Press Releases

New York City, May 9, 2019 – On Saturday, May 18, AIA New York, in collaboration with local architecture firms, will give back to NYC communities during the organization’s 2019 Day of Service. The initiative, launched during last year’s AIA Conference on Architecture, encourages architects to make a difference at the local level by partnering with non-profit organizations to upgrade their existing facilities.

“By tapping into AIA New York’s extensive network of member architects and design professionals, we can provide volunteer opportunities that harness their energy and creativity to help improve sites that benefit a range of New Yorkers,” said AIANY and Center for Architecture Executive Director Benjamin Prosky, Assoc. AIA. “Many of our member firms have already articulated values that promote social equity. We can build on this by facilitating the volunteers and donations required to make our multiple Day of Service projects successful.”

This year, firms will lead five ambitious projects across the city:

Ali Forney Center + COOKFOX Architects

“COOKFOX is excited to build on our volunteer work with the Ali Forney Center through the renovation of this important space. We believe everyone deserves a healthy, comfortable, and safe home, and our commitment to justice and sustainability compels us to care for our neighbors as well as our environment.”

The mission of the Ali Forney Center is to protect LGBTQ youths from the harms of homelessness and empower them with the tools needed to live independently. The Center’s services include the provision of medical care, counseling, housing, meals, and more for thousands of youths in New York.

COOKFOX Architects and Clune Construction are partnering with the Ali Forney Center to help renovate one of their emergency housing sites in Brooklyn. The renovation will include updating their kitchen, countertop, and backsplash, adding new cabinets and appliances, and painting walls to make the site more welcoming, comfortable, and functional for residents and volunteers.

Concrete Safaris + Ennead Architects

Concrete Safaris is a nonprofit organization in East Harlem whose mission is to enable healthy living for youth through outdoor education, play, and community engagement. Their gardens provide over 2,000 pounds of produce for the community and local restaurants.

Ennead Architects and Clune Construction are partnering with Concrete Safaris to expand their programming space in Jefferson Gardens by building a central gathering space. The new space will allow Concrete Safaris to host a range of educational and community activities such as lessons on harvesting and poetry readings. Raised planters adjacent to benches will enable users with less mobility to contribute to harvesting.

BRC Jack Ryan Residence + Francis Cauffman Architects (FCA) + AIANY Emerging New York Architects Committee (ENYA)

“FCA is excited to be participating in the AIANY 2019 Day of Service. As architects and designers, we understand and appreciate the ways in which space can transform and improve the days and outlooks of the people within it. We see Day of Service as an opportunity to give back to our community by bringing meaningful and well-deserved improvements to the residents of the BRC Jack Ryan Residence.”

The Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC), one of NYC’s leading nonprofit organizations, provides housing and health services to thousands of vulnerable New Yorkers. The BRC Jack Ryan Residence is a 200-bed shelter for homeless men and women living with mental illness. The shelter provides a complete range of mental and medical health services through two programs: the Chemical Dependency Crisis Center (CDCC), which offers 24 beds for detoxification services, and the BRC Reception Center, a transitional residence for homeless individuals with mental illness.

FCA and ENYA are partnering with the BRC Jack Ryan Residence to renovate essential high-use common areas at the CDCC and Reception Center. Through close collaboration and a charette process, FCA and ENYA aim to improve the environment and brighten the experience for clients.

Rebuilding Together NYC + FXCollaborative + NBBJ + Perkins Eastman + SGVA

“Perkins Eastman is excited to participate in the AIANY 2019 Day of Service and give back to our communities, bringing people together in support of the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center’s Mission to meet the social, educational, recreational and cultural needs of the greater community.”

Rebuilding Together NYC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation of affordable housing for low-income residents. The organization accomplishes this with the help of volunteers and skilled trades people through a variety of initiatives that are specifically designed to keep residents safely in their communities. The organization’s Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center serves its community with programs that include an Early Childhood Center and a range of youth, adult, and senior services.

FXCollaborative, NBBJ, Perkins Eastman, and SGV will be painting the Lincoln Square Neighborhood Center’s gym and day care rooms and reconfiguring the reception desk to make it ADA accessible.

BRC Women’s Shelter + Urbahn Architects

“As architects, we are fortunate to be able to help improve people’s environments and even their lives in meaningful ways. Most of our staff was attracted to Urbahn because of the firm’s history of designing projects in the public realm in and around New York City. We see Day of Service as an opportunity to get one step closer to the people we serve by not only designing a transformative space, but by building it as well.”

The Bowery Resident’s Committee (BRC) serves New York City’s most vulnerable. With 30 locations throughout the city, BRC provides services including mental and physical healthcare, treatment for substance abuse, workforce development, and transitional and permanent housing. BRC serves more than 10,000 people in New York City every year.

Urbahn Architects will update a recreational rooftop at BRC’s Women’s Residence, which currently experiences too much heat and sun, thus limiting its use. The scope of work will include adding a new fabric shading system, updating existing furniture, painting pavers and furniture, and adding planters to liven up the space.

The 2019 AIANY Day of Service is made possible with the support from our donors and sponsors:
Benjamin Moore, Clune Construction Company, Cosentino Group, ConstructConnect, The Donaldson Organization, Fireclay, General Electric Appliances, Grohe, Island Architectural Woodwork, Inc., Porcelanosa, Sherwin-Williams, Steelcase, Sunbrella, Tech Lighting, TLM Group

About AIA New York
Founded in 1857, AIA New York is the oldest and largest chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The Chapter’s members include 5,500 practicing architects, allied professionals, students, and public members interested in architecture and design. AIA New York is dedicated to three goals: design excellence, public outreach, and professional development. www.aiany.org