ksdarch1
Jul 3, 20205 min
July Fourth is a date to commemorate American Independence, but also a day to celebrate our country’s culture, history, people and…Architecture!
Of course, we cannot discuss American Architecture without mentioning some of the most symbolic structures in our nation. Dave Springsteen, KSD Director of Projects says, “I think one of our greatest works/achievements is the Empire State Building. Built in 1930 and only took 13 months to build, and it withstood a plane crashing in 1945 on a Friday and opened the following Monday!”
While iconic works like the Empire State Building and the Brooklyn Bridge will always showcase American achievements in engineering and design, KSD Construction and Design Manager Ted Gregory reminded us that we should also “enjoy and celebrate the diverse vernacular architecture across America that expresses the language of the people, climate, and material available to each region of America.” Below are some examples of just that. [4]
As an ultimate favorite, Ted chose modernist Richard Meier’s Getty Center.
At times, American Architecture emulates historic European roots. Sherry Cammarata, KSD’s Administrator, named The Breakers to be her favorite. The neo-classic Rhode Island structure is a beautiful summer home displaying its owners’ wealth and status through its size and Italian Renaissance architectural style.
While Hunt's design of ornamental features are The Breakers' finest quality, other architects insisted that "less is more." KSD Design Manager Ishita Kachru agrees saying, "I love minimalist architecture like Farnsworth House by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and the Glass House by Philip Johnson."
Plano, Illinois
Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Fun Facts: The architect acknowledged modern times as a technology-driven era and designed this simplistic structure as an answer to bring nature and humans into a direct relationship. By his use of material and an open plan, he successfully brought unity between the house and its 60-acre rural site. [9]
New Canaan, Connecticut
Architect: Philip Johnson
Fun Facts: The Glass House was designed as a residence for Johnson himself, and the design was fully derived and inspired by Farnsworth House; Johnson was a curator for a Mies van der Rohe exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art. [10]
In a discussion of favorite American Architects, KSD Design Manager Hetal Mehta and Designer Manushi Patel both mentioned Steven Holl, an innovative and modern architect of our time. Holl’s watercolor representations of his designs are particularly impressive, says Hetal. It is said that Holl’s turning point work of architecture was his design for the addition to the Nelson-Atkins' Museum.
The United States is home to such a diverse collection of architecture in part because of the resources and array of talent that is drawn from all parts of the world. In response to naming extraordinary designers that have built works in the US, Design Manager Hetal Mehta replied, “my all-time favorites are Santiago Calatrava for his sculptural forms and Le Corbusier for his Modernist style."
Hetal continued, "I am also a big fan of Frank Lloyd Wright; his structures have always been in context and in harmony with nature.”
This was in sync with what our principal, Kamlesh Shah, replied as his favorite work of architecture; the classic: Fallingwater, by Frank Lloyd Wright.
In discussing architecture as an extension of nature itself, KSD Designer Sid Velamakanni chose the High Line, “a remarkable urban creation that repurposed a previously abandoned rail line into an elevated public green walk, now offering the best views of the city of Manhattan and its architectural marvels.”
Another work of architecture that was designed to fully appreciate a picturesque site is Salk Institute. KSD Design Manager Suchita Shah says, “The institute is unapologetic about its monumentalism - with concrete as a prime material - but I love the wood inlays for warmth and the subtle but clever introduction of water through the site that draws your vision to the beautiful ocean water beyond.”
Some feats of design and architecture are those that are closer to home and represent innovation and inspiration. KSD’s CFO Bina Shah chose the NRG building, located in West Windsor just a few minutes from the office. She confesses, “Every time we pass the building I make sure I look at the building and I love it even more.” Bina says her interest stems from the sustainable elements displayed proudly on and around the LEED Platinum certified building, including two wind turbines.
At KSD, we appreciate and are excited to celebrate the achievements of the United States of America! Happy Independence Day to all!
[1]“About Salk Architecture.” Salk Institute for Biological Studies, www.salk.edu/about/visiting-salk/about-salk-architecture/.
[2]“Architecture: Visit the Getty: The Getty.” Visit the Getty, www.getty.edu/visit/center/architecture.html.
[3]“The Breakers.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 1 Dec. 2019, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Breakers.
[4]“Category:Vernacular Architecture in the United States.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Mar. 2016, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Vernacular_architecture_in_the_United_States.
[5]“Empire State Building Dedicated.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 24 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/this-day-in-history/empire-state-building-dedicated.
[6]“Overview.” The High Line, www.thehighline.org/about/.
Saieh, Nico. “The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art / Steven Holl Architects.” ArchDaily, ArchDaily, 30 July 2008, www.archdaily.com/4369/the-nelson-atkins-museum-of-art-steven-holl-architects.
[7]Voices, NRG Editorial. “NRG Princeton Headquarters Awarded LEED Platinum Certification.” NRG Energy, www.nrg.com/insights/innovation/nrg-princeton-headquarters-awarded-leed-platinum-certification.html.
[8]“What Is Fallingwater? - Learn More about Frank Lloyd Wright's Masterpiece.” Fallingwater, fallingwater.org/what-is-fallingwater/.
[9]“Farnsworth House.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 21 June 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farnsworth_House.
[10]“Glass House.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 27 June 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass_House.