Matt Frassica » AIANY

Patient-Friendly Design Is Prescribed for Health Facilities

Matt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:46:58 +0000

Utilitarian and sterile, the modern hospital has typically favored function over form. But recently, medical professionals have started considering the evidence that good design contributes to patients’ wellness. The Health Facilities category of the AIANY and Boston Society of Architects Building Type Awards recognizes architecture firms that have brought excellent design to health care-related building projects. More>

The Many Faces of Washington Square Park

Matt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:45:20 +0000

Bathers may have returned to the fountain in Washington Square Park, but the face of the park has changed profoundly since renovations began in December 2007, according to George Vellonakis, landscape architect at the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. In his recent presentation, he discussed his design in the context of Washington Square Park’s designs over history. Vellonakis aimed to “respect the layers of design” woven into the park’s layout, while also introducing new innovations. More>

Change Marks History of Preservation

Matt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:39:26 +0000

The definition and history of landmarks and their designations in NYC is often unclear as it is ever evolving. In a recent panel discussion, the general counsel and several former members of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) spoke about its history and philosophy, highlighting changing ideas about preservation. More>

Joel Sanders Brings the Outside In

Matt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:38:36 +0000

In all projects, Sanders insists that the design incorporates environmentally sustainable materials and draws elements of the exterior environment into the interior. In this way, he suggested, his firm is attempting to erase distinctions between inside and outside, between natural and synthetic, and between landscape design and architecture. More>

Two visions of 21st-Century Cities

Matt — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:33:35 +0000

Burdett said architects “mostly build ugly buildings, and only to the end of the property line, with little concern for what happens outside.” According to Burdett, São Paulo’s favela is representative of the explosive growth of the slums and shantytowns in these cities. “As urbanists, this is the problem we have to deal with… and I don’t think we have the tools to do it.” More>