March 2, 2015
NEW YORK, New York, March 2, 2015 – The Center for Architecture and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF), with the support of the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee, will present Built by Women (BxW) NYC, opening on Monday, March 2 at 6:00 pm. The exhibition will be on view through the duration of March, Women’s History Month.
Built by Women is a social and educational initiative, celebrating women’s contributions to the built environment. Last fall, BWAF launched a public competition, Built by Women New York City (BxW NYC), to identify structures and environments created by women working in architecture, landscape, engineering, and construction.
With more than 350 unique nominations, the distinguished jury had a rich pool from which to select the 98 award-winning projects built, engineered, or constructed by women. The diverse sites, located in all five boroughs, reflect strong design, have historical or cultural significance, and positively impact their communities. The jury’s selections included transportation hubs, theaters, recycling centers, parks, community gardens, health care systems, a new police training academy, emergency services, and stunning restaurants, designed, led, and managed by women of all ages, making their mark on the city’s built environment and affecting our daily lives.
This competition is the beginning of a series of activities to shine light on women and their impact on life in the city of New York for residents and tourists alike. Walking and audio tours will be rolled out in 2015 as well as panel discussions and pop-up events at some of the winning sites. All nominated sites will be recognized on a map and listed on a BxW website, currently under development.
An exclusive “sneak peak” of the exhibition will be presented at the BWAF Leadership Awards Gala on Thursday, February 26th at the Prince George Ballroom.
BxW NYC Jurors:
Deborah Berke, FAIA, Principal, Deborah Berke Partners
Joan Blumenfeld, FAIA, Principal & Global Interior Design Director, Perkins + Will
Aine Brazil, PE, Managing Principal, Thornton Tomasetti
Fiona Cousins, PE, Principal, Arup
Cheryl McKissack Daniel, President & CEO, McKissack & McKissack
Andrea Leers, FAIA, Principal, Leers Weinzapfel Associates
Audrey Matlock, FAIA, Principal, Audrey Matlock Architects
Laura Starr, ASLA, Partner, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects & Planners
BxW NYC Advisor:
Andrew Dolkart, Director of the Historic Preservation Program and Professor of Historic Preservation, Columbia University
BxW Winning Sites:
A full list of the winning sites, arranged by category and name, can be found on the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation website.
BxW NYC at the Center for Architecture is made possible with the support of the following sponsors:
Evenson/Best
Knoll
Funding for BxW NYC came from the New York Building Foundation and the New York Council for the Humanities.
About the Center for Architecture
The Center for Architecture is a destination for all interested in the built environment. It is the public-facing affiliate of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, which provides resources to both the public and building industry professionals. Through exhibitions, programs, and special events, the Center aims to improve the quality and sustainability of the built environment, foster exchange between the design, construction, and real estate communities, and encourage collaborations across the city and globe. As the city’s leading cultural institution focusing on architecture, the Center drives positive change through the power of design. For more information, please visit www.aiany.org.
About the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF)
BWAF is working to change the culture of the building industry so that women’s work, in both contemporary practices and historical narratives, is acknowledged, respected and valued. BWAF achieves its mission by educating the public and transforming industry practice through collaborations with museums, professional organizations and other groups in the areas of architecture, design, landscape, engineering, technology, real estate and construction. BWAF is a national educational and research non-profit 501(c) (3) organization.
BWAF’s core programs include education, historical and contemporary research, and outreach. By promoting a greater understanding of the diverse and broad roles of women in shaping the spaces where we live and work, we will ensure a vibrant future for all women involved in the building professions. BWAF’s programs and initiatives include Built by Women (BxW), museum programs, films and tours, the Industry Leader’s Roundtable, and other collaborations, all of which support the many women working in the built environment.
About the AIANY Women in Architecture Committee (WIA)
The AIANY Women in Architecture Committee develops and promotes women leaders, with a focus on mentorship, licensure, and networking opportunities in architecture and the allied design and building industries.