Ted TV

I myself and not one for television, aside from the news and politics.
But recently I stumbled upon this website TED and have been infatuated with it ever since.
Ted offers discussions and monologues of individuals with something to say and with ideas for change.

They have everything I never knew I wanted to know, as well as a search section for everything I did. I definitely recommend this website for anyone interested in academia, or just for the casual passerby. I promise it won't let you down.

Documentaries

The past few weeks I watched two Architect Documentaries, one on Frank Lloyd Wright and one on Louis Kahn.  I have appreciated the work of both of these fabulous men for quite some time and have grown to appreciate the both of them just that much more.  They are both geniuses and amazing to say the least.  They come from seemingly opposite worlds and their designs are one in the same.

FLW with his love of the midwestern countryside, single family homes, and custom built pieces.
LK and his idea of the modern monument, his manipulation of forms, and his use of the elements.

Words cannot describe the work of these fabulous men, so hopefully some photos will do the trick.
As well I recommend both of their documentaries if you get a chance.

FLW: Frank Lloyd Wright (PBS Home Video)
LK: My Architect, A Son's Journey

In search of the perfect Cappuccino

I myself enjoy coffee a great deal. There is nothing better to start the morning then a freshly, and deliciously, made cappuccino.  In my quest for the 'best cap' in NYC I have tried out a good many coffee shops, here are a few of my reviews, enjoy.



9th St Espresso:
This place has alot of hype, as well as 3 locations as of my recollection. 9th St Espresso was my favorite coffee in NYC until recently, perhaps they hired a new barista or perhaps I just received a 'not as perfect' cup on my last visit. But either way I would definitely recommend you stopping by. This place as well has space to sit (which many of the other good coffee shops lack :( ) as well as a 'buy 10 get the 11th free' card you can have stamped.

Giano Restaurant:

I drink this up most often as I frequent this restaurant, the owners are both from Italy and know a thing or 2 about coffee. While they are not open for the daily cup-o-joe I would definitely recommend stopping by one evening for a cup at the bar.

Cafe Grumpy:
Have only been here one time as a recommendation of a famous coffee artisan in Sacramento California. While this cup was good, it didn't leave an impression, other then the orange cup and adorable logo.

La Colombe:
This is an all time favorite, and one in which you cannot go wrong.
They have 3 locations, as well as many high end restaurants serve their coffee.

Bluebird:

I stumbled upon this coffee shop one day because I was too lazy to walk up to the shops I know of, and boy was I glad I did. This shop is located near the corner of 1st and 1st, and has excellent Caps. The decor is pleasing and they have a unique selection of pastries to accompany your Joe.

Van Leeuwen:

This company is most often associated with 'The Ice Cream Truck' and as to my knowledge this is the only physical location. They serve both ice cream and coffee, and might I say quite a delicious daily cup. (also offer a 'frequent shopper' card)

Abraco:

This tiny shop is located near the corner of 7th St & 1st Ave, unfortunately I have not had the delight to try a cap at their location, however their drip coffee is on crack! (in a good way)

Tarallucci e Vino:

This is another one of my favorites for every day. As well this shop offers delectable pastries as well as 'regular food' so you can have an entire breakfast with your morning fuel.

Mud:

While I do not go to Mud for Cappuccino, Mud does provide a delicious cup of Joe at a super cheap price, as well as fresh baked unique pastries.

Everyman:

Unfortunately I do not have a photo to go along with 'Everyman' however, this is definitely my favorite of them all. Located one block from Union Square Park in the back of a theater. Beware if you attempt to enter on a Sunday, the line will be 'out of this world'

(This blog is in honor of my new/old friend Anne Bilben Sund, with whom I intend on enjoying a delicious cup of coffee in the not too distant future)

Obsessed with Columbia's Program

Have been obsessed for the last 2 years about the Columbia Historic Preservation Program.
It is just fantastic and is exactly what I am looking for in a school.

Here is a list of why this is my top school:
Amazing Faculty
Housed within an Architecture School
Architecture Based
Great choices for a Focus
Exemplary Resources
Oldest Program in the US
Amazing Campus
Location, Location, Location!
City Life
And of course because I want to Change the World.

Just to name a few.
Can't wait to hear back!!! :)

Historic Preservation

I am currently looking into pursuing a degree in Architectural History &/or Historic Preservation of Architecture. While my research into schools has been quite limited I have found some useful and interesting facts in my search. The first being that Historic Preservation is not always focused on Architecture. I had assumed that any Historic Preservation College's focus would have been on architecture and buildings, however, that was my mistake and quite a few colleges focus on Preservation Planning, or Preservation Advocacy, Public Policies, Cultural Landscapes, and Sustainability to name a few. The second useful thing I have found is a list of all the colleges in the USA who offer Architectural History or Historic Preservation.


Lucky for me, my top choice school offers both :)
Fingers Crossed


My most recent infatuation has been the preservation of the modern, Corbusier to today. How will we preserve these buildings, are people taking steps now for preservation or will we do the same as we have done in the past and not advocate to save the structures until after 200+ years? These are questions I have been plagued with, and happily have found that others are interested in this topic as well. I have yet to find a school who advocates for this, but I think this is one of those things I can focus on after school, and after I learn the basics.

Lastly my semi-new infatuation with Europe and the rest of the world has been driving me. I want to live abroad at some point, I want to work with/in architecture, I want to teach, become an advocate, and learn. I cannot thing of a better profession to go into than Historic Preservation.
This major would allow me to travel, study, teach, experiment, work on exhibitions, and so much more. I not only want, I need to get into this college to fulfill my dreams and desires.

Below are a few pictures for your enjoyment, nothing in-particular.

Random NYC

Below are some photos that I've shot with my iPhone over the past few months. They are all of places in NYC. With the help of Hipsmatic and Instagram (iPhone Apps) I have been able to make otherwise ordinary pictures more intriguing. 

Hope you enjoy

Raimund Abraham

It was only upon his death that I began to research and enjoy the work of Raimund Abraham.

I was originally introduced to him by a friend, followed by an exhibition at The Cooper Union. The exhibition had well written blurbs from and about him throughout his architectural career and professorship. He was quite a remarkable character, but I won't get too into that other than recommending you Wikipedia him to get a rough overview.

This post was influenced by the release of a new book: "In the Absence of Raimund Abraham" by: Peter Noever & Wolf Prix.

Below are a couple photos from the Cooper Union Exhibit.

Here are a few additional works from Raimund that I find quite intriguing.