by Jessica Sheridan Assoc. AIA LEED AP
The Center for Architecture is expanding! The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) announced that, after almost eight years providing public programs and exhibitions about architecture and design, the Chapter is expanding its award-winning facility into the adjacent storefront at 532 LaGuardia Place.
“This is an historic day for not only the American Institute of Architects, but also for all in NYC who are passionate about architecture and what architects do to create sustainable and livable communities,” according to Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, 2011 AIANY President and principal at Helpern Architects.
Each year since 2003, the Center for Architecture has presented more than 1,000 public programs and 20 exhibitions on subjects ranging from energy use in buildings to active design.
“With a growing interest from the international community — two current Center exhibitions focus on new work in São Paulo and new visions for Amsterdam and New York — our wonderfully forward-looking board felt that it was time to grow,” said AIANY Executive Director Rick Bell, FAIA.
At the heart of the expansion plan is the local design community and the NY-based architects that AIANY represents and serves. The new design will be completed by Rogers Marvel Architects, and Associate Marta Sanders, AIA, expressed the firm’s delight to be working for a client consisting of almost 5,000 experts in its field: “The Center for Architecture is the place where the design community comes together — we are happy to help it reach even more people more effectively.”
Special events are planned for the new space, including the “Smart Living” exhibition opening in October, as well as additional meeting, gallery, and work space. As the Center expands, the Chapter is making it ever more clear that Design Matters!