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Modern Architecture and Design Scavenger Hunt Winners

March 19, 2013 Year Round Program Docomomo US, Modern Architecture, New York, ohny, OHNY year round programs, scavenger hunt

We are excited to announce of the winners of the 2013 Modern Architecture and Design Scavenger Hunt! Thanks so much to everyone who participated. We hope you had a great time and will join the hunt again next year.

Drum roll please….

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First place: Go Ben Go

(Michael and Jon Gordon)

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This father-son team was the first to arrive at the reception and they still won by a 7 point margin! They managed to get to every site uptown, nearly every site in midtown, and they even made it to the Bronx. They managed to photograph a Marcel Breuer building from the platform of the subway in the Bronx. Well done!

Second Place: More is More

(Sarah Milstein and Matthew Wills)

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This team racked up points by finding more modern religious structures than any other team.

Third Place: AFK

(Imelda Bernstein, Violette Rychlicki, Liza Billings, Jenny Liu, and Edward Powers)

Boroughs 1 TWA Terminal JFK

AFK was the team to make it to the TWA FLight Center and the NYS Pavillion in Flushing, Queens. Nice job in getting to those outer boroughs!

Other Highlights

Here are some photo highlights from the other teams (see all of the photos on flickr)

Brian’s Angels was the team with the most creative captions. They were the only team to spot Le Corbusier glasses on the street! Apparently, this lady was insistent that everyone know that she found her glasses in London. There you have it! To see all of the team’s photos you can visit their Flickr page.

Les Moustachus get the award for the most creative team theme. In each of their photos they are all sporting their mustaches. They even printed out stickers and were handing them out at the closing reception. Way to get into the spirit, Les Moustachus!

Team Platypus wins the prize for best enactment of the Noguchi sculpture in Rockefeller Center.

Another one of our favorite photos was of the Anarchitects Team. Here they are boldly posing in the lobby of the Corning Glass Building (notice the security guard behind them trying to shoo them away).

Followers of Moses (Robert Moses, that is) got creative in snapping their photos of a Noguchi sculpture that sits outside the Marine Midland Bank. We like your style!

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Team Emily2 went all the way out to Roosevelt Island to Four Freedoms Park. The park, designed by Louis Kahn, was just completed and is now open to the public. Nice work, Emily2!

Three Blind Mice made new friends at Joe Fresh. The photo includes a Bertoia sculpture that is at 510 Fifth Avenue.

Many teams were able to find Paley Park, one of the first “vest-pocket” parks, designed by Zion & Breen with Albert Preston Moore, and take a minute to put up their feet and relax by the water fall. Team Vengeance is pictured above.

One of the hardest clues, worth 10 points, was at the Met, where you had to photograph the original 1880 museum designed by Calvert Vaux (top photo, by Salt and Corrosion), the Fifth Avenue redesign by Richard Morris Hunt (middle photo by Mies van der Hoes), and the mid-century additions by Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo (bottom photo by Taking it for Granite). The trick was that you had to go inside the museum to find Vaux’s contribution–well done, Salt and Corrosion, Poor Wand’ring One, Mies van der Hoes, and Taking it for Granite!

Also, a shout out to the brave souls who hunted solo! Team Brownie’s and Poor Wand’ring One.

For one clue, teams were asked to go to MoMA and find a spot where they could capture both Philip Johnson’s AT&T Building, and Wallace Harrison’s and Edward Durell Stone’s Rockefeller Apartments in the same photo. Many teams got creative in finding a spot where you can see the buildings from the street, rather than through the window from inside MoMA–clever! Team BLW Global Rooms is pictured in the top photo, and below is AFK, who pointed out the hard-to-spot AT&T Building in the background.

Thanks again to all the hunters, and our generous hosts–Room & Board and Trespa!

Field Trip Friday: Capsys in the Brooklyn Navy Yard

March 1, 2013 Field Trip Friday Capsys, Field Trip Friday, modular construction

Two weeks ago, the OHNY staff and Tessa Hartley, OHNY’s new intern, took a field trip to Capsys Corp. in the Brooklyn Navy Yard. You may have heard of New York City’s micro-apartment project, which will be constructed by Capsys next year. They are receiving a lot of attention for this project, but they have been constructing modular units since 1996. Tessa tells us what she learned about Capsys and their design and production process in this week’s Field Trip Friday.

Capsys fabricates modular units in one of the historic buildings of the Brooklyn Navy Yard. Many of their projects include creating townhouses, hotels and apartments which leave the factory as fully built modular sections. Once completed in the warehouse, the pieces are then transported and put together on location, cutting on-site construction time down to a matter of weeks and sometimes even days.

There were a couple of projects currently under construction in the factory during our visit, one was an 18-unit apartment complex to be installed in Brooklyn, the other a hotel in Westchester. The apartment complex includes 2-bedroom units, the largest units they have ever built, which are also the maximum size legally allowed to be transported New York. In fact, they exceed the maximum cargo width allowed in other states by four feet.

The system works in an assembly line fashion, with the process beginning at one end of the factory, with the floors and ceilings, and completing at the other end, from which the units leave the building (through a massive garage door) and are loaded onto trucks.

During our visit, we were really able to experience and see the nuts and bolts of construction and understand how the units function on a detailed level.

While it seemed bizarre at first to see a home being built in a factory setting, through the tour it became clear how functional and sustainable this type of construction is. For one, the process produces almost no waste. Because the same basic materials are used for every unit, they can be recycled from project to project, and because the shapes of the modular units such as frames and floors are the same, molds are constantly being reused.

The first step (at the back end of the factory) is the pouring of the concrete floor and welding of steel for the frame.

We saw a floor that had just been poured that morning: one level slab with a small lower section at one end, which will fit with the adjacent unit like a puzzle piece. One of the only aspects of construction that takes place during the installation is the covering up of seams with a thin, self-leveling layer of concrete. The steel rods around its perimeter have tabs at the top, another puzzle-piece feature that will fit into the base of the rods in the floor of the unit above it.

We moved down the line, seeing the units in various stages of construction. At the end, we were able to go inside a nearly finished unit, complete with a kitchen, lighting, and tiled bathroom.

In addition to Capsys, there are also other companies constructing modular housing in New York–in December, ground was broken for what will be the largest prefabricated building in the world in Atlantic Yards, Brooklyn. The 32-story building will consist of 930 modules that will be built by another modular company next spring.

I think that it’s interesting to consider why modular housing is only now gaining ground in New York, when it has been present in other cities since the mid-late 20^th century. For example, the famous Habitat 67 that was built in Montreal in 1967 and the Nakagin Capsule Tower in Tokyo in 1972.

The early examples of urban prefabricated modular housing – concrete, brutalist structures – seem to have stalled urban modular development in the last decades of the 20^th century. As late modern and post-modern glass-heavy architecture came into fashion, modular housing was relegated to the sidelines of urban architecture, as it was too cumbersome and seemingly ungraceful.

In recent years, modular construction has become a trend in the New York landscape, perhaps paving the way for the current large-scale modular housing projects. There have been various temporary modular structures in New York over the years. For example, quite a few projects that used re-purposed shipping containers such as the Nomadic Museum at Pier 54 in Brooklyn in 2005, pop-up swimming pools on Park Avenue in 2010, and the Dekalb Market in 2011.

It seems to me that the necessity of sustainability, combined with the gradual development of new ideas in modular construction design has set the stage for the current boom in modular development in New York, which is set to become increasingly present in the city’s landscape.

Field Trip Friday: Brooklyn Historical Society

January 4, 2013 Field Trip Friday Brooklyn Heights, Brooklyn Historical Society, Field Trip Friday, Library

Last month, OHNY intern Elis and staff Jessica Mak and Jailee Rychen visited the Brooklyn Historical Society, a local urban history center, whose mission is to preserve and foster the study of Brooklyn’s 400-year history. Designed by George Post, the building features bold use of terracotta on its exterior, beautiful bronze fixtures, and a stunning library and research center.

The Brooklyn Historical Society is housed in a four-story Queen Anne style building, located in Brooklyn Heights. Architect George Post, who went on to build many of New York’s earliest skyscrapers, as well as the New York Stock Exchange, designed this neighborhood gem. Post’s preference for large, uncluttered open spaces using innovative steel support systems can be seen throughout the BHS’ interiors.

Local unglazed terracotta was used on the entire exterior of the building. The second-story façade, sculpted by Olin Levi Warner, depicts various American flora and heroes of the arts, like of Guttenberg and Shakespeare, as well two great heroes of American history on the front of the building. Can you guess who they are?

The interior of the building is just as stunning and has been carefully preserved. Much of the original Minton Tile floor can still be found in the building today, as well as some of the most beautiful custom made bronze hardware designed by Post. Original 1880s period lighting fixtures can also be found throughout the building. In 1991 the building received several landmark statuses, including recognition as a National Historic Landmark in the National Register of Historic Places, as well as by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.

Brooklyn Historical Society’s Othmer Library is among the few interior landmarks in Brooklyn, designated by the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Hand-carved, black ash wood bookshelves and iron columns enclosed in wood, support the balcony. However, on the second level, the ceiling is not suspended by the bookshelves, but by a truss system using iron trusses on the roof, that mirror the design of the nearby Brooklyn Bridge. Among the society’s collection are rare books, manuscripts, artworks, and maps.

The Brooklyn Historical Society is currently undergoing interior renovations, only the second since its opening in 1881. The first renovation, which lasted from 1991 to 2003, involved restoring the façade and removing an elevator from the lobby to restore the original open lobby and stained glass skylight. The current renovation project, expected to be completed by 2013, seeks to transform the Brooklyn Historical society’s ground floor and lower level into a quality public forum. State-of-the- art facilities will be used for exhibitions, public programs and private events. It will also restore the building’s historic entrance as the main entrance.

Our thanks to Cristina Garza at the Brooklyn Historical Society for the in-depth tour. We look forward to another visit when the renovation project is complete!

Brooklyn Historical Society

128 Pierrepont Street

Brooklyn, NY

Frank Sciame is OHNY

December 21, 2012 I AM OHNY Frank Sciame, I AM OHNY

Frank Sciame
CEO of Sciame Construction
OHNY Site Sponsor & Supporter
Lives in Midtown, Manhattan

1. Are you a native New Yorker? If not, when and why did you move here?

Yes, I am a native New Yorker and decided to build my company here because I love New York. I worked my way through college as a carpenter doing minor construction jobs. After graduating with a degree in architecture, I went to work for a general contractor. I was shocked to find out that you could put a profit on top of a day’s pay. So, I took a leap of faith and in June of 1975, I left my job. It was three months before getting married. My wife thought I was nuts. I started the business off very small and eventually built it up the respectable size it is today.

2. Do you have a favorite place/neighborhood in the city?

The 57th Street corridor would be my favorite. I think it is special to experience it from river to river. I also appreciate 59th Street with Columbus Circle, Central Park and all the shopping. I think it’s a great area of the city.

3. Why is OHNY important to New York City?

I think it’s a great way to communicate with each other. It gives everybody a chance in different fields–but especially people in the arts and architecture–to experience the built environment first hand.

4. How and when did you first learn about OHNY?

I first leaned about OHNY when I was asked to arrange for a group to see one of our buildings. It didn’t occur to me that this would be something that people would be interested in doing. We are so used to being in our buildings. I think everyone likes to be the first to see something. So, when you can see a building before it’s finished, there’s a certain amount of intrigue involved.

5. If OHNY could grant you a New York City all-access pass, where would you go first?

I would first visit the water tunnels that are being built. That must be pretty extraordinary to see and experience!

6. It goes without saying that we all love New York City. What do you find most inspiring about the city?

It’s the island at the center of the world! It’s where it all started for North America. I am constantly inspired by the enormous continual growth of the city. And you’re helping to do that! Yes, I suppose I am.

7. What do you think is New York’s best-kept secret?

The fact that New York is really like a small town. No one ever says that, but it is true, especially during times of crisis. Everyone pulls together and supports one another just like you would expect a small town to do.

8. In one sentence, why should people support OHNY?

People should support OHNY because it provides the only opportunity for New Yorkers in all different fields to see inside the wonderful buildings of New York City. It’s truly a unique and tremendous opportunity.

Thanks, Frank!

Bob Gelber is OHNY

December 21, 2012 I AM OHNY Bob Gelber, I AM OHNY

Bob Gelber
OHNY Program Sponsor and Member of the OHNY Volunteer Council
Lives in Lower Manhattan

1. Are you a native New Yorker? If not, when and why did you move here?

I was born and bred in Brooklyn and have lived in New York City my whole life. My wife and I now live across from the South Street Seaport and have been there for 32 years.

2. Do you have a favorite place/neighborhood in the city?

I just love Midtown. People make fun of me that I gravitate towards Rockefeller Center and now, since I’m a licensed tour guide, I know the history and find it to be really fascinating. Especially during the holidays with all the holiday lights. Yes, I love that! I do a holiday lights walk and every year I end up at the tree. I talk about the history of the tree and the area since the Depression. It’s a very special place for me.

3. What does OHNY mean to you?

It is one of the most special events in New York City. What a wonderful opportunity to explore all these sites for free! The only sad thing is that it’s only two days a year. It should be all year long!

4. Why is OHNY important to New York City?

OHNY is important to the city because it shows the public what’s out there. OHNY motivates New Yorkers to expand their horizons and explore. Over the years, I’ve met so many people that before OHNY Weekend didn’t venture out of their comfort zone, but when they saw the amazing guide with all of these places in all the boroughs, they started going out. It whets one’s appetite for exploring, right? That’s it. Exactly! So you want to go out and do more.

5. How and when did you first learn about OHNY?

I must have read about it in somewhere and thought it was a really interesting idea. Then, I went to a volunteer recruitment event at St. Stephens Church and hundreds of people showed up. This was in the beginning. My first year as a volunteer, I was assigned to the Chrysler Building. All day people asked me, “When’s the tour to the top?” I had to tell them that the Cloud Club had closed 70 years ago, so they had missed the tour.

6. What has been your favorite OHNY site or program?

If I had to choose I would say it was the House of the Redeemer. There was a convent there from 1949 until 1980. And it was originally a mansion built in the early 20th century. Yes, that’s why I loved it. I try to go to as many of those former private residences as possible. The priest who was in charge gave a wonderful tour. He was so nice. I stood there for over an hour talking to him after the group had left.

7. If OHNY could grant you a New York City all-access pass, where would you go first?

That’s a really hard question because there are so many places I would love to see. The most exciting are probably those that I’m not even aware of. I really wanted to see the Woolworth Building and through OHNY I got to see that last year. I would love to see the space of the former Cloud Club in the Chrysler Building. I’ve heard some chatter they might attempt to restore it into a new restaurant.

8. Who is your favorite architect/designer/artist in the city?

I admire Diller Scofidio + Renfro. They created the High Line, which is so amazing, and they’re doing tours on a regular basis. They also re-imagined Lincoln Center. They gracefully tweaked it so it looks like it belongs in 2012 rather than when it was built in the 1960s.

9. It goes without saying that we all love New York City. What do you find most inspiring about the city?

You get to appreciate the city the more you meet people from other places, who are not accustomed to seeing so much in one place. I love the variety, the dining choices, the drinking choices, all the cultural events, the free events, the free movies during the summer, etc. There is so much diversity and I find that so exciting.

10. In one sentence, why should people support OHNY?

Everyone should be a part of OHNY and explore New York City. Any donation amount helps the organization move forward so that we can eventually celebrate OHNY’s 20th Anniversary.

Thanks, Bob!