Architectural Session VII: Haunting Houses

John Zissovici, photographer's studio

Black Maria

A few weeks ago, we had our 7th Architectural Session at the Parrish Museum. For this one, we put out a 'call for entries' to architects asking them to submit an image of an idea, or an influence, that has haunted their practice and that eventually was expressed or exorcised in a project -- Halloween was around the corner.

We received the most interesting entries, from pictures of McGyver (yes from the TV series) to Black Maria (Thomas Edison's film studio). Eventually four architects were selected to talk with me about their initial 'haunting' influence and their resulting projects. They were, in order of their appearance, John Zissovici, James Merrell, Viola Rouhani and Jee Won Kim.

It was a fascinating journey into personal stories that have given shape to some very public and notable works. All together, we resurrected the ghosts of Edison, Palladio, McGyver, Raimund Abraham and discussed the very alive architect Peter Eisenman (who apparently has haunted many of us).

Prior to the event, I was asked what has haunted me. My answer was evasive, but I mentioned that every single architect who was on that podium has haunted me. For example, John was my professor and thesis adviser at Cornell, and every house that I have designed has been a way to, once again, prove my thesis to him --after all the subject of my thesis was about making a 'home' that you could carry and deploy anywhere. James and I both share the Institute of Architecture & Urban Studies as one of our academic milestones; and his comments and comparison of Palladian houses and Eisenmann's cartesian dissections had a huge impact on my training as well. I have always admired the work that is produced at Stelle, Lomont, Rouhani's office and Viola's presence on the stage brought home memories of the days, not long ago, when there were less than a handful of modernist architects practicing and actually building out in East Hampton. Finally, Jee Won and I share many influences; he talked about Raimund Abraham. Raimund taught at Cooper Union along with John Hedjuk, Eisenman and one of my professors, Diana Agrest. We still talk about the work of these architects. And Jee Won showed how they still affect us today.

Many people helped bring this program to life including Andrea Grover, Frank Guittard and Viola Rouhani; and we were lucky to get the sponsorship of the AIA Peconic and the Parrish Art Museum.

FIX THIS TOWN!

Last Friday, July 17th, we had our sixth Architectural Session at the Parrish Museum. In these sessions, modeled after jazz improvisations, I speak with architects (and sometimes artists whose work overlaps architecture) about their work.

But last Friday's sessions was about the future of the towns on the East End of Long Island. With my guests, Felipe Correa (Harvard GSD), and Jay Schneiderman (Suffolk County Legislator), and David Rattray (editor of East Hampton Start), we discussed the issues that face the towns on the East End of Long Island as they grow in population every year; and we talked about the urban future that we want to envision for ourselves and others.

The conversation was informative and animated and allowed the audience to raise their concerns, voice their wishes, and have a public conversation about an issue that so far has been kept out of the public realm.

The program was broadcast live. And an edited video of it will be available soon.

Thanks to the AIA Peconic and its membership for the support of the program.

from left: David Rattray, editor, East Hampton Star (standing), Maziar Behrooz, Architect, Jay Schneiderman, Suffolk County Legislator, Felipe Correa, Department of Urban Planning , Harvard GSD

Architectural Sessions II: Quiet Architecture w/ Thomas Phifer & Gabriel Smith

In the second installment of AIA Peconic’s Architectural Sessions at the Parrish, host Maziar Behrooz is joined by Thomas Phifer, principal of Thomas Phifer and Partners, and Gabriel Smith, partner, for a conversation about the firm’s singular approach to architecture.

"We're into very quiet architecture," says Thomas Phifer. With forms that aim for permanence and simplicity, their buildings articulate an intense precision in both craft and concept. A singular vision is examined and expressed with clarity and deliberateness throughout their buildings, elevating every view, every space to an essential and timeless condition. In the firm’s current project, the expansion of the Glenstone Museum (anticipated to open in 2016), the changing patterns of nature play against the quiet permanence of forms.

This Session will examine how a practice like Phifer’s can maintain such focus and clarity of vision from a project’s conception to completion. What systems are in place to ensure that the in-house team can express a singular idea over time to the many parties and stakeholders involved in the creation of a building, and ultimately to the public at large?

PULSE_RDMU

After a 2 minute intro, a video & sound projection by Matthew Biederman & Alain Thibault (website), through the RDMU (Rapid Deployment Meditation Unit) at the Arc House.

An installation by Maziar Behrooz for the Parrish Museum of Art 'Road Show' (website).​