6 Fascinating Talks on NYC Architecture
The New York City skyline is dotted with skyscrapers and buildings that span various historical and cultural time spans, from modern-day structures to old brownstone rowhouses. Learn about the vast history of New York City neighborhoods through its architecture at these October talks.
1. Historic preservationist and Columbia University professor Andrew Dolkart along with professor of architecture Francis Leadon and preservationist Mary Beth Betts discuss how individual buildings tell layered stories at What’s Your Favorite Building? When & Where: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9 at the Tenement Museum in Manhattan. Free, but reservations required
2. Celebrate National Design Week with landscape designer and winner of the 2013 National Design Award for Landscape Architecture Margie Ruddick at Wild by Design. Ruddick conveys her approach to landscape design, urban planning and culture. When & Where: 2 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 14 at 92nd Street Y in Manhattan. $21
3. Architect Kengo Kuma‘s thoughtful design and use of natural materials have earned him international recognition. His talk, joined by modern plasterer Shuhei Hasado, discusses the importance of ecological and creative material use in architecture. When & Where: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at Japan Society in Manhattan. $12; $8 for seniors, students and Japan Society members
4. What was a turning point in the New York City skyline’s architecture? Discover the roots of the iconic Seagram Building and One Chase Manhattan Plaza at The Birth of the Modern Movement with architectural historian Barry Lewis. When & Where: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 22 at the New-York Historical Society.
5. In Habitats: Private Lives in the Big City, author and New York Times editor Constance Rosenblum divulges 40 vivid and intimate stories about how New Yorkers really live in their studios, mansions and lofts. Sit down as she interviews five New Yorkers, ranging in age from 20-somthing to 90-seomthing, about how they live at the Tenement Museum. When & Where: 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at the Tenement Museum in Manhattan. Free
6. Discover the Practical Utopias of the world at the Center for Architecture’s latest exhibit that explores global urbanism. A conversation will follow the guided tour of the gallery. When & Where: 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Center for Architecture in Manhattan. $10, registration required.