(Miami Beach, Florida) The Miami Art Deco District holds the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world, covering a range of styles such as “Streamline”, “Tropical”, and “Med-deco”. By notable Miami beach architect L. Murray Dixon, this hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and contributes to what many call the Beach School of Architecture. New materials and technologies, such as reinforced concrete, were key to the development . . .

(Queensboro Bridge) Also known as the 59th Street Bridge - and officially named the Ed Koch Bridge, is a cantilever bridge over the East River. Built in 1909, it was the fourth largest bridge in the world at the time. This infrastructure has changed use a handful of times since inception. The upper level originally contained two pedestrian walks and two elevated rail tracks. Then three lanes of roadways were installed to replace the pedestrian walkway. The lower deck hosted four motor traffic lanes and two trolley lanes . . .

(East River, NYC) Without unpacking all these layers, it can be understood that what is dramatic about this composition is the sheer amount of content. A city, or anything in life, gets better with more flavor. Sure one could propose less = more, but nowadays yes = more. Accepting the growing needs of humanity in a responsible resilient way . . .

(All Saints, Williamsburg) Church architecture is rooted so far into history that the values of its approach should be understood. This neo-gothic only dates back to 1894, it was built for the thousands of German immigrants who were the majority Catholic in Brooklyn. Something about its durability and detailing gives pause to its viewer. How can a run-of-the mill cross shaped building have such strong impact? For one; the soaring brick tower evokes a strong sense of grounding . . .

(Zuccotti Park, NYC) “How much does your building weigh?” A famous quote by renowned Architect Buck Fuller. My guess… the black steel brute is double the tonnage of our ethereal glass box. Then lets ask how does / what does a building make us feel? Examining the circumstances behind creations can help shape & determine our point of view. The U.S. Steel Building designed by SOM embodies the ‘organization man’ . . .

(Making, NYC) Heatherwick has an uncanny design sense that I find purely jaw dropping. Discovering his book ‘Making’ early in Grad school was an eye opening realization of what Architects do to problem solve. Thomas’ studio challenges the norm with positive and pragmatic visions that truly provide positive social impact. Now, in New York . . .

(Chama Mama, 14th St.) Captured within a high pointed Georgian restaurant, lies a multimedia collage so eye catching I couldn’t help but photograph it. Dead center of the composition is an eerily joyful female with what could be a botched lipstick job, but the blood strewn across the painting clues the viewer to something darker. My first thought before I noticed the woman’s blouse was an artwork merging different time periods. The ivy leaves in her hair evoke a Hellenistic Greek chaplet. Next to it . . .