Moniruz Zaman
Prof: Zagaroli
Midtown Manhattan Trip Questions
1) What was the benefit of creating a public plaza in the set back of the Seagram’s building which was designed by Mies Van der Rohe?
– By erecting the Seagram’s building set back from its property line, an opportunity to create a public plaza was made. By making a public plaza, more natural light can penetrate the floor and people can be exposed to this natural light. The plaza then becomes a public space in which anyone can enjoy their time in. Mies also designed two water flowing sections on the plaza and this was a very good design move because the flowing water reduces the noise of cars in the space. In my opinion, Mies was very much thinking about the future when he designed the public plaza because many people may argue that in another few years, there really would not be any more cars in the streets. In that case, all the streets would then become some sort of public space and Mies probably had this idea in mind.
2) The New York Public Library next to Bryant Park has a public space in the entrance, what is a positive impact of this space other than offering people another place to occupy?
– Libraries are a place for books along with knowledge, and these two entities have always been considered something sacred. There have been situations in past history in many societies where certain people were not allowed to be around books and sacred people. But the New York Public Library is a building that did not want to repel anyone and it does not want to belittle anyone. Therefore, by putting a public space by the library, there is a notion of welcoming all people in its premise.
3) There are many buildings in midtown Manhattan that many people may feel is not attractive. What should happen to these types of buildings with this idea in mind?
– First of all we must understand that every building is beautiful according to its style of architecture. If we are living in the period of one type of architectural style, it does not mean that every other style is not of beauty. Also, we must understand that many buildings, no matter how amazing it may be today, can verily be ugly in the future. So, does this mean that we tear down all buildings that seem unattractive? No, rather, we need to preserve some buildings to have value for the new ones that are being established. A nice building needs to be among a lesser attractive building to be of beauty.
