Friday, April 20, 2007
1:00 p.m.
The Architectural League NY
Show and Tell takes League members directly to the studios and manufacturing facilities of leading designers, engineers, and fabricators. The series explores how new materials, technologies, and systems affect design and construction; and how consultants, construction firms, engineers, materials providers, and other allied specialists interact and collaborate with architectural firms.
The second Show and Tell program is at the Rambusch Company in Jersey City, NJ. As creators of work ranging from the lighting of Frank Gehry’s Condé Nast Cafeteria to ecclesiastical arts and historic restoration, four generations of the Rambusch family and their workshop have designed and crafted innovative lighting, art metal, stained glass, and mosaics. In its 109 year history, Rambusch has consistently sought to follow the continuous thread of design from idea to fabrication. Eschewing the whims of style and the pressures of mass production, the studios have maintained a guild model, emphasizing quality, design control, and customized production. Rambusch’s continued commitment to craft has enabled a modern design firm to adapt to and succeed in a world of industrialized construction processes and economic pressures.
The program will include a tour of the Rambusch workshop, studios, and design room; a detailed case study of a current Rambusch project, the lighting and restoration of the Utah State Capitol; a chance to look at prototypes, documents, and samples from throughout Rambusch’s history, including the design of the classic Downlight; and a conversation with members of the Rambusch family.
Following the Rambusch visit, Richard Garber, of GRO Architects and an assistant professor at NJIT School of Architecture, and Thomas Ogorzalek, a special lecturer at NJIT School of Architecture, will discuss the current building and plans for development in Jersey City. The conversation will include the Koolhaas and Trump projects in the Powerhouse Arts District, waterfront development, the Jersey City Embankment, and the Hudson/Bergen Light Rail. The group will take advantage of being on site in Jersey City and tour downtown through the Powerhouse Arts District to the residential neighborhood of Paulus Hook. The day will end with refreshments and conversation at the Light Horse Tavern and return to New York at 6:00.
Reservation Policy:
Due to the limited number of tickets and to facilitate fair access across our membership, reservations are limited to members only (no guests). Continuing education units are available. Transportation will be provided. There is a $30 fee for the program. Reservations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please email anderson@archleague.org, beginning on Thursday, April 12. Reservations received before April 12 will not be honored. Please understand if we are unable to accommodate your interest. Further details will be sent upon confirmation of the reservation.
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