Karen recently spoke as a panelist in the Architectural League of New York’s lecture series, Current Work: Revisiting Branch Libraries. Marking 10 years since the completion of the Architectural League’s Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study, this lecture explored approaches to accessibility as public libraries continue to evolve through the current work of the firms that led the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study in 2014. Additional panel speakers included Andrew Berman of Andrew Berman Architect, and Stella Betts and David Leven of LEVENBETTS. The panel was moderated by Leah Meisterlin.
Our 2014 Re-envisioning Branch Libraries study analyzed the 207 branch libraries within the New York Public Library system, Queens Library system, and the Brooklyn Public Library system looking at data related to public and social infrastructure, demographics, growth, and resiliency. The study also included a proposal for a new co-development opportunity that includes library space, affordable housing, and retail space. Read more about the Re-envisioning Branch Libraries project here.
Over the past few days, we had the pleasure of hosting Griffin, a local high school student, as part of the Center for Architecture’s Discover Architecture program. It was exciting to discuss our shared passion for architecture and introduce him to the profession. During his time at MFA, we toured local architecture, visited Greenpoint Library, and explored some of our latest projects using VR. We wish Griffin all the best as he continues to pursue his passion for architecture!
We recently visited Urban Dove Team Charter School in Brooklyn (UD). It was wonderful to be back at UD, and learn of all of the new and exciting activities and programs they have in place for the current school year. We toured the school and their facilities, including their newest addition, an outdoor vegetable garden.
We also visited the gym, a project we collaborated with UD on in 2020. Over the years, we’ve worked on a series of projects with UD, including the development of a strategic plan to expand the school across all NYC boroughs, as well as the design of their Brooklyn school as a renovation to an existing building, and the development of a graphic identity for the school among other design projects. We continue to be inspired by UD’s incredible work, and look forward to our next visit!
It was an honor to attend Urban Dove’s 21st Annual Evening with the Dove. Each year, we look forward to the UD Gala as an opportunity to celebrate this incredible organization, the Urban Dove Community, and those that are dedicated to supporting the growth of the young people that Urban Dove serves. We are looking forward to all of the success and exciting work that the next year will bring for the school. Congratulations to all of the individuals that were recognized!
We are delighted to have had the privilege of being sponsors for the AIANY Honors and Awards Luncheon held at Cipriani Wall Street. The event provided the opportunity for us to gather alongside a diverse gathering of architects, industry professionals, and esteemed members of the Honors Committee, all united in celebrating and recognizing the exceptional accomplishments of this year’s AIA award recipients. We extend our congratulations to all the award winners!