6 ottobre 2009 - 23 gennaio 2010, New York
Context\Contrast: New Architecture in Historic Districts, 1967-2009 investigates how new buildings and historic districts have learned to coexist in the country’s most culturally and architecturally diverse city. Context\Contrast, was organized by the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, and the Center for
Architecture Foundation, in partnership with the New York Landmarks Preservation Foundation. The 1965 Landmarks Law laid the groundwork for preserving the city’s architectural history. In that year, Brooklyn Heights became the city’s first historic district; ninety-five more districts have since been designated as neighborhoods which should be preserved as cultural assets to the city. But the intent of designating neighborhoods has never been to freeze them. How can neighborhoods evolve while maintaining their historical and architectural character and integrity? Commission Chairman Robert B. Tierney said that question “is what makes proposals for new buildings in historic districts so challenging, difficult and enthralling for the Commission.” Whether contrasting with the celebrated structures around them, cloning the features of their neighbors, or finding some intermediary between traditional modes and contemporary trends, new architecture in historic districts requires nuance and sensitivity. These design efforts must go through an extensive LPC review process and public hearings, then be deemed “appropriate” for the district. From the first new building to go into Brooklyn Heights after its landmark designation, to projects currently in development across the city, Context\Contrast considers the history of architectural “appropriateness,” new architecture and historic neighborhoods. This exhibition documents the cityscapes of five historic districts: Brooklyn Heights, the Upper East Side, SoHo, South Street Seaport, and the Queens suburban neighborhood of Douglaston. Original photographs show the many ways new buildings have woven themselves into the fabric of their districts through their character, scale and texture. […] Info: +1 2126830023 e-mail: info@aiany.org - http://cfa.aiany.org