The Architectural Record has attempted to chronicle the structural development in NYC in the past ten years, focusing on the revolution of the architecture in multiple building types. Quite an ambitious endeavor, and (perhaps consequently) quite an absolute failure. Their are many, many projects featured in the articles, some really wonderful, like the Governors Island expansion, which we are all familiar with, and some absolute atrocities, like this Louvre wannabe, courtesy of the Danish Bjarke Ingels. No wonder the Danes are importing New York architects Pei Cobb Freed and Partners- original architects of the pyramid in the Louvre, for their new Tivoli Gardens enhancement.
Then there is the issue of all the projects that were neglected, despite their obvious relevance, particularly in the area of recent civic developments. The bad economy has contributed to an overall slowdown in creative corporate projects, but there have been multiple, and exceptional, new hospital and civic center buildings.
Bellevue Hospital Ambulatory Care
Vivian and Seymore Milstein Heart Pavilion
Jacobi Medical Center
So much architecture in NYC responds directly (I think) to the limits of land mentality that comes from living on an island. Building a huge box right out to the curb is the best way to maximize the space you can sell inside your building. 75 years ago only the most adventurous architects would do anything at all to vary the “tall box.” the Chrysler building and the Empire State building are the notable exceptions that stand out. New building techniques and the ground breaking career of Frank Gehry (among others) has changed that in the last 30 years. There are many more exciting shapes and facades than in the past, but this building is quite dramatically different from most you will find in NY. I think the most radical feature is the way the design will impact the financial plan of the building: there is less space to rent with an interesting shape. Very interesting.
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