CultureNOW | A Celebration of Culture & Community

Jonathan Marvel describes the design of St. Ann’s Warehouse, which built its new home in the 1860 Tobacco Warehouse along Brooklyn Bridge Park in DUMBO. Within this much beloved ruin-like brick building, the design celebrates contradiction with discrete yet unexpected materials of glass bricks, black steel and plywood. An overall discrete volume is inserted snugly into the walls on three sides, allowing the historic arched doors and varied windows to remain untouched. The fourth side is occupied by support spaces and community amenities which open onto an intimate triangular park within the warehouse’s walls.

Hugh Hardy of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture discusses the history of Radio City Music Hall and its influence on the architecture of New York City. One of the nation's most famous theaters, Radio City Music Hall houses New York's most awe-inspiring spaces. When the hall opened in 1932, it was the world's largest theater with 6,200 seats. H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture conducted a major restoration and renewal of the hall. The carpeting, wall coverings and upholstery fabrics were restored to their early bold patterns and textures, and the murals to their full brilliance. Original Donald Deskey furniture and light fixtures were refurbished and restored. Many exterior design elements were also brought back, heightening the building's nighttime drama. Marquee lighting was restored to red-and-blue neon piping and gold lettering, not seen since the 1930s.

Hugh Hardy of H3 Collaboration Architecture discusses the history of the New Victory Theater in Times Square. Built in 1900 by Oscar Hammerstein, the New Victory is New York's oldest surviving theater. Restoration and rehabilitation of this historic theater was the first significant step in the renaissance of popular entertainment in the landmark 42nd Street District. Due to the intricacy of interior detail and numerous modifications over time, H3's staff began the project with an existing conditions report in order to create a master plan for restoration and rehabilitation. The program included expansion of the lobby and basement, creation of an upper lobby, and restoration of the facade and all interior elements, including detailed plaster and wood work.

Hugh Hardy of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture discusses his work on the transformation of 42nd Street from a seedy area to a family friendly environment.

Hugh Hardy of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture discusses his firm's work on the renovation of the Brooklyn Academy of Music.

Hugh Hardy of H3 Hardy Collaboration Architecture discusses his work on the renovation of Bryant Park, from a drug-infested area to a clean and safe community area. The rehabilitation of the park recaptured a derelict public space by introducing amenities, careful interventions in the landscape and proper maintenance. To draw pedestrian traffic, hedges were removed and openings made in the central lawn's balustrade. New entrances and ramps to the north and south were added, and access points were altered to encourage easy visitation.

Stephen Cassell, principal architect at Architecture Research Office, discusses ARO's renovation of the Armed Forces Recruiting Center in Times Square. The current building, which was constructed in 1999, resembles a three-dimensional U.S. flag.

Stephen Cassell, principal architect at Architecture Research Office, discusses his firm's proposal to reshape the New York City harbor in response to global warming and rising water lines. ARO's proposal consists of two basic components that form an interconnected system: porous green streets and a graduated edge. Their new conception of what a “street” is will not only provide productive park space within the city, it creates a network of absorptive green surfaces. On the edge of the island, three interrelated high-performance systems are constructed to block higher sea levels and mitigate storm surge force and flooding: a productive park network, freshwater wetlands, and tidal salt marshes. The above- and below-ground performance of the city can be supported by a newly integrated and mutually beneficial infrastructure.

Stephen Cassell, principal architect at Architecture Research Office, explains how ARO, in partnership with Della Valle Bernheimer, designed and built an energy efficient, sustainable house for a low-income neighborhood in Syracuse, NY. The R-House project was designed to create an affordable, innovative paradigm for minimal energy consumption embodied in architecture that nurtures the spirit and engages the community. Its compact exterior belies expansive and luminous spaces within. The design meets the German Passivhaus standard, requiring only the equivalent energy of a hair dryer for heating. Designed for high economic and practical performance, R-House strengthens the physical and social structure of Syracuse’s Near Westside neighborhood. The project was awarded the 2010 R+D Award from Architect Magazine and the 2010 AIA Merit Award from AIA New York City.

Stephen Cassell, principal architect at Architecture Research Office, discusses ARO's ongoing renovation of the north section of Union Square. Renovations include rehabilitating a former music pavilion and adding a much needed public bathroom. Through improvements to its architecture and landscape, ARO will be adding a new Comfort Station, a seasonal café within the historic Pavilion, and an operations office. The design weaves the park's familiar existing elements with new construction that will expand the ways in which New Yorkers can make use of the park. ARO's renovations have been awarded the 2010 Norman Buchbinder Award for Community Service, Union Square Partnership.