Rob Rogers (3)

When doing research for my Guide to Contemporary New York City Architecture, just about any project in the five boroughs by Rogers Marvel Architects was in the running for inclusion. Not only are they extremely good architects, but their work is almost exclusively focused on the public realm, from schools and libraries to housing and even streetscapes. Sure, single-family residential projects are part of their oeuvre, but they are outnumbered by the projects that, even if not open to the public, help shape the public realm through their presence. This first monograph, introduced by Michael Sorkin, splits the projects into three sections: buildings, adaptations, and public spaces. Working primarily in New York City, the second chapter makes a lot of sense, as does the fact that the buildings in the first chapter are mainly found outside the city. The public spaces, such as the security streetscapes in Battery Park City and near the NYSE, respond to the militarization of urban spaces, but they do it simply and beautifully. These and other projects are clearly the result of architects caring for the public, not just considering them.… (altro)