to be accompanied by knows that enthusiasms can wane, that a reduction in city real estate taxes. reformers can overstep as in urban renewal days, or lose their way before Our appreciation for this heritage is only the reform is actually accomplished. The beginning. New York in the late 19th and goal for New York, as it swings wildly 20th century was the premier city of the through these phases in its changing self country, leading the nation over the 1 imagery, surely is to reach a kind of decades by its urbanity in city seem to come back to life when the old equilibrium - to find a way to keep on construction as well as in style and American landmarks are restored. In the growing, to keep on changing, to be the culture - Soho with its cast iron spell, last decade the Landmarks Preservation home of the ever new, but to do so within Ladies Mile with its first department Commission has come to occupy a the rich context of the incredible stores and luxury shopping strip, unique place in the spirit of the city; in architectural and cultural heritage of the Midtown with the world's first an urban atmostphere which frequently city. penthouses and those rich and classy seems to be competitive and deco office buildings. The profile of unresponsive, the Commission is known And incredible it is indeed. The Manhattan formed the very image of the to be a governmental agency which takes Landmarks Preservation Commission 20th century city. In the less dense areas constituents' interest seriously and the has been in the process of identifying of the city, critical 20th-century housing result is an extraordinary degree of this heritage of our city now for nearly experiments like the Amalgamated participatory engagement from the 25 years, and the good news is that the development and Sunnyside Gardens citizenry. In communities around the end is not yet in sight. In fact there is no were also pacesetters. It seems quite city, when buildings and their histories real end, for the identification of both possible that eventually many artifacts begin to be respected and understood, the facts and the artifacts of New York's of that history will be of interest to then other neighborhood values seem to heritage will be a continuing process. someone. And our obligation, as fall into step. Continuing not only because technically participants in preservation, is to make every year brings onto the market a new that process an orderly one, an And in a city of manifold public and crop of eligible products but also accessible one and a fair one. private problems, the Landmarks because every generation sees our urban Preservation Commission has emerged history in a slightly different way, finding The success of preservation is usually as a center of respected justice, values in the overlooked buildings of a measured in terms of the number of preserving and restoring not only previous generation, and possibly in the buildings saved, and this report, in part, respected objects but also the respected process of refining the collection, also uses that quantitative system. But values of the past. changing the lesser old for the greater the values of the movement actually go new. far beyond the quantitative. So the charge which this committee has Astonishingly, through some associative undertaken, to improve the operations of As the city's historic heritage continues magic, old American governing methods the Landmarks Preservation MAY 1989 9

A report prepared for the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission by the Historic City Committee February 6, 1989

operations. The goal for our historic city should not be restricted to historic districts, but rather should include the whole city and be concerned with the relation between the individual districts and the city In the days of Urban Renewal, the artists' renderings always had the sun shining only on the new building through a miraculous hole in the clouds, an image which was unfortunately predictive of the purposeful disruption between new and old. The historic city of New York must have a vision where history continues but also continues to evolve.

New York needs its own image. Its past has been a unique act on the world's stage, and its future as the world's leading 20th-century historic city should also be its own. Its 250 year urban history must become the unifying theme of the city with every building new or old, seen as an element in that history. The city must be seen as being its own library of its urban history, where every building is one book, and every street is one aisle. There are big books, and little books, there are paperbacks, and there are 2 some leather bindings. Some sections of Commission, is a very serious one preservation's at-homeness in our city. the library are amazingly intact from the indeed. The goals of the committee are old days, with that portion of the story largely short term in their nature, the Though it is not an issue which the of New York there for the reading. Like committee believing that to get beyond committee has chosen to vote on, it a library, if there were not a section for the year 2000, one must first actually get would be fair to say that the Committee new books, this Ville Bibliotheque would to that new turn-of-the-century. Our does indeed have an.image for the fall into disuse and become irrelevant. recommendations must therefore be historic city which New York is rapidly seen largely as ones which can be becoming. Preservation in New York is But in contrast to a library of books, this accomplished now, as ones which do not not concerned just with individual library of buildings, is seen, used, and fundamentally reorient the preservation buildings or even individual districts, as read every day by every citizen of the city effort, but as ones which will, we hope, in most American cities. Here, like it or make for a more efficient and orderly not, a significant portion of the city's Such is something of the nature of the processing of the landmark decisions yet fabric is of great historic value. Though holistic image which is needed and also to be made in New York in this century only two percent of the property in New something of the nature of our future In spite, though, of this disclaimer of long York currently falls under landmarks responsibility The Committee sees the term goals, it would be fair to ask protection, a much larger percentage of first stage in the accomplishment of a whether or not the committee has a the buildings in Manhattan are under more complete vision for our Historic vision of the role of landmarks in the some form of landmark protection, and City as the creation of a more effective future New York. Our self-adopted title significant new areas are under study. and efficient, legally tighter, New York provides a clue. Our beginnings were as Within such areas, it could easily be City Landmarks Preservation "The Committee on New York - the argued that the Commission is one of the Commission. But the Commission and all Historic City - a Study of Landmarks City's most influential instruments of its procedures and valued laws must be for the Year 2000," which quickly became government, and currently the processes seen ultimately as only tools to be used shortened to our current sobriquet as utilized are not adequate for that in the creation of a city which makes full "The Historic City Committee". responsibility use of its rich historic resources as Obviously everyone has already begun to critical parts of the powerful, culturally­ sense what city that refers to, and So having an image of that future historic mature urban environment which New although we meant this title to be a city is critically important - an image York must become in the 21st century shock, its ready acceptance is proof of of artifacts, but also an image of 10 NYC/AIA OCULUS

1. Model of addition to Temple Beth NAMES Sholom by Justin PC. 2. Vo orsanger & Mills' interior garden AND NEWS court, which links the extant Morgan Library bui lding with the newly acquired building at 231 Madison.

3. Aerial view of Voorsanger & Mills' modelfor proposed expansion ofM organ Library.

4. Rendering of indoor garden court.

The Museum of Modern Art's first ermanent building designed by Philip . Goodwin FAIA and Edward Durell ~ tone FAIA in 1939 opened 50 years ago this month .... Beyer Blinder Belle reported that James Marston Fitch was awarded a Distinguished Designer Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. The $20,000 award will be used by Dr. Fitch to finish his book, The Architecture of the American People: 1565-1969 .... Also at Beyer Blinder Belle, Peter Dewitt has been named a partner.. .. Carmi Bee AIA has received a Distinguished Alumni lliil Jiillllli l ff , Citation from The Cooper Union for I "outstanding attainments and I' contributions to architecture." I .... Frances Halsband FAIA was a !___....-- lecturer in March in the Municipal Art Society's series on Women Who Shape New York. Her firm, R.M. Kliment & Frances Halsband Architects have announced two commissions: to design the new 80,000 square foot Chemistry Facilities at Dartmouth College in association with Ellenzweig Associates Architects of Cambridge, Massachusetts; and to design the new 600,000 square 1 foot headquarters and New York offices Beth Sholom in Roslyn Heights. Swtizerland; Frank Gehry FAIA; of the Marsh & McLennan Companies in Bertram L. Bassuk FAIA will be the Michael Graves FAIA; Charles association with Mancini-Duffy Space design architect,. .. Ellen Mandelbaum, Gwathmey FAIA; Hugh Hardy FAIA; Planners and interior Professional Affiliate member of AIA and Hans Hollein, Austria; Arata Isozaki, designers ... .Canterbury Green, a mixed member of The Art and Architecture Japan; Philip Johnson FAIA; Evine use development in Stamford, Committee, has been selected to Fay Jones FAIA; Henning Larsen, Connectic.ut, designed by Perkins participate in the Second International Denmark, Fumihiko Maki, Japan; Geddis Eastman, was the recipient of Exhibition of Stained Glass by the Richard Meier FAIA; Charles Moore the First Award in the annual Downtown Centre International du Vitrail, Chartres, FAIA; Jean Nouvel, France; J.M. Pei Development Awards Competition - an France, which opens in June. She will FAIA; Reima Pietila, Finland; Cesar award that honors "projects that make also be one of the presenters at the first Pelli FAIA; Renzo Piano, Italy; Kevin outstanding contribution to the vitality International Conference on Roche FAIA; Richard Rogers, UK; Paul of their downtown." .... David Paul Environmental Glass in Oklahoma City, Rudolph FAIA; James Stirling, UK; Helpern AIA has announced a new May 17-20 .. .. Herb Bienstock AIA of Benjamin Thompson, US; Aldo Van name and new address for his firm: Rosenfield Partnership, was the Eyck, Netherlands; and Robert Venturi Helpern Architects at 25 E. 4th principal architect in charge of the Link FAIA. The awards ceremony will be held Street.. .. Conklin Rossant Architects Pavilion at Hackensack Medical Center, at the Rainbow Room on May 2 .... Lester received two awards for a new which was visited in march by officials E. Rivelis has joined the law firm of residential development called of the Singapore Ministry of LePatner, Gainen & Block. .. .Alan Princeton Gate in Princeton, New Jersey. Health.... Michael J. Macaluso AIA Gaynor & Company has been retained l)The New Jersey Association of Home announced that Christine A Wenz has by Smith New Court, Carl Marks, Inc. to Builders awarded the entire project their been named Director of Marketing/ assist in the selection and design of their "Grand Award: Community of the Year;" Public Relations at M.J. Macaluso and office relocation project. The firm has and 2) the model known as the "Nobel" Associates.... Domino's 30 Architects also been retained to design the received the "Best Single Family Design" Awards are being presented to the renovation and expansion of BBC/ award for its price range .. .. Ralf Torke following architects: Tadao Ando, Lionheart Television's New York AIA has been named an associate at Japan; Gae Aulenti, Italy; Edward headquarters .... The Westchester/Mid­ Peter Gisolfi Associates .... Justin PC Larrabee Barnes FAIA; Gunnar Hudson Chapter/AIA is sponsoring a will serve as architect-of-record for a Birkerts FAIA; Arthur Erikson, "Dry Run" for the design portion of the 20,000 square foot addition to Temple Canada; Aurelio Galfaetti, upcoming architect registration exam on MAY 1989 11

3 4 June 3. For more information: Evelyn renovation and proposed building 31, 1989. Recipients will be invited to Schrag, Westchester/Mid-Hudson/AIA , expansion ....Richard Meier FAIA is the ' exhibit their work at the Association of RR 2, Box 119C, South Salem, NY architect of a major new gallery addition Collegiate Schools of Architecture 1990 10590 .... Harry B. Mahler FAIA, Senior of the newly expanded and refurbished annual meeting in San Francisco and the Managing Partner of The Grad Barnum Museum in Bridgeport. It opens 1990 AIA National Convention in Partnership announced the promotion on June 10 .. .. Pasanella + Klein's Houston. For more information: Bruce of Gerald Rosenfeld AIA to Senior consolidation of the English Department Kriviskey, AINAICP, 202-626-7452 ... .The Associate, and Peter R. Krause AIA to in the McKim-designed Philosophy Hall Waterfront Center's third annual Associate ....The work of Gordon at Columbia University is being Excellence on the Waterfront design Bunshaft, a major force in the postwar dedicated on May 2, at 4 pm. ... The City awards have a deadline of June 1, 1989. development of the International Style, of New York and the Department of They are open to all substantially was the subject of an exhibition at Housing Preservation and completed projects on any water body, Columbia and a lecture by Carol Herselle Development is inviting proposals for river, lake, or bay. The entry categories Krinsky in March .... Voorsanger & Mills its Rehabilitation and Sale of Small include historic preservation, mixed­ have developed a master plan for the Buildings in Brooklyn Program, which used commercial, environmental renovation and expansion of the will create housing units to be sold as enhancement, boating facilities, parks, Pierpont Morgan Library, which was condos to moderate-income households. industrial, residential, among others. For begun last May following the Library's June 9 is the deadline. For more entry forms and more information: Susan purchase of the brownstone at 231 information: Joan Hocky at 566-5550. Kirk, the Waterfront Center, 1536 44th Madison Avenue (see Oculus, St., Nw, Washington, DC, 202-337- September 1988, pg. 6). Construction is 0356 ....The Masonry Institute of New expected to begin this summer... .Udo York City and Long Island has announced Kultermann, Professor of Architecture Competitions its second annual Excellence in and Urbanism at Washington University The American Institute of Architects is Masonry award program. A $5,000 in St. Louis, has announced a traveling inviting organizations and individual check will be awarded to the seminar for American architects to architects to submit nominations for the architectural firm submitting the China in July For more information: 1990 Citation for Excellence in winning entry in each of two categories: 1-800-365-535 7.... Michael Graves FAIA Urban Design honoring projects or Class I, Institutional Building, and Class has been named the master plan programs that enhance the quality of the II, Commercial, Industrial, or Residential architect for the Detroit Institute of Arts' urban environment. Entries are due May Building. May 19, 1989 is the entry 12 NYC/AIA OC ULUS

Pratt Institute's School of Architecture.

deadline. For more information and entry forms: 516-487-5400 .... The first Annual Health Care Environment Awards were announced by the National Symposium on Health Care Interior Design & Contract Magazine. Remodel and New Construction are the two categories eligible for awards including any environment in which the primary purpose is to provide healthcare services. Submittals must be built and in use by September 1, 1989, and not previously published by a national magazine. October 13, 1989 is the deadline for entry. For more information: National Symposium on Health Care Interior Design Inc., 4550 Alhambra Way, Martinez, CA 94553-4406; or Contract Magazine 869-1300.

Top Twenty Sustaining Firms as of 3/31/89

Firm Sustaining members

Skidmore Owings & Merrill 232 J.M. Pei & Partners 164 Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates 141 HLW 106 project architect Gwathmey Siegel's goal Swanke Hayden Connell Architects 105 Designing architecture for and that of the Institute is one of Beyer Blinder Belle 77 teaching architecture "designing architecture for teaching Hellmuth Obata Kassabaum 75 architecture." Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer 70 Gwathmey Siegel & Associates have Davis Brody & Associates 68 been chosen as the architect for the Originally built as a prep school, the William Nicholas Bodouva & Associates renovation of Higgins Hall, Pratt renovation of the School of Architecture 63 Institute's 100-year-old School of building is being approached by Robert A.M. Stern Architects 62 Architecture. The selection process Gwathmey Siegel as an overall design Emery Roth & Sons 61 lasted more than nine months and project, and will complete a plan that can John Burgee Architects 58 involved reviewing credentials of more be implemented and still keep the school Taylor Clark Architects, Inc. 56 than 65 architects and several design functioning according to Robert Siegel, James Stewart Polshek and Partners 54 forms. From these, 10 finalists were who is also a Pratt alumnus. Tishman & The Ehrenkrantz Group & Eckstut 52 selected by a jury chaired by Pratt Dean Company is construction manager for Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Paul Heyer and including John Burgee the project. Architects 51 FAIA, Henry Cobb FAIA, Malcolm Gruzen Samton Steinglass 48 Holzman FAIA, and Raleigh Perkins, Edward Larrabee Barnes/John M.Y Lee Architect and Visiting Critic, Pratt P.C. 47 Institute. Three final candidates - Cooper Robertson & Partners 4 7 Gwathmey Siegel & Associates, Peter Eisenman, and Ralph Vinoly Architects - were interviewed by an advisory committee of Pratt trustees and faculty, with the jury's final recommendations.

The project involves the renovation and addition to the 20,000 square-foot Higgins Hall on the Pratt campus. As the MAY 1989 13

AROUND THE CHAPTER

York City. NOWNYC was the Founding fo r their spnosors and the profession of Vision, Values, Process Chapter, in 1967, of the National architecture. Organization for Women. The award is by Lenore M. Lucey AIA given each year to women who are Each Habitat affiliate will provide its outstanding in their profession and who student outstanding learning First articulated by the NYC/AIA have also contributed to the success of experiences in building construction, Presidential Decade, "Vision, Values, other women in the fie ld. In addition to partnership, teamwork, and leadership Process" will be the Chapter's format for the three architects, urban planner as well as a greater appreciation and coverage of this year's Mayoral Karen Alschuler of SOM, is also being awareness of the plight of the ill-housed campaign. We expect to bring you honored. The award statue is presented and homeless. For more information interviews with the leading candidates at an annual dinner, to be held this year contact your local AIAS Chapter focused on the subjects most concerning during the third week of June. Each year President at your college, or Matt New York's Architects through the the designated profession changes, this Gilbertson, AIAS President, 1735 New framework of "Vision, Values, Process." is the first year architects have been York Ave. Nw, Washington, DC 20006, honored. 202-626-7363. Vision: This City desperately needs a powerful, cohesive vision of its 'preferred Our congratulations to Adrienne, Judith, future,' to borrow a term from the AIA's Laurie and Karen on this singular honor, NYC/AIA Public Sector Vision 2000 program. Who has it? What and our thanks, for their very special Contracts Committee is it? When will it be implemented? How contribution to women and the will it be implemented? What does it profession. Hosts Koch Aides mean for architects? Recognizing the necessity for city Values: Even a powerful vision can only personnel to understand the concern of be accomplished with the establishment Committee on Nominations Chapter members regarding issues that of meaningful and consistent values architects face when waiting for contract respecting the needs of all of the City's The ballots electing the Committee on awards, payments, decision delays by the diverse communities and peoples. What Nominations have been counted. The office of Management and Budget, are the values that shape the vision? How following individuals will form the five among other things, the Public Sector are they established? How are they member committee to prepare the Contracts Committee met with members implemented and monitored? Chapter's 1989-90 slate of officers for of the Mayor's offices of Construction, your vote at the annual meeting: and Management and Budget in Process: Rational planned development December. that starts with a vision, includes Adrienne G. Bresnan AIA carefullly developed values, and requires Francoise Bollack AIA Questions were raised about the new CS a timely, fairly applied, and decisive A Eugene Kohn FAIA 29 D, which precludes fee increases process. The City's current building/ Laurie Maurer FAIA based on construction cost escalation. It development process does not meet this James McCullar AIA goes into effect on June 30. Other criteria. What needs to be changed? How discussed topics included the can we design the process to reflect the Paul Segal, who was on the ballot and importance of selecting the best Vision and the Values? How do we elected, is ineligible according to our qualified design firm instead of basing it implement a system that is fair to all bylaws by virtue of having served within on the lowest fee, the promptness of concerned? the last two years as a member of the agency reviews, monthly payments to committee. consultants, and evaluation procedures. The framework of Vision, Values, Process Interested firms with questions relating will be used to investigate the candidates' to public service contracts may send views on: Housing, Education, Planning AIAS/Habitat Summer them to Michael Ressner, Committee & Zoning, Infrastructure, and City Chairman, in care of the Chapter. resources. Program The AIAS/Habitat For Humanity 1989 Architects Honored by Summer Volunteer Program is providing nine interested students an opportunity NOWNYC to actively participate in the building of homes. Students will solicit the Chapter Members Adrienne Green sponsorship of local architects, Bresnan AIA, Judith H. Edelman FAIA, architectural firms, and other industry and Laurie Mutchnik Maurer FAIA were professionals and businesses to sponsor named "Women of Vision" by NOW New their ten-week effort as an ambassador 14 NYC/ AIA OCULUS

Quality Design in Public Architecture I I

by Jerry Maltz

If asked to enumerate public buildings environmental amenities and long-term ramifications of design. Gene of architectural quality in New York City, neighboring conditions beyond those Norman cautioned that we must one is more likely to cite older buildings strictly required by the zoning laws, but continually stimulate educational than new ones. It does seem that more that it cannot be the province of the discussion and publicity about these of our aged public structures can qualify Planning Commission to focus on the topics, with special emphasis on the for such designation than can those built details of architectural design. The positive values, which arise from in recent years. A possible reason for Department of City Planning, which is conscious and knowledgeable efforts this, as suggested by Kenneth Knuckles, often deeply involved with projects as toward achieving quality design. is that people are more critical and less they develop, can be more effective at Intelligent dialogue between the respectful of government nowadays, this. Stan Eckstut proposed that architectural profession and the public I their views being reflected in the nature extensive and specific "up-front" design can be facilitated by architecturally­ of the public buildings they "allow" to be guidelines, such as those for Battery trained individuals in public policy-mak­ built. To the extent that this is true, and Park City, could indeed become part of ing positions, as exemplified by panelists that government must become more a "zoning" law, subject to enforcement Ken Knuckles and Peter Magnani. vital in the lives of the people it governs, by a body like the City Planning the problem is much broader than one Commission. Such guidelines, when well From the audience Peter Samton that the design professions can conceived, have numerous advantages: commented that consistent and stronger solve - but there are things they "solve" the broader range of design design leadership is desirable from the professionals can do. issues with which a community is likely public agencies. This seemed to be more to be concerned, and so lessen the need easily achieved in the past because there The subject was explored recently at an for community participation; they was greater continuity and focus on Urban Center Forum on "Quality Design immediately establish a design long-term values within the upper in Public Architecture" by a panel vocabulary, and so promote easier echelons of these agencies than there is consisting of two architects in private consensus, quicker approvals, and faster today, and, Paul Willen added, greater practice (Richard Dattner and Stanton project completion with the likelihood of consensus about what public Eckstut) and four professionals from the minimal change. A good set of design architecture ought to be. Richard public sector (Kenneth Knuckles, guidelines insures a better end product. Dattner expressed a similar concern for Deputy Borough President of the Bronx; continuity and permanence in one of his Peter Magnani, Deputy Borough Kenneth Knuckles suggested that a Commandments: design for the ages, not President of Queens; Marilyn Mammano public design commission might be for the fleeting fashion. of the City Planning Commission; and established to develop guidelines Gene Norman of the Landmarks regarding such elements as scale and Albert Bauer, a former Chief Architect of Preservation Commission). Sally materials, with particular concern for the the Department of Public Works (and Goodgold of the City Club of NY symbolic nature of public architecture. greatest example of longevity that the moderated the discussion. The event But he emphasized that the result should Forum produced - he is currently a was sponsored by the NYC/AIA Public not be prohibitive in its orientation; it nonagenerian!) stated his three Architects Committee. must allow for variation of expression. principles of good public architecture: Gene Norman felt that the existing Art the product must 1) do justice to the Richard Dattner reviewed his "Ten Commission could play this role, but in promoter, 2) make the occupants Commandments" for working with order to do so it would have to clearly c.omfortable, and 3) give the public Public Agencies to produce good public establish explicit criteria, and become spiritual uplift. He felt that the prime architecture. Prominent among them is involved with projects early in their contribution of a public agency should the exhortation to make design a highly developmental stages. Peter Magnani be its experience, which, when properly conscious priority in the minds of all stated that the head of a political entity married to the creative ideas of a participants, to the extent of must initially set the tone for proper carefully selected design consultant, incorporating a clause into consultants' planning and design, using not only could not fail to produce quality contracts and evaluating them on this technical expertise but the powers of architecture. aspect of their work as well as on purse and press. The political unit must scheduling and budget considerations. then follow through to oversee the There was a general feeling that Another of the Commandments advises coordination of urban design for entire agencies should be more aggressive us to allocate the use of available project neighborhoods, to better satisfy public about seeking design quality, with a funds to focus on developing one major needs. Several panelists agreed that the strong focus on public-purpose issues. design gesture within each project. public is considerably more aware of urban design and architecture today than Sally Goodgold concluded the lively Marilyn Mammano noted that in her it has ever been before, and that a wealth evening by explaining why the City Club position on the City Planning of evaluative opinion abounds. But gave a Bard Award to Mayor Koch for Commission she is able to wield an despite this fairly widespread concern for sponsoring the pooper-scooper law: it influence regarding the appropriateness environmental issues, the public is often allowed people to look up at New York of land use, and to consider not well informed about the broader City's grand architecture! MAY 1989 15 OCULUS NYC/AIA MAY89

I

Send Oculus Calendar injorrnation to : COMMUNITY FORUM New York Chapter/AJA, 457 Madison THURSDAY4 Environmental Factors Affecting Avenue, NY. 10022. Development. Sponsored by the Planning EMERGING VOICES Center of the Municipal Art Society. 5:30 pm. Oculus welcomes irlformation for the Steven Harris, NY: Calvin Tsao and Zack The Urban Center. 935-3960. calendar pertaining to public events McKown, NY Sponsored by the Architectural about architecture and the other design League. 6:30 pm. Urban Center. 980-3767. professions. It is due in writing by the 1st FRIDAY 12 of the month for the following issue. EXHIBITION "Public Work" by winners of the A.R.E. SEMINAR, MAY 12-JUNE 11 Because of the time lag between Architectural League's 1989 Young Architects Examination Preparation & Dry irlformation received and printed, final Architects Competition. 'Ehe Urban Center. Runs for Building Design Section of details ofevents are likely to change. It is 753-1722. Closes June 4. Architects Registration Exam. Limited recommended that events be checked with enrollment. Institute of Design & sponsoring institutions before attending. FRIDAY 5 I Construction. 718-855-3662. AIA CONVENTION TUESDAY 16 CONTINUING EVENTS The !21st annual convention (May 5-8) EXHIBITION to focus on the changing profession of NYC/AIA PANEL New Projects by Architects. Drawings by architecture in the year 2000 and Affordable Housing: What We Can Bofill, Eisenman, Hadid, Isozaki, Koolhaas, beyond. St. Louis. 202-626-7467. Expect. Sponsored by the Housing Tschumi. Max Protetch Gallery. 966-5454. l Committee. 6PM. The Urban Center. $5. Closes May 13. SATURDAY6 838-9670. EXHIBITION A.R.E. WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY 17 Frank Lloyd Wright furniture designs. Preparation of graphic section of Site Steelcase Design Partnership, 305 E. 63 St. Design for Architects Registration Exam. LECTURE 755-6300. Closes May 11. Institute of Design & Construction, Civic Temples of the 80s: Art Museum 718-855-3662. Architecture in Europe and the USA by EXHIBITION architectural historian Bannon McHenry. 8 Retrospective of the work of the Russian pm. Cooper-Hewitt. 860-6868. Constructivist Liubov Popova ( 1889-1924). SUNDAY7 Museum of Modern Art. 708-9400. Closes May 30. LECTURE THURSDAY 18 Elliot Willensky on the City as Palimpsest: EXHIBITION Deciphering New York's Visible Past. 2 pm. YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM L'Art de Vivre: Decorative Arts and Design Museum of the City of New York Auditorium. Public Work. Sheila Kennedy & J. Frano in France 1789-1989. The Cooper-Hewitt 534-1034. Violich (Kennedy Violich Architects), John Museum. 860-6868. Closes July 16. Randolph & Bruce Tomb (The Interim Office of Architecture). 6:30 pm. The Architectural EXHIBITION TUESDAY 9 League at the Urban Center. 753-1722. The Drawings of Inigo Jones 1573-1652. The Drawing Center, 35 Wooster St. 219-2166. NYC/AIA PANEL I EXHIBITION Closes July 22. Corporate Architectural Graphics: A First showing of results of Competition Dialogue on Design, jointly sponsored Diomede (Oculus, Oct 1988, pg. 6). The EXHIBITION by the Corporate Architects and the Clocktower Gallery, 108 Leonard St. Closes Calvert Vaux, Architect and Planner. Communication in the Built June 2. 233-1096. Museum of the City of New York. 534-1672. Environment Committees (see Coming Closes Aug. 13. Chapter Events) 5:30-7:30 pm. Knoll International, 105 Wooster St. $5. TUESDAY23 I EXHIBITION 838-9670. Revisiting the New York World's Fair of 1939. NYC/AIA LECTURE New York Historical Society. 873-3400. NYC/AIA TOUR Sacred Architecture: Places for Closes Aug. 20. The Architecture for Education Worship. Sponsored by the Religious Committee is sponsoring a tour of Architecture Committee. 6 pm. The recently completed work at John Jay Urban Center. $5. 838-9670. TUESDAY2 College of Criminal Justice. 3 pm. 899 Tenth Ave. (between 58 and 59 Streets). EXHIBITION $5. 838-9670. THURSDAY25 American Fictions - an installation exploring the act of viewing urban and rural YOUNG ARCHITECTS FORUM settings by architects. John Nichols Gallery, WEDNESDAY 10 Public Work. Tim Swischuk, Glenn Weiss. 83 Grand St. 226-1243. 6:30 pm. The Architectural League at the CONFERENCE, MAY 10-12 Urban Center. 753-1722. Lighting World International with keynote WEDNESDAY3 address by Charles Gwathmey FAIA. Jacob Javits Center. EXHIBITION Work of Irµre Makovecz, "central fiture in a WALK IN THE RAMBLE powerful architectural movement rising in Led by Henry Hope Reed in memory of Hungary." Storefront for Art & Architecture, Estelle Wolf, 1886-1988. 11 am. at Central 97 Kenmare. 431-5795 Park West & 77 Street. ;~ The New 1t1ik cml,'f,ter ctmg ·co.,J nc. of the ,4m~can Institute ~'!,of ArohitectS is grateful to the following Contract;cDistri utor~ , Inc. i:flpr thijr sp0;p,sorship of:'' ~$jl~: .';~!fJ!; - tff@ -\i1t , ~,OCULUS ,, Domestic Marble & Stone %ftM:l @fw Facilities Reso rces Inc.

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