Search Results for: architecture firm

October 21, 2015

SHoP Architects’ Vishaan Chakrabarti Starting Own Firm Dedicated to Advancement of Cities

Less than a month ago, 6sqft noticed that prominent architect Vishaan Chakrabarti, a principal at starchitecture firm SHoP, had sold his Flatiron loft for $5 million. We speculated as to why he was selling the massive pad, and though we're still not sure, we do know he won't be departing NYC any time soon. A press release put out today announces that Chakrabarti is leaving SHoP (he's already been removed from the website's staff page) to start his own firm, called the Partnership for Architecture and Urbanism (PAU), which will focus on the advancement of cities. According to the statement, the new NY-based firm will work "to advance groundbreaking architecture and urbanism projects to build the physical, economic, social and cultural networks of cities with an emphasis on beauty, function and user experience."
More on the new firm
September 16, 2015

Lang Architecture Updates a Carroll Gardens Brownstone With a Two-Story Wall of Windows

Prior to renovation, this Carroll Gardens brownstone came complete with tattered wall-to-wall carpeting and three separate apartment units. Plus, it was just 14 feet wide. The arduous task of transforming the four-story Italianate home into an attractive one-family residence was awarded to Drew Lang of Lang Architecture (the same firm responsible for Hudson Woods, the Catskills eco-community). When first approached, Lang's clients said they wanted to restore the historic elements of the house, but also make it feel airy, light, and modern.
See how Drew Lang rose to the challenge
September 14, 2015

Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Romantic Brooklyn Townhouse Renovation Is a Bevy of Soft Textures

This beautiful four-bedroom Brooklyn townhouse was renovated by the New York architecture firm and 6sqft favorite Resolution: 4 Architecture. The project added a significant addition to a traditional single family row house, bringing with it a new roof deck and sleek media room. The interior palette consists mostly of white and neutral wood tones enhanced with poppy adornments like large floral wall art or boldly colored accent walls. Expansive windows dominate the communal areas, making each space feel open and airy regardless of the square footage.
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August 20, 2015

Modernist Designer Russel Wright’s Hudson Valley Home Is a Rare Example of Organic Mid-Century Architecture

Dwell Magazine recently brought to our attention this magical modernist gem, located in the Putnam County town of Garrison, New York. Manitoga, the house, studio and 75-acre wooded garden of mid-century industrial designer Russel Wright (1904-1976), is one of the few 20th century modern homes open to the public in New York State. A firm believer in the idea that “good design is for everyone,” Russel Wright was a pioneer of the idea of modern living in America. Best known for his organic yet elegant American Modern dinnerware collection, his became a household name–one which could be found on the underside of each of the over 200 million pieces that were sold between 1939 and 1959. But the designer's lesser-known–yet no less remarkable–effort can be seen in the home and surrounding landscape–including a large abandoned granite quarry–which were acquired by Russel and Mary Wright in 1942. Now a National Historic Landmark, and virtually unchanged save ongoing improvements and renovations, the Manitoga/Russel Wright Design Center hosts tours, hikes, performances and an artists’ residency.
Find out more about Russel Wright's lesser-known masterpiece this way
July 28, 2015

Office of Architecture Brings Individuality and Adaptability to a Brooklyn Row House

Usually, there isn't much individuality to be found among Brooklyn row houses, at least not until you step inside. When a Brooklyn couple approached Office of Architecture about gut renovating their row house, the firm took it upon themselves to create a home that not only would stand out, but would be adaptable to the pair's needs as their life progressed.
Get a closer look
July 26, 2015

Bernheimer Architecture’s Lightbox House Is Made of Stacked Boxes to Capture Upstate Views

When Bernheimer Architecture was commissioned to build a house and studio in the Hamptons for a photographer and his family, the firm knew the views needed to take center stage. The result is the Lightbox House, a series of spaces that are arranged around cropped views of the surrounding landscape. There's the main house, a pair of stacked boxes, and the photography studio, which takes advantage of natural daylight with strategically placed windows and skylights. The two structures are separated by a large pool that seems to float on the lush lawn.
See the whole house here
February 18, 2015

INTERVIEW: Marcelo Ertorteguy and Sara Valente of Stereotank on Fusing Architecture and Music

Marcelo Ertorteguy and Sara Valente want you to do more than just admire their architectural designs from afar–they want you to hear them. The Venezuelan-born designers are the brains behind the creative firm Stereotank, where they create public art installations that fuse the disciplines of architecture, music, environmental sciences and much more. From Taku-Tanku, a traveling, floating house made out of water tanks, to HeartBeat, an urban drum installation currently on view in Times Square, all of Stereotank's innovative work takes a fresh and playful approach to socially conscious designs that engage their audiences. We recently chatted with Marcelo and Sara about how they developed their unique design philosophy and what their creations mean to them and New Yorkers.
Read the interview here
January 28, 2015

The Storefront for Art and Architecture Gets Shrink Wrapped by SO-IL

We get frustrated every time we try to use Saran Wrap on the leftover half of a lemon, so we can't imagine shrink-wrapping the entire ground floor of a building. But that's exactly what design firm SO-IL did at the Storefront for Art and Architecture. The installation is part of Storefront's latest exhibit BLUEPRINT, which showcases 50 blueprints from various disciplines dating from 1961 to 2013. The show was also curated by SO-IL. By wrapping the exterior of the space, the gallery is "totally open, yet perpetually closed and fixed... wrapped in time and in space."
More on the exhibit and installation
January 22, 2015

Aviator’s Villa by Urban Office Architecture Was Built for a Pilot Using Salvaged Airplane Parts

This house is about as close as one can get to living among the clouds, so it makes perfect sense that it was built for a retired pilot. Designed by Urban Office Architecture, the geometric Aviator's Villa in Dutchess County, New York "explores the thought of flight as a strong motivator for architectural darings." Through the use of salvaged airplane parts and minimal, glass-encased structures, the firm was able to create the feeling of flying through the sky. And like a plane, the home is exposed to the elements on all sides and appears to be soaring above water, as it's suspended on stilts, straddling a pool and a small lake.
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January 21, 2015

Exquisite West Chelsea Loft Designed by 212box Architecture ‘Suits to a T’ at $5.9M

While the etymology of the expression “suits to a T” isn’t clearly defined, there is no debating its meaning: when something is exactly as it should be or fits to perfection. Which is the ideal way to describe this rare T-shaped loft located in the Eagle Warehouse building at 532 West 22nd Street on a quiet and utterly charming Chelsea block full of art galleries. Designed by 212box Architecture, this $5.9 million dream home was recently featured in Interior Design magazine. Windows at every turn drench the home with sunshine, and custom black steel and pebbled glass room separators transport the natural light throughout the open floor plan offering some level of privacy while still maintaining the loft aesthetic.
See more of why this home 'suits to a T'
January 12, 2015

NYC Design Firm Axis Mundi Creates a Work of Art to House Their Client’s Works of Art

What do you get when you mix the classic bones of a landmarked Greek Revival townhouse built in the 1840s with the bold, award-winning, and decidedly 21st century esthetic of New York-based design firm Axis Mundi? A Greenwich Village residence that is an absolutely stunning work of art. When tasked with not only the gut renovation of a timeless building but also ensuring a suitable context for their client’s spectacular and thoroughly modern art collection, Axis Mundi made certain to respect the charms and scale of the original style while creating a fitting showcase for the likes of Warhol, Haring, and Basquiat.
See why every inch of this home is a work of art
December 18, 2014

INTERVIEW: HS2 Architecture’s Tom and Jane Talk Residential Design and Their 20-Year Collaboration

HS2 Architecture's name may not ring all that familiar, but you've certainly come across their projects before—and we're not just talking on 6sqft. HS2's power pair, Tom Hut and Jane Sachs, have been working together since 1994, enduring the ups and downs of the NYC market and putting some spectacular and very recognizable designs out there while at it. Does the Gramercy Park Hotel ring a bell? Maybe the Palazzo Chupi? Or maybe you've shopped at the Ralph Lauren Store on Madison and 72nd. Easily one of the most underrated architecture firms working today, HS2 is really a force to be reckoned with when it comes to the built environment. In celebration of their 20th anniversary, we recently sat down with founders Tom and Jane to talk about their studio, their work, and the roller coaster ride that has been New York City architecture over the past two decades.
Read the interview with HS2's principals here
October 3, 2014

Incorporated Architecture & Design’s Sixteen Doors House is “In” the Landscape

With sixteen transparent windows/doors, it's no wonder Incorporated Architecture & Design bills their Sixteen Doors House as being "in" the surrounding landscape. The rural retreat in a forest clearing in Hillsdale, New York gives the feeling of being in a completely transparent glass box, but still incorporates a warm wooden frame and privacy measures. The contemporary house is one of three upstate projects by the firm that arose from studies of the traditional, loft-like cow barns that are found throughout the local farmland.
Learn more about the design here
September 15, 2014

INTERVIEW: Karim Rashid on His Move into Architecture and Designing Colorful NYC Condos

You may not recognize Karim Rashid immediately, but odds are you have at least one of his designs in your home. A staunch believer that everyone deserves access to great design no matter what their budget (it's what he calls "designocrasy"), Karim has become one of the world's most celebrated designers having brought thousands of new ideas and innovations to the widest-possible audience. As such, Karim has won hundreds of international awards, including the prestigious Red Dot, and his work can be found in more than 20 permanent collections including those of the MoMA, Centre Pompidou, and SFMOMA. Karim also calls everyone from Umbra to Giorgio Armani, Kenzo, Alessi, Artemide and Veuve Clicquot as his clients, and Time magazine once described him as the "most famous industrial designer in all the Americas". Clearly having conquered the industrial design realm, Karim recently turned his creative eye to architecture. We recently caught up with the designer cum architect to talk about the evolution of his career and the three eye-popping HAP condos he's now got under construction for New York City. Hear what he has to say about his grand new endeavors—color, controversy and all.
Read our interview with Karim Rashid here
September 7, 2014

MESH Architectures’ Atrium House Will Have You Saying “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Williamsburg Anymore”

You're not dreaming; this house is in Williamsburg. In fact, it harkens back to the neighborhood's industrial roots and stays true to the low-scale character of the area. The navy blue cube was originally built as a garage that occupied the entire 22’ x 100’ lot, but when converted to residential use in 2011, NYC zoning regulations mandated that a certain percentage of the site be reserved for a yard. Enter MESH Architectures, the creative firm that devised a genius plan to incorporate the required outdoor space as an inner atrium, letting the outside in while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The central space is composed of two volumes - a double-height great room and the courtyard surrounded by folding-glass doors on three sides. The great room, master bedroom, and bathroom sit behind these glass walls, seamlessly blending the indoors with the zen, outdoor area.
Take a look inside this architectural marvel here
August 28, 2014

Giant Magnetic Wall by Slade Architecture Stands out in the Home of Ricky’s NYC’s Former Owner

Ricky’s NYC, by its own definition, is “an edgy, ultra-hip ‘beauty shop,’” which also has a somewhat, shall we say, eclectic range of products. So it should come as no surprise that the home of one of its former owners, co-founder Ricky Kenig, is all of those things - edgy, hip, eclectic, beautiful -- and more. Fully renovated by Slade Architecture, the three-story Brooklyn brownstone, known as the Kenig Residence, is full of surprises at every turn, including a gigantic magnetic wall.
More details on the artsy wall and the rest of the trendy pad
August 14, 2014

The Architecture of Cesar Pelli: How a Sense of Place Left a Lasting Mark on the NYC Skyline

Growing up just west of the Andes Mountains in the small town of Tucumán in northwest Argentina, Cesar Pelli wasn't exposed to the vibrant cityscapes that he today helps to shape. He got his start designing low-cost, affordable housing for the Argentine government, which helped him develop an appreciation for each project's unique sense of place. Breaking from the traditional mold of many world-famous architects, he designed buildings as a response to their neighborhoods, not as a preconceived signature aesthetic. Now, with a long list of acclaimed international projects to his name, Pelli is lauded for creating structures that honor a city's history and enrich the local landscape. And here in New York City, home to some of his most celebrated works, the Pelli mark has making an indelible impression on the architecture and real estate fields.
We dive deeper into Cesar Pelli's past, present, and future
July 9, 2014

Steel City: Architecture in Formation Structurally Redresses a Chelsea Duplex Using Digital Fabrication

Words that come to mind when we think of steel are heavy, imposing, and grey. In this Chelsea duplex penthouse, however, the material is widely used, but the space feels light, airy, and crisp. The "structural redressing" of the 1,500-square-foot apartment was completed by Architecture in Formation with the goal of creating "a stunning, sexy, one-of-a-kind home; and consummately New York.” To design the space, the firm used off-site, state-of-the-art digital design and fabrication methods to create its three main components: the back-lit, CNC-cut Corian screen; an origami folded-plate steel and Corian staircase; and the bedroom mirror/TV/light-wall.
Get up close and personal with these three architectural marvels, as well as the rest of the stunning home
June 27, 2014

INTERVIEW: Resolution: 4 Architecture’s Joseph Tanney Talks Prefab Homes and Designing NYC Apartments

Since it was founded in 1994, Resolution: 4 Architecture (RE4A) has been a game-changing force in the world of building and design. Founders Joseph Tanney and Robert Luntz were some of the first architects to embrace the idea of modular prefabricated homes, a concept that continues to grow in popularity for its cost0-efficiency, eco-friendly nature and versatility in design. The RE4A team has worked on numerous projects, ranging from envy-inducing vacation retreats to space-efficient lofts to the headquarters for Equinox gym. While they have helped design and build spaces across the nation, the firm calls New York City — specifically, Chelsea — home and plenty of Big Apple sensibilities show up in their work, which is bold, yet functional. We recently spoke with Tanney about RE4A's mission and upcoming work, plus his tips for creating a storage-friendly apartment.
Check out our full interview here
October 25, 2024

Landmarked East Harlem public library reopens after $34M renovation

After a three-year $34.4 million renovation, a landmarked New York Public Library branch in East Harlem is reopening this month. Designed by McKim, Mead & White in 1904, the building at 224 East 125th Street had fallen into disrepair and had been closed since 2021. The revamped building will celebrate its reopening on October 30 at 10 a.m.
Find out more
October 18, 2024

Port Authority reveals vision to rebuild Newark Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday unveiled the EWR Vision Plan, a long-term project redeveloping Newark Liberty International Airport. The vision includes building a new Terminal B, enhancing Terminal C, fixing the airport's confusing roadway network, and replacing the AirTrain system.
Learn more
October 17, 2024

SHOP THE LISTING: Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy’s $9.75M West Village townhouse is an all-season urban refuge

From the wine cellar to the terraces, roof deck, and outdoor kitchen, the West Village home of actors Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy is a dreamy four-story urban refuge with prize-winning interiors by the architecture firm of BKSK. Profiled in the New York Times, the celebrity pair wanted more space for their family; they put the 3,890-square-foot home at 19 Downing Street on the market for $9,750,000 in August. The pair quickly found a buyer for the Greek Revival-style townhouse, according to the Post, and the home is now in contract. If you love the interior design of this home, we’ve sourced a few key pieces that are identical or similar to the items in the listing photos, so you can get the look for your own space.
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October 17, 2024

$10B Port Authority Bus Terminal replacement project moves forward

The $10 billion project to replace the decrepit Port Authority Bus Terminal is moving forward. The City Planning Commission (CPC) on Wednesday voted unanimously to approve the Midtown bus terminal's revamp project, which replaces the dreary, aging 74-year-old facility with a vibrant, modern transit hub featuring ground-floor retail space and a public park. Plans to replace the terminal first surfaced more than 10 years ago to account for the expected growth in ridership. The plan now heads to the City Council for a vote.
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October 14, 2024

Rental component of One Domino Square opens lottery for 120 apartments, from $2,832/month

A housing lottery launched this week for 120 middle-income apartments at the rental portion of One Domino Square, part of the Domino Sugar Factory redevelopment in Williamsburg. The first residential project designed by architect Annabelle Selldorf, One Domino Square consists of a 39-story building with 160 condos and a 55-story building with nearly 400 rental units, the latter of which is the tallest tower in the neighborhood. The affordable apartments will be available through a lottery to New Yorkers earning 125 and 130 percent of the area median income; apartments are priced from $2,832/month for studios to $4,415/month for two bedrooms.
Find out if you qualify
October 3, 2024

SCAPE and Bjarke Ingels to turn former Connecticut power plant site into public park

After a private company's plan to develop waterfront housing languished, Manresa Island, an extension of Norwalk, Connecticut that reaches into Long Island Sound, sat in limbo, held captive by the hulking mass of a defunct 20th-century power plant that rose from its lush marshland. Area residents Austin and Allison McChord have unveiled a plan to transform the abandoned land into a fully accessible and dynamic natural park and community destination with event and recreation spaces by 2030. The couple enlisted the aid of internationally renowned architect Bjarke Ingels of BIG and award-winning landscape architecture firm SCAPE to design the next life for the island as a thriving community hub.
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