In September 2005, The Architect’s Newspaper and the AIA New York chapter held the first of four New Practices Roundtables, a discussion series meant to provide a forum and resource for start-up architecture firms. Launched at the initiative of last year’s chapter president Susan Chin and directed by current president Mark Strauss, the roundtables were a chance for architects to share their insights and experience (not to mention frustrations) with starting and running their own firms. The sessions, held at the Center for Architecture featured experts, including technology consultants, branding specialists, insurance lawyers, who advised on matters such as how to get recalcitrant clients to pay up to the cost-efficiency of outsourcing to how to get one’s work published.
The overwhelmingly positive response to these roundtables (which we will resume in the fall) inspired us to sponsor a competition called New Practices, New York, aimed at identifying and showcasing exceptional young local practices. Jurors included Winka Dubbeldam of Archi-Tectonics, Martin Finio of Christoff:Finio, Gregg Pasquarelli of SHoP Architectsswhose practices are only slightly older than the competing firms and who were all guest speakers in the seriessas well as Chin, assistant commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs; I served as jury chair. We reviewed portfolios from over 50 architecture firms (formed after January 1, 2001) and found six exceptional firms to showcase.
The winning firms’ portfolios and videos about their work will be on view at the Center for Architecture from July 26 to September 23. (Reception on Wednesday, July 26, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., open to the public.) In addition to the exhibition, a bimonthly exhibit and reception will be held for each of the practices selected at the HHfele America Showroom (25 East 26th Street, across from Madison Park); dates are listed below.
WILLIAM MENKING
WINNING FIRMS
DNA Studio, multimedia lobby for Internet entertainment firm (Manhattan, 2004)
Baruch College, renovation and project to link existing campus buildings (Manhattan, construction to start in 2008)
Harlem Media Tech, conceptual proposal for a media arts center in Harlem, for the exhibition, Harlemworld: Metroplis as Metaphor held at the Studio Museum in Harlem (Manhattan, 2004)
Metropol Tower, proposal for developer office tower, 2006 (Ft. Lauderdale, unbuilt)
Seoul Performing Arts Center, 2005 competition entry (Seoul, Korea, unbuilt)
Deploy the Devoider!, conceptual proposal for Urban Voids competition (Philadelphia, 2005)
Diane von Furstenberg Headquarters, renovation/addition to existing warehouse, including penthouse conference room pictured (Meatpacking District, December 2006)
The Emerald, a 52-unit apartment building in Midtown 2005 (Manhattan, unbuilt)
Spotwelders, editing lounge for video-editing facility (Manhattan, 2005)
116 Hudson Penthouse, interior (Manhattan, 2004)
Art Box, competition entry for a demountable exhibition space (2006)
Spring Street Loft, facade detail of 11-story condominium (Manhattan, estimated completion October 2006)
