CultureNOW | A Celebration of Culture & Community

Claire Weisz, Principal at WXY Architecture + Urban Design, speaks about the process of designing Kowsky Plaza. 

Claire Weisz discusses the Zipper Bench designed by WXY Architects. The Zipper conceptually strives to positively encourage social interaction with any different number of people gathering, relaxing and engaging. The bespoke elements of the bench design facilitate a multiplicity of options in their arrangement. These components act as parts within the urban whole.

Claire Weisz, Principal at WXY Architecture + Urban Design describes the process of designing the Drawing Center. 

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses their renovation of the Arnold Constable Department Store. Originally a department store, this building was built in the 1850s. It was renovated and converted into a residential space.

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses the renovation of Asphalt Green, from a concrete production plant, to a recreational facility.

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses the renovation of Father Duffy Square, that successfully changed the landscape and atmosphere of Times Square.

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses the Manhattan Valley Viaduct, a landmark located at W 125th Street and Broadway. It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1983.

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses The Wall, an installation in the Soho area located at Broadway and East Houston Street, by Frosty Myers. A blue installation alongside the building at 599 Broadway; taken down in 2002 for causing damage, yet with a push from the New York Landmarks Preservation Commission was re-installed in 2007.

Sherida Paulsen, principal of PKSB Architects, discusses the Triple Bridges at 9th Avenue near 40th Street, leading into the Port Authority Bus Terminal. In 1995, the Port Authority contacted Manhattan Community Board 4 to ascertain the concerns and desires of the local community. Subsequently Leni Schwendinger Light Projects and PKSB Architects proposed a luminous and colorful architectural design solution for pedestrian and vehicular street traffic, winning the commission. The design choices - from lighting to color pattern - were selected to emphasize the I-beam engineered structure of the bridges. Metal mesh is illuminated by standard lighting fixtures utilized in innovative ways. Reflective panels produce a carpet of light onto the roadbed in the midst of this urban node. 

Guido Hartray, of Rogers-Marvel, discusses the MTA Flood Mitigation Streetscape Design.