I thought this was a great article that is very relevant to what we discussed when we covered the architecture topic. The author, Edward Glaeser (whom I have mentioned earlier on this blog), argues for building skyscrapers in large metropolises, that they greatly increase available housing, making living in an attractive area affordable. In addition, an area that accommodates a large number of offices and businesses promotes communication and interaction, which, the author argues, is crucial in the globalized world of today. Although the article reads biased, the author offers a number of counterarguments to building skyscrapers.
I think that we cannot say that skyscrapers are ideal in the cities of today and to take a side for or against, one has to place the question in context. Skyscrapers seem to belong on Wall Street or on streets40’s streets on the east side, but I would not want to see very tall buildings encompassing Central park from all four sides. After researching a number of houses a few weeks ago, I know that there are a number of them that are not only beautiful but historically important in architectural sense. And I think that should be preserved. This also brings up another point that came up in the article; the unique example of Paris (although I believe it applies to a number of other cities). The majority of buildings in Paris, as well as Rome, and St. Petersburg (which is really a copy of Rome), to name a few cities, are integral parts of history and preserving those beautiful old cities is not optional.
So it seems impossible to take sides. I agree that if we are going to build we should build as high as we possibly can. If the difference in price between building a 40-story apartment building instead of 20-story one is relatively small, there is no reason why we should not strive to create the extra space. However, if the question is whether we should remove an old 3-story brownstone to create extra space, I would probably say no more often than not. While tall, tall buildings seem like the natural skyline of New York, there are many areas that are also majestic and grandiose but do not have the intimidating, disconsolate atmosphere blocks of skyscrapers can sometimes have.
A bit off topic, I was surprised to read that Otis did not, in fact, invent the elevator. As a matter of fact, elevators are believed to have existed 2,200 years ago (according to the article). What Otis did was invent the safety brake that made the elevators safe and changed the public’s perception about this construction. Otis made the elevators popular.
Browsing the interwebs this evening I came across this video that is narrated by the same blonde guy who was in the “Happy Carriage” video M. Owens posted a few days back. Taking the subway every day, I tend to forget that the individuals around me are actually human beings and not merely obstacles that are trying to make me miss the 6 train. I believe that most of you can relate. I appreciate the effort this gentleman is making in approaching total strangers and attempting to put a smile on their faces, as well as making them feel important, for making them feel human, even if for only a moment. This video reminded me that every single one of us in this city has hopes and dreams; every single one of us has our own New York Story.
We will meet on Wednesday, March 30, in a different room so that I can work with students on their multimedia “One in 8 Million” features. We will meet in Room 7-165, which is a Journalism Department Mac lab. We will meet at the usual class time. I can stay late for those who want to stay.
I’ve always been amazed but perplexed by abstract expressionism. I think that is what is so intriguing about this style, the images are not concrete or tangible, but there is always something new to discover. After looking at some of the artist Dorothy Miller helped gain notoriety, I wanted to share some of my favorites.
This is a “Marilyn Monroe” by Willem De Kooning
Joan Miro’s Circus Horse
Robert Motherwell – Poncho Villa, Dead and Alive
Jackson Pollock, I couldn’t find the title to this one.
Jackson Pollock’s work reminds me a bit of Wassily Kandinsky, what do you guys think?
This 2003 article from New York Magazine offers a exceptional portrait of Dorothy Miller, definitely one in 8 million. In a world dominated by men, she was the first curator at MoMA and is responsible for introducing the world to artists such as Frank Stella, Franz Kline and Mark Rothko. Without her, her friends Walker Evans, Jackson Pollock, Robert Motherwell, Joan Miro, Arshile Gorky and Willem de Kooning might not have become giants of Abstract Expressionism. On Monday, March 28, we’ll meet at the FEIT seminar room and then visit The James Gallery’s exhibition “The Making of Americans” and see what’s so special about Abstract Expressionism, New York and Mama MoMA, Ms. Dorothy Miller.
When we think of skyscrapers, we usually think of gravity-defying, beautiful, high-rise buildings that are usually occupied by offices of wealthy companies. However, I wanted to look at a different end of the spectrum: the nyc housing projects, which are usually associated with the opposite, accommodating low income families. Most of the housing developments were built from 1946-65 in a “tower-in-the park” modernist style. The developments grew, mostly due to Robert Moses (ones of nyc’s greatest urban planner and builder), in his plan to clear old tenements and modernize nyc (wikipedia).
I thought it would be interesting to compare the two extremes. The saying: “the sky is the limit” supports the new york narrative. Dreams, careers and even physical buildings can reach unimaginable heights but at the same time, NYC is home to thousands of families facing financial problems and joblessness. This is the reality and irony of NYC. These housing developments cater to those in need, and we still refer to them as “the projects.” This is to say, not all buildings are symbolic of success and prosperity, although the nyc skyline- of skyscrapers, does.
For those of you who were at today’s tour but had to leave, I am happy to report that F. was safely rescued from the elevator. The tour of the Met Life tower turned out to be more eventful that I had imagined.
As said in class several times, Mayor Koch will be at Baruch this Wednesday, March 16. Please arrive at 6:30pm in VC 14-220. Mayor Koch will be speaking and there will be a Q&A session followed by a reception with some food after that. You will get to mingle and speak to Mayor Koch.
