AIACNY
The monthly electronic newsletter for  the AIA CNY              

July 2010

A Chapter of The American
Institute of Architects

 

AIA Central New York
109 South Warren Street Store 11
Syracuse, New York 13202
Ph 315-475-8563 fax 315-475-8563

aiacny@verizon.net

AIA CNY
www.aiacny.org

OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

HOURS FOR RESOURCE CENTER

Monday thru Thursday 
8:30 am -12:30 pm

Tuesday 8:30 am -12:30 pm 
(Tues lunch and learns
 TBA : 12:00 -1:00 pm)

Friday – closed

AIACNY Resource Center Directors

Craig Polhamus, Susanne J. Gruening
 and Rebecca Scida
 
Email:  aiacny@verizon.net

NEWSLETTER STAFF

Editor.................Richard T. Lafferty
Coordinating Editor....Neel Garofano
Publisher.....................Scott Soules
Electronic Newsletter .. Scott Soules

ARTICLE SUBMISSION DEADLINE IS THE 15TH OF EACH MONTH. If you would like to submit an article or announcement to the newsletter please send your information via email to: ngaro@twcny.rr.com attn: Neel Garofano or call h: (315-468-2843) 
       cell: (315-729-2767). 

All information should be checked for spelling and grammar prior to submitting. 

WWW.AIACNY.ORG

Scheduled of Events Calendar

AIA Documents

The Architecture Resource Center has discontinued AIA document sales as of May 1st of 2006.  The AIA Documents may be purchased from the Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects.  To obtain copies of AIA documents from the Rochester chapter please contact:
 
Linda Hewitt, Hon. AIA.
Phone: 585-232-7650
Fax: 585-262-2525
E-mail: aia@aiaroch.org
Website: www.aiaroch.org

  • This month in The Leading Edge

 

 

Featured Project

2009 Honorable Mention

 

100 MADISON STREET
Amtrust Realty Corporation
100 Madison Street
Syracuse, New York
Category: Interiors

Designed by 

 Holmes▪King▪Kallquist & Associates, LLP 

            

 

The new owners of 100 Madison Street , formerly AXA Towers , saw a clear need to reinvigorate the lobbies of the twin 19-story office towers, built in 1962 and 1968.  

·   A 1990s renovation saw the installation of rust-colored granite tile and dark brown carpet, now well worn, created a depressing, dark space.

·   The original travertine was damaged, dirty and darkened by years of cigarette smoke.

·   Dated, dim, inefficient lighting enhanced the dingy feeling.

·   Each office tower had its own lobby, without a first-floor connection through the five-story link building between them.

·   First floor tenants in the link had entrances from the outdoor plaza and virtually no interior access to the towers, making those spaces unleasable.

·   Makeshift building security desks and “cattle lines” created an un-inviting first impression of the towers.

·   Molded exterior wall panels adjacent to the tower entries were unattractive and dated.  

When the owners engaged their design team, they stated that they wanted the lobbies to look and feel like a “Class A, big-city building.”

·   All finishes were to be covered or replaced with new lighter-colored materials.

·   All new lighting was to be installed.

·   A new corridor was to be opened through “the link” connecting the two tower lobbies to allow interior movement between the towers.

·   Security, though necessary, was to become friendlier.  

 

As the design team began their work, they discovered the hidden potential of the 1960s lobbies.  With careful restoration of the original high-quality materials and carefully chosen upgrades, a bright, elegant new lobby emerged.  

·   The original, geometrically patterned terrazzo floors were discovered under the tile and carpet, and were restored to their original luster.

·   The designers convinced the owners to repair, clean, fill and polish the original travertine walls, emphasizing the luxurious nature of the material while brightening the space.

·   The link corridor became a 25-foot-wide concourse.  An up-lit barrel vault creates a sky-lit effect.  New black terrazzo tile floors accented with yellow terrazzo tile, custom matched to the original lobby floors, were installed.  Floor panels and ceiling coffers reduce the apparent length of the concourse.  Tenants now have interior storefronts on the concourse.  A new building conference suite was also created in the link.

·   Rich cherry panels and trim were used on new walls and to replace 1990s black metal panels above doors and elevators. The grain of the cherry repeats the vertical striations of the travertine and adds richness and warmth to the space.

·   New high-efficiency lighting with bronze trim compliments the restored bronze finishes of the elevators and the new door hardware. 

·   The security package included electronic directories and new security desks re-visioned as concierge stations, which include electronic card readers for building tenants.

·   Exterior panels adjacent to the lobby entries were replaced with travertine to match the lobbies, creating a seamless finish from the exterior through the glass entry façades and into the lobbies.  

 

The renovation of the 100 Madison Street lobbies has recreated the upscale luxury of the original space, utilizing materials that compliment the original restored materials, while creating an interior connection between the towers that has invigorated the space while improving the utilization and leasability of the building.

 

 

Click Here for More

 

Jury Comments:

Honorable Mention – 100 Madison Street – Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects

  • Strong Statement of bringing back the old to re-invigorate the new
  • A fitting solution to what the towers actually are
  • A clean execution that both links and separates

 

 

 

The President's Message

Peter Sorber, AIA 

The AIA National Convention took place from June 10th through the 12th and I had the pleasure and honor of representing our chapter with the voting for new officers and a few referendums to the by-laws. Most noteworthy were two bylaw referendums that were quite contentious.

The first was a proposal to allow associate members to serve as Regional Directors, within each region of the country. The proposal allowed for only one seat to be occupied by an associate member, but not in the capacity of an officer. Proponents of the proposal argued that 1) some regions of the country at times do not have adequate professional membership numbers to fill the positions and 2) by allowing participation at this level it may encourage an associate member to pursue licensure. Opponents of the proposal saw this as another means to “water down” the professional status within the organization. After much debate on this issue, it was defeated.

The second proposal, as I understood it, was sponsored by a group made up of primarily residential architects (CORA). The proposal as written seemed to have no single agenda and came across as a forum to air concerns of residential architects. Some who spoke on the referendum characterized it as collection of complaints. One of the contentious features of the proposal, in my opinion, was a hint to consider separate license accreditation for residential architects. Our President saw a few items in the proposal that were worthy of consideration, and proposed to amend the referendum and thus allow the Board of Directors to address the more palatable issues. In the end, this referendum was also defeated, but I predict that elements of this referendum will surface in upcoming conventions.

Lastly, I had the opportunity to meet many of our colleagues both from New York and other areas of the nation. It became apparent to me that very few areas of the country have not been affected by the ailing economy. Many areas are experiencing high unemployment in our profession and consequently many are moving away from the profession to seek employment elsewhere. Firms are becoming creative in their marketing efforts, experimenting with unconventional architectural services. Many of the more drastic experiences as you might expect are in the traditional “boom economies,” but it appears to be of concern in all regions. I also observed much interest in working with the federal government, as evident by the near sold out seminars addressing this subject. 

In closing, I appreciated the opportunity to participate in the governing affairs of our organization and came away with a new appreciation in the sheer numbers and management of our national organization.

  Respectfully,

  Peter Sorber , AIA

 

 

 

 

A VOICE IN THE WILDERNESS.....

by Dick Lafferty    

    

On The Road to Miami and Beyond

 

The AIA national convention in Miami , Florida enticed my wife as well as me. We have never been to Miami and wished to see the Art Deco buildings so talked about. So this is a tale of the world outside of Central New York .  

“ON LEARNING  

Learning is finding out what you already know.
Doing is demonstrating that you know it.
Teaching is reminding others that they know it just as well as you.
You are all learners, doers, teachers.”, – Richard Bach from Chicken Soup for the Soul.

We planned for months for the adventure. I did not need additional CEU’s, so one day at the convention would be enough. We would drive to Miami and enjoy all of Florida . We registered for one day and were delighted that S. U. School of Architecture was having a party that day. We phoned in our confirmation that we would be there. In searching for a Hotel, the internet told me there were plenty of parking spaces around the Convention area. We landed on The Deville Beach Resort with the impression that it was near the convention center. Having been to a few Conventions, I knew shuttle buses ran regularly. So off we drove to our great escape.  

We had beautiful driving weather. The traffic and road construction was most reasonable. As we entered Florida we decided to stop at beaches on the way to Miami . St Augustine , Daytona, Deerfield then Miami Beach . The variety was most amazing to behold.  

We arrived at the Hotel about 11am with a check-in at 4pm, luck would have it, our room was ready! The room was on the 16th floor with a view of the ocean and the beach.  

Once checked in and being 30 blocks from the Convention Center, I drove down to it to register. I circled a parking lot 4 times before I was able to squeeze between a truck and a car. It was a public lot that had a 4hour limit. I went into the convention hall. Picking up my packet was the easy part. I had questions, one was when and where was the walking tour of the Art Deco to happen. How often did the shuttle buses run. The tour information was at the A area and the shuttle was at the C area. The tours were on one side of the exhibit hall and the shuttles on the opposite side. I got my exercise.  

The answers were not what I wanted to hear. The shuttle ran from 6am to 10am and 4pm to 10pm. It was geared for all day Continuing Education. The walking tour was to happen at 10th street and Ocean. It was not clear how to get there. My schedule said 7:30am for the tour. It sounded good for two reasons, the tour would be over before it got to hot and we would have a car to return back at the Hotel before going back to the convention. We arrived at 10th Street and Ocean, found the Art Deco Center but no one was there. We drove back to the Convention Center but could not find a parking space. We went back to 10th and Ocean at 8am and low and behold people were there. We then found out we were to have down loaded our tour information on an I-pod? I don’t have an I-pod. I just got a portable compute (laptop) a few weeks ago. The museum tours I am accustomed to provide attach to the belt units with earphones. After some time one recognized our vintage and equipped us with the proper resources, we started the tour. I did use the magic card to gain 1.5CEU’s. It turned out to be most informative and by 9:30 we pooped out as did my (talkie walkie) I-POD.  

After a dip in the pool, I was ready for the 1:30 CEU session. Being dropped off at the Convention Center at 1, I started my quest. The one session I picked was well attended. I used the magic card, got my receipt and entered the 4 rooms made one. The place was full of architects. I should have brought binoculars to see the screen let alone the speaker. They announced the magic card reader would be shut off after 15 minutes into the session. Twenty minutes into the session some people left. The speaker said, “Feel free to ask questions when I am speaking.” None were asked. When, after 1.25 hours, he concluded. One question was asked and 99% of the remaining people left. My guess is they had learned what they already knew, by leaving they demonstrated they knew it and were now going forth to remind others they knew it.   

I caught the 4pm shuttle back to the Hotel after a scavenger hunt through the Exhibit Hall. There were many booths and some good souvenirs. I have spent time in the past talking to Convention Venders and had the following results, they did not service our area, they were beyond our clients pocketbook and if you don’t pick it up there you won’t get it sent to the boonies. So I went back to the Hotel and off to the S.U. Party.  

We found it and parked a block away from the house. We missed all the speeches and had to write our names on tags. I guess calling a recorded message 3 days after receiving an invitation is too early for the academic atmosphere. It was a very nice party and being the Class of 56 limits conversation. We did find kindred souls (Class of 62) and his wife. We went back to the Hotel where the Beatles stayed for their first visited to the US and did the original Ed Sullivan show.  

Well back on the road to Neptune Beach with sun, sand and seashells. The ninety-degree weather and sun did not leave us until we returned to Pennsylvania . Reflecting on it, the trip was fun, educational and delightful because of the company with me. I know why I don’t go to conventions, as they are impersonal. The electronic revolution is not warm and cuddly. Hey, Hotels don’t sell stamps, Post Offices have strange hours, if it’s not on the I-pod a question can’t be answered and there are more vehicles then parking spaces.   

 

 

 

YOU CAME A LONG WAY ARCH!  
By Lafferty       

   click here for PDF image

 
 
 
Local work can bring renewable energy   

Published June 18, 2010 Post Standard Editorial

By Dave Ashley, LEED AP, AIA, McGraw Architects, P.C.

To the Editor:
Thank you for your timely Editorial June 15 about global warming and a plea to the administration to act more strongly to deal with the causes of global warming (primarily from our own excess carbon-dioxide emissions).

One of the major problems with dealing with the issues involved is that apparently many of the major coal and oil industrial interests are spending vast sums of money on lobbyists and trumpeted up scientific studies to cast doubt on the causes of global warming.

There are direct financial contributions going to our elected representatives for the obvious purpose of swaying them to the carbon industries interests. It’s perfectly legal in our democratic process. The Supreme Court even, in their infinite wisdom, now has classified corporations as having mostly the same rights as individuals.

Those of us who see global warming as a real threat, unfortunately, do not have millions of dollars for lobbyists to present our views. So right now the carbon industries seem to be winning that battle.

There apparently has been a decline in the percentage of people who now believe that global warming is a man-made condition resulting from our pumping vast amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. So it is unlikely the Obama administration is going to risk taking the necessary strong measures needed. What to do then?

We all need to realize, first, that there is a deadlock in Washington so don’t expect a lot of help. But secondly, that the substitute for the carbon industries energy is renewable energy in many forms such as wind power, PV solar, thermal solar, biofuels harvesting and combustion (like our local willow projects promoted by ESF), tidal power, deep geothermal heat (available almost everywhere in the country below three kilometers) and, of course, a vast number of retrofit insulation and conservation projects.

Scientific American magazine had an article last fall that projected that the worldwide cost to replace all the carbon industries with renewable energy would be in the neighborhood of $100 trillion. Need a job? Looking to start a business?

But here’s the bottom line. Most of that $100 trillion will be spent on local projects, think Central New York, for example. Another CNY biofuels generating plant is a “local” project employing local willow farmers, for example, not something in Saudi Arabia or Texas.

So it’s up to us and our local businesses, industries, governments, schools and farms to get going and start building the renewable energy facilities, solar panels and wind farms, whatever. Don’t wait for Washington; let’s get going, now.

Dave Ashley, AIA, LEED AP

 

 

 

 

 

 

IDP Corner

By: Nicolette Feldser   Email: feldser@ashleymcgraw.com

 

GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK!

 

As a valuable member of the AIA, we would love to hear your input and ideas regarding future IDP and ARE activities we might plan.  Are there any ideas or resources you would love to see offered to help you finish IDP and pass the ARE?  Or maybe you are willing to volunteer some of your time to help us plan and organize future events!  Send an email to me at feldser@ashleymcgraw.com and let me know about your goals, interests, and ideas regarding how the AIA might help with your professional development!  

 

- Nicolette Feldser

 

 

 

 

 

Save the date! This year’s Celebration of Architecture dinner and awards event will be held on November 13, 2010. Formal invitations will follow.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

 

Click Here for Submission Guidlines

 

MEETING MINUTES OF THE AIACNY CHAPTER BOARD MEETING:  
 May 13, 2010 

 

Opening of the Meeting:  This meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter was held Thursday, May 13, 2010 at the AIACNY Resource Center .  Pete Sorber, AIA called the meeting to order. 

 

Click Here for Minutes 

 

Famous Quotes and Quotations

By Neel C. Garofano, AIA  

 

"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty."


Wiston Churchill

 

 

 

 

 

Announcements   

 

 

 

The Architects Resource Center “Lunch and Learn” program presents:

 

Roof Garden: Basic Design Principles & Sustainability

 Presented by Cannan & Alexander, LLC

   

Tuesday July 6th 2010, 12-1pm  

Presentation provides 1 SD HSW CEU  

Lunch will be provided  

Members:  Free

Non-Members:  $5

 

 

Seating is limited so please RSVP as soon as possible at:

Phone: 315-475-8563 -or- Email:  aiacny@verizon.net 

 

 

 

Historic State Tower Building I 109 S. Warren St. Store 11 I 
Syracuse, NY 13202

Telephone/Fax: (315) 475-8563 I Email: aiacny@verizon.net

 

 

 

e-blast for the DNA (Design-Network-Aspire) 

Conference, September 23-24 at The Turning Stone Resort & Casino.

 

Click here for more

 

 

   

 

 

 

Syracuse University School of Architecture Lectures

Videos of the Syracuse University School of Architecture lectures can be found by following the link below:

 

http://soa.syr.edu/videos/ensemble.html
 

 

 

 

 

ARE Study Guides at the Resource Center

 

Dear Members,

Members of The AIACNY Chapter of Central New York  
now have access to WI-FI at The Resource Center 
Monday-Thursday- 8:30am- 12:30pm.

  

All AIA Members have access to all ARE Study Materials,  There is no fee to use the ARE Study Material, but a Deposit (Check) will be required, which will vary.  

The Resource Center will sign Study Materials out to you with a return date.  

The check for deposit is given to Susanne Gruening at   Resource Center on the date you want to borrow the material.  You will receive your check for deposit on the return of the material to The Resource Center .

Click Here for More

   

 

 

 

AIA New York Chapter Newsletter  

The link to the AIA New York Chapter’s newsletter is: http://www.aiany.org/eOCULUS/newsletter/.

eOculus is issued through email every two weeks.

 

You may also search the archived issues of eOculus at: http://www.aiany.org/eOCULUS/pastissues.php

 

AIA New York Chapter’s public calendar is also a great place to promote both this Chapter’s events and other outside events: http://www.aiany.org/calendar/index.php

You may also self-list a program by submitting a form online at: http://www.aiany.org/calendar/submit.php.