OCULUS NEW YORK CHAPTER AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

CHAPTER BACKS "MAGNIFICENT" CIVIC CENTER P·LAN THE ANNUAL ME.E:TING: NEW OFFICERS, NEW AWARDS Realization of the proposed New York Civic Center plan, recently made public ''will be the greatest physical improvement to the city within By F. Marshall Smith living memory," the Chapter told Mayor Wagner last month. At noon on January 3, a record In a telegram, President Frederick Woodbridge urged that "the recom­ turnout of members attended the mendations of your Civic Center Committee be approved without delay, Chapters annual meeting at the and that every effort be made to assure the realization of this magnificent, Arcnitectural League. The meeting practical, and imaginative plan." had been delayed from June, 196~ The plan, shown in model photo in compliance with the request from (right), was prepared by three the Institute that the change-over Chapter members, Arhitects Max of officers and chairmen coincide Abramovitz, Simon Breines, and with the National Committee Robert Cutler, with Traffic Engin­ change-over at the beginning of eers Day & Zimmerman. It includes tne calendar year. two new towering office buildings After opening the meeting, Pres­ for the city (at north end of mall), ident Woodbridge called for a the federal government (behind reading of the ballot and additional that), and a smaller executive of­ votes from the floor before closing fice building (at left). These struc­ t he polls. The President then paid tures plus City Hall (bottom) and ribute to the late Harry B. Rut­ the Surrogate's Court would over­ kins and asked the Secretary to look the new park, created by de­ read the resolution establishing the molishing the old County Court Harry B. Rutkins Award. Mrs. House, closing several cross streets, Rutkins acknowledged with thanks and installing underground park­ and made the award to the first ing and subway connections. The recipient, David F. M. Todd, for his plan is estimated to cost only $13.7 accomplishments on behalf of the million more than the $150 million Chapter as Chairman of the Fees already approved. & Contracts Committee. Dickson Woodbridge stated that one point McKenna, Chairman of the A wards demands immediate attention and Committee, presented other new the firmest action: the recommen­ citations to the following: dation that present plans for the Federal Office Building and Cus­ Citizens Committee for Preservation of toms Court be revised to shift the Tompkins Square Park off ice building west and the Cus­ Recipient: Vivian Nemhauser toms Court north. This revision Skidmore, Owings & Merrill-Subway will make an "incalculable differ­ Model l'ie1v of proposed Civic Center, looking north; City Hall at bottom, Entrance, Nassau and Cedar Sts.­ ence" in the overall plan, he said. Brooklyn Bridge ramps at right. (Chase Manhattan Bank) Woodbridge pointed out that Pres­ Represented by Robert W. Cutler ident Kennedy recently placed The Chapter offered the Mayor great stress on imaginative plan­ "its complete support and any as­ Clarke & Rapuano-Public Gardens; ning and good architecture, and sistance within its power toward U.N. Headquarters added: "It would be a great mis­ the accomplishment of the recom-· Represented by Richard C. Murdock fortune if the one serious flaw in mendations of your Committee." Mayer, Whittlesey & Glass-Interior a great plan was due to lack of "We congratulate you on this Courtyard, New School for Social Re­ understanding and cooperation on magnificent program," the tele­ search the part of a Federal government gram stated. "Let us see that the Represented by Julian H. Whittlesey agency." most is made of it." Continued on p. 2 2 not be jeopardized. The atmosphere Calif., and received his Bachelor of OCULUS of cooperation must be preserved Architecture from Cornell in 1929. VOL. 35, NO. 4 and enhanced." Since its founding in 1946, he has AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS To close the meeting, Chairman been a partner in the New York NEW YORK CHAPTER of Tellers Robert Beder r eported City firm of Brown, Lawford & the results of t he election. With Forbes, 224 East 46th St. Recent MARGOT A. HENKEL, Executive Secretary 480 valid votes, t he following were work of the firm includes new 115 East 40th Street New York 16, N. Y. elected to serve t he Chapter in buildings on the Wesleyan Univer-· M\,Jrray Hill 9-7969 1963 : sity campus, and current recon­ struction and additions to the Met­ · - -· ~ EpERICK }· WOOD~RIDGE ...... President President: .... . Geoffry Noel Lawford ropolitan Museum of Art and The . DAVID L. EGGERS ...... Vice President Vice President: .. .. Lat hrop Douglass C. GATES BECKWITH ...... Secretary Cloisters. ALBERT H. SWANKE ...... _...... Treasurer Secretary : .. Charles Gates Beckwith Mr. Lawford recently completed Treasurer: ...... Albert H. Swanke a two-year term as chairman o! PUBLICATION C.OMMITTEE the New York State Board of Ex­ Executive Committee: PHILIP M. CHU ...... Chair man aminers of Architects, and was for.­ OGDEN TANNER ...... Vice Chairman and Ed itor Bro. C. J . B. Baumann merly director of the New York JAN WHITE ...... Associate Editor Emanuel N. Turano JOHN DIXON ...... , .. ... Associate !:ditor State Association of Architects. He Committee on Fellows : is a member of the Architectural A. Gordon Lorimer League, and an associate member 1'HE A N:VU.AL lvlEETJN G Continued from p. 1 Daniel Schwartzman of the National Academy of De­ sign. In 1950 he served as vice Ludwig Mies van der Rohe- Open Jury for the Medal of Honor and president of the New York Chap­ Plaza, Seagram Building A wards of Merit: ter, and from 1956-58 as a member No representation. Citation mailed. Frederick J . Woodbridge of the Chapter's executive commit­ Richard Boring Snow tee. Olmstead Associates, Brookline, Mass. Richard W. Snibbe -design and landscape architecture Ocuws joins the Chapter in of paving and parking area, Metropoli­ Committee on Professional Practice: warmest congratulations and best tan Museum of Art Geoffrey Platt wishes to Mr. Lawford for the year No representation. Cit ation mailed. Aaron Na than Ki ff ahead. · John Gray Faron Salute to Seasons Fund, Jnc.-leader­ ship in stimulating citizens toward a R epresentative to the New Y ork State CITY CLUB SPONSQ:RS NEW constant program to beautify the city, Association of A rchitects: CIVIC ARCHITECTURE AWARDS (flower and tree planting and flood­ F . Marshall Smith lighting) George D. Brown, Jr., Alternate New Yor k's pioneer civic group, Represented by Mrs. Albert D. Las­ The City Club of New York, is en­ ker President Woodbridge introduc­ gaged in a campaign to improve the ed the newly elected officers and qualit y of civic architecture. As Retiring President Woodbridge, thanked the outgoing members of part of this campaign, it has an­ in his accustomed vigorous, good-· t he Executive Committee, then nounced a competition among ar­ humored style, delivered a "Hail turned the gavel over to new Presi­ chitects. The awards will be named and Farewell" address. Without at­ dent Lawford, who closed t he meet­ for Albert S. Bard, 95-year-old tempting to review the many ac­ ing with a short address. trustee of t he club, who for more complishments of his extended ad­ t han 60 years has fought for a ministration, he emphasized one more beautiful city. The compe­ great Chapter gain: ''For what­ tition was organized by a sub-com­ ever cause-and much credit goes mittee of the club's Municipal Af­ to the previous administrations of fairs Committee under the chair­ Bancel LaFarge and Bob Cutler­ manship of Leon Brand, AIA, of t he New York Chapter has achiev­ Frederick G. Frost Jr. and Asso­ ed a position with respect to t he ciates. government of the City of New In a circular sent to all members York which is stronger t han at any of the AIA in the New York area time I can remember in the past. and to all New York City public Not only is the opinion of the Chap­ agencies, it was announced that ter respected, it is often asked, and submissions must be made by Feb­ its help and advice r equested by ruary 25. The judging will take numerous City agencies. It is easier place on March 4 and 5, and the for the Chapter Officers to gain ac­ awards will be made at a luncheon cess to the Mayor , the Chairman G of fry Noel Lawford F AIA, new on April 22. of the City Planning Commission, Chapter president, was born on In addition to one or more First and other department heads. This Dec. 25, 1903 in England, attended Honor A wards for Excellence in is an accomplishment which must high school in Santa Barbara, Civic Architectur e, the jury will 3

11 bestow A wards of Merit in Civic $5000 "QUEST FOR QUALITY IS Architecture on as many entries 1963 CONVENTION THEME as it deems deserving. An appro­ AWARD priate plaque will be presented for From the Estate of the late "The Quest for Quality in Archi­ tecture" will be the theme of the installation at buildings which re­ Arnold W. Brunner ceive the First Honor Award. Institute's 1963 Convention, to be President held May 5-9 in Miami. .Architects interested in entering of the New York Chapter the competition or encouraging The main session on Wednesday The American lnstiute of morning, May 8, will explore, among similar competitions in other cities Architects 1909-1910 may obtain copies of the announce-· other topics, the criteria for defin­ FOR AN IDEA ~ent circular by writing to The ing quality and the reasons why For the best prop~sal for a spe­ these criteria are ever-changing. City Club of New York, 6 West cial study that will contribute The second session, on Thursday ) 48 Street, New York 36, N. Y. most effectively to the practice, morning, will be concerned with teaching, or knowledge of "What and Who Influences Quali­ F. G. FROST TO WORK Architecture ty?" Examined will be the role of ON NEW N. Y. CODE For Applications Write to the government, education, profession­ Frederick G. Frost Jr. & Associates Brunner Scholarship Committee al press, public taste, and other in­ has been selected as consulting ar­ New York Chapter, A.I.A. fluences. 115 East 40th Street c}l.it~ct to the Polytechnic Institute The final session, on Thursday New York 16, N. Y. of Brooklyn for its current project afternoon, will take up "The At­ of writing a new Building Code for Closing Date for Applications tainment of Quality," with discus­ New York City. The Building Code, Extended to January 31, 1963 sion of such subjects as collabora­ last revised in 1937, is in process tive vs. individual approach, and of being completely re-written over native ability vs. acquired knowl­ a three-year period at a cost of PUBLICITY OPPORTUNITIES edge. $700,000. Burnham Kelly, Dean of the Col­ Mr. Frost is a former member Photo Dealer magazine will run a story prepared by the Chapter's lege of Architecture at Cornell Uni­ of the Executive Committee of the versity, will serve as moderator for New York Chapter, and his firm public affairs counsel on store mod­ ernization, but needs photos to il­ the entire program. The roster of has designed a wide variety of speakers, to be announced later, in­ buildings in and around New York lustrate it. All materials used will be credited. If you have designed cludes distinguished architects and including private and public hous~ noted experts in other related fields. ing, voluntary hospitals, public or remodeled a photo store, pic­ schools, industrial buildings, super­ tures will be welcome. Also, there markets, and residences. is a need for photos and/ or dia­ Other consultants engaged for grams illustrating gridiron, inclin-· the project are Meyer, Strong and ed, and free-flow floor plans. Send WOMEN'S Jones, mechanical engineers, and materials to Jack Bernstein Asso­ ARCHITECTURAL Praeger - Kavanagh -· Waterbury, ciate , 37 West 57th Street, New AUXILIARY York 19, N. Y. structural engineers. Our Fourth Annual Debutante Co­ tillion is now a glittering memory. ~~ -~USS MEMO·RIAL AWA~D Eight beautiful girls were present­ ed this year at the Metropolitan For the first time in the history of 96th DINNER DANCE Club on December 26. This is an the Sidney L. Strauss Memorial Thursday, Feb. 21 increase over last year. They de­ Award, the Committee has seen fit Plaza Hotel, 5th Ave. & 5'9th St. scended the grand staircase in the this year to make two awards, des­ Reception 7 :30 P.M. traditional manner and were pre­ ignating Richard Roth, AIA, in Dinner-dance 8 :30 P.M. sented to the distinguished guests. recog:Qition of his past outstanding Join your friends and associates services for the benefit of the· ar­ Mr. and Mrs. John Noble Richards for the Chapter's major social flew in from Toledo, Ohio for the chi tectual profession, and The Hon. event of the year. The cost has occasion, which pleased their many Everett McKinley Dirksen, U. S. been maintained at $15 per per­ friends greatly. Senator from Illinois, for his ef-· son with drinks on an individual forts in behalf of all self-employed basis. Special rate of $10 for all The Executive Board of the professionals, as evidenced by the members (and their guests) as­ VI.A.A. is now considering a Spring passing of House Resolution No. signed to the Chapter during luncheon and fashion show to spark 10, Self-Employed Retirement Leg­ 1962, and for all those under the the A.I.A. Convention in Miami and islation. age of 40. Black tie. Individual to raise additional scholarship funds. Presentation of the Awards took reservations or reservations for place at the Annual Dinner of the tables of 10 may be made Volunteers for this committee New York Society of Architects, through the Chapter office (MU are requested to call Mrs. Max O. held December 19 at the Americana 9-7969). Urhahn at PLaza 8-3198. Hotel in midtown Manhattan. Hildegarde (Mrs. Harold R.) Sleeper 4

COMING EVENTS PLASTERERS' SCHOLARSHIP The Chapter announces the fifth JANUARY 30 Hospital and Health Lecture annual scholarship award of the Gallery A, Wed., 5 :15 P.M. Plastering Institute of Greater New York, Inc. A scholarship of FEBRUARY 7 Chapter-wide Hospital & Health Committee Dinner $1000 will be awarded to a male Meeting; Biltmore Hotel, 43rd Street, or female candidate for graduation Thurs., 6 :30 P.M. at a New York City high school Speaker: Dr. Jack C. Haldeman, Assistant Surgeon who plans to study at an accredited General, Chief, Division of Hospital and Medical college with a view toward a career Facilities, Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare in architecture. Character, scholas­ tic record and financial need will FEBRUARY 21 Anniversary Dinner be the bases for the award. Appli-· Thurs., Terrace Room, Plaza Hotel cation should be made through the 5th A venue & 59th Street school principal or through any member of the New York Chapter, FEBRUARY 26 Technical Committee Lecture and should include the candidate's Gallery A, Tues., 5 :30 P.M. scholastic records, character recom­ Topic: "Fire Safety" mendations, a letter of recommen­ dation from an instructor familiar MARCH 6 Hospital & Health Lecture with the student's work, and a Dining Room, Wed., 5:15 P.M. statement outlining the candidate's reason for having chosen architec­ ture as a program of study. MARCH 12 Technical Committee Lecture Gallery A, Tues., 5 :30 P.M. Applications shall be mailed no later than February 15th, to the Topic: "Site Techniques" Education and Scholarship Com­ mittee, New York Chapter, AIA, A.I.A. CONVENTION MAY 5-·9 115 East 40th St., New York 16, Miami, Florida (Hotel Americana) N. Y. The award will be announced on or before May 4, 1963.

OCULUS DIRECTORY MEMBERSHIP OCULUS is grateful to the following contributors who helped sustain the costs of this issue. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS HERBERT HELMUS Severud-Elstad-Krueger­ The New York Chapter extends its warmest welcome to the following new Architectural Hardware Consultants Associates members: Allowances and Specifications Consulting Engineers Reports - Buildings - Airports Corporate 1069 Rogers Ave. Brooklyn 26, N. Y. Special Structures Philip A. Dworkin George Joseph Mann IN 9-5000 Structural Design - Supervision '.\liguel Angel Franco George J . Masumian Martin B. Ginsburg (Transferred from Charl es C. H olt Queens Chapter) Carl os F. Lavand ero J oseph G. :Merz Sa nford Malter Richard Roth, Jr.

Associate Stanl ey M. Boruchow Donald A. H. Rummery Jose F. De La Torre Gonzales Robert Sanders

CANDIDATES Information regarding the qualifica­ tions of the following candidates for membership will be considered confiden­ tial by the Admissions Committee: Corporate John Milton Arms Albert Pfeiffer. Jr. Neil Robert Berzak Arthur I saac Rosenblatt Ralph Lawrence Gionta Peter Samton William Golub Der Scutt Barry S. Jackson Danforth Wallace Toan Norman Coleman Jaffe S I U R G H Associate 460 MELWOOD STREET Sponsors: PITTSBURGH 13, PENNA . Douglas icholas Blauvelt Michael M. Harris and David R. Dibner PERMANENT DISPLAY Sponsors: Robert Hayden Schofield George M. Schofield and 1 0 1 PA R K AV E . , N E W Y 0 R K , N , Y . l\{ichael M. Harris Sponsors: John Joseph Wynne Ernest Akam and William E. Baltz