Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Public Design Commission President James P. Stuckey announced thirteen outstanding public projects at the Design Commission’s 28th Annual Awards for Excellence in Design last Wednesday, July 21st. The Design Commission, formerly called the Art Commission, has awarded exceptional public projects since 1982.
The event, held at the IAC Headquarters building (designed by noted Architect Frank Gehry) in the meat-packing district in lower Manhattan was co-hosted by Mayor Bloomberg and Candice Bergen “It has been extraordinary year of public design in New York City – we have a record thirteen honorees this year,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Five of tonight’s winners are products of our ‘Design and Construction Excellence Initiative,’ which we announced at this event six years ago. Developed by the Department of Design & Construction, the program encourages City agencies to use strategies to deliver high quality design for all public works and proves that public projects can be at once cost-effective, sustainable and beautiful.” BRAC is one of the six projects initiated through the Design and Construction Excellence program from which the architectural firm Sage and Coombe was selected and through which LEEDs standards were followed.
“I am fortunate to work with an Administration that recognizes the impact that good design can have on our City,” said Design Commission President James P. Stuckey. “Many of tonight’s award-winning designs reflect the City’s commitment to sustainable design. Many of them also help enhance one of the City’s most precious resources – our 578 miles of waterfront.” BRAC is also a highlight in this instance because of its close proximity to the Bronx River. BRAC sits at an intersection between a major transportation HUB at East Tremont near Boston Rd, and halfway along the developing Bronx River Greenway, making it a perfect site to be the “Gateway to the Greenway”.
The Design Commission is New York City’s design review agency. Established in 1898, the Commission reviews permanent works of art, architecture and landscape architecture proposed on or over City-owned property. Projects include new construction, renovation or restoration of buildings, such as museums and libraries; creation or rehabilitation of parks and playgrounds; installation of lighting and other streetscape elements; and design, installation and conservation of artwork. The Design Commission is composed of 11 members, who serve pro bono, and includes an architect, landscape architect, painter and sculptor as well as representatives of the Brooklyn Museum, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the New York Public Library.
The winning projects are selected by the members of the Design Commission from the hundreds of submissions reviewed each year, and exemplify the highest design standards.
The Rehabilitation of the Bronx River Art Center has thus far been financed with city funds through City Council Majority Leader Joel Rivera and the Bronx Delegation, the office of the Bronx Borough President, including a $705,000 allocation from BP Ruben Diaz Jr. in the City’s FY11 Capital budget, and the office of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, through the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.
1087 East Tremont Avenue, Bronx
A Project of the Department of Design and Construction, the Department of Cultural Affairs and the Bronx River Art Center
Sage and Coombe Architects
Tattfoo Studio, Exterior Super Graphics
About BRAC:
The Bronx River Art Center (BRAC) is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing art and environmental education to youth and residents from throughout the Bronx who are seeking an outlet for creative expression. Our Education program offers a place for students, particularly Bronx youth, to develop their creative talents while learning about the natural resources in their community.
