APT Bulletin Reviews Reglazing Modernism

The APT Bulletin: The Journal of Preservation Technology recently published Kyle Normandin’s in-depth review of Reglazing Modernism: Intervention Strategies for 20th-Century Icons, a book co-authored by Angel Ayón, Principal of AYON Studio. The review outlines the content of the book and highlights its contribution to preservation’s academic and practical knowledge base. “Reglazing Modernism will certainly be of interest to practitioners across a number of disciplines, including architects and engineers.”

Why should they care? As Normandin points out, “The timeliness of Reglazing Modernism underscores the critical nature and importance of this publication for many of us as we focus on the vast number of buildings constructed in the mid- to late twentieth century—in particular, Modern glazed assemblies…The sheer volume and inventory of buildings with glazed curtain wall assemblies, and how to maintain and improve them, raises questions about their continued use and viability. It also invites consideration of how we can sustain and reuse these buildings in the future.”

The book’s 20 case studies include World Heritage Sites in the US and Europe, including Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Guggenheim Museum in New York, and the Fagus Factory and Bauhaus Dessau, both in Germany. According to Normandin, “Understanding the value of historic constructions and how to protect them is critical…Lessons learned from interventions in twentieth-century buildings will lead to responsible stewardship of our built environment tomorrow.”

The APT Bulletin is published by the Association for Preservation Technology International.

NY State Honors the Fire Watchtower at Marcus Garvey Park

Photograph by Alexander Severin.

Governor Cuomo recently announced the winners of the 2020 New York State Historic Preservation Awards. And guess what? The Harlem Fire Watchtower Restoration made the list! We are thrilled to join our peers and collaborators in celebrating this project’s latest and most distinguished honor.

The preservation effort for this project didn’t come easy, by any means! AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón began advocating to save the 19th-century structure at the turn of this one and has spent the last 20+ years working with the local community-based organizations, volunteers and professional teams to make it happen.

The project was recognized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation as “an extraordinary commitment to preserving New York State’s built history.” Truly a collaboration among architectural and engineering professionals, craftspeople, advocates, and the community, we are so very proud that the project has made such a positive impact on the community and New York State as a whole!

Addressing Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Representation in Historic Preservation

The ongoing pandemic is changing the way we all live and work. Many professions are struggling to understand what this means for their business. Historic Preservationists are no exception, and on January 14, 2021, AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón joined six other speakers and moderator Sloane Bullough at APTNE’s latest virtual event “How the Future of Historic Preservation will Change as a Result of COVID-19.”

Angel spoke passionately about COVID-19’s disproportionate effects on communities of color, which coupled with the inexcusable killings of unarmed black people in America, has shone a spotlight on systemic racism in our country. He urged attendees to first understand the issues, then have the critical conversations necessary to make meaningful changes in the preservation community—at the institutional level and a professional level. Ultimately, by taking responsibility and leading the way to becoming “anti-racist preservationists” he said, we can help tackle the issue of systemic racism and move toward equality.

He also pointed out the lack of protection of historic resources that are black-owned, or where the majority of inhabitants are black, indigenous, or people of color. “We need to address this legacy of mis-investment, poor planning, inappropriate zoning, neighborhood and community development and gentrification,” he said, “as well as cultural preservation…not everything that is historic is worthy of preservation.”

Angel also championed better leadership and mentorship training, and the need to better reflect the diversities of our broader communities within the preservation community itself. Lastly, he encouraged attendees to envision the challenges of climate change as issues of environmental justice, to achieve real and lasting progress.

Reglazing Modernism co-author Uta Pottgiesser to Chair Docomomo International

Dr. Pottgiesser, who co-wrote Reglazing Modernism with AYON Studio principal Angel Ayón, has been unanimously elected chair of Docomomo International. Her term, running from January 2022 to December 2025, will commence in conjunction with the relocation of Docomomo Headquarters to Delft University of Technology, where she serves as Chair and Professor of Heritage & Technology. Uta will join Wido Quist from Docomomo Netherlands, as Secretary.  

Docomomo plans to formalize the election results at the next Council Meeting on August 31, 2021, during the 16th International Docomomo Conference in Tokyo, Japan 2020+1. In September 2022, the 17th International Docomomo Conference will be held in Valencia, Spain. New chapters accepted into Docomomo International include Singapore and Thai.

Reglazing Modernism features 20 distinct case studies that explore the pros and cons of various materials and methods for intervening on Modern glazed facades. Released just last year, Uta and Angel’s book demonstrates their expertise conceiving and evaluating alterations to steel-framed glazing assemblies on Modern architectural icons, specifically their ability to meet contemporary building performance criteria. Docomomo International’s review of Reglazing Modernism deemed it "a first class lesson for all who have to decide on Modern Movement heritage and who ask how they get a road map to meet [its] inherited complexities."

Reflecting on HDC’s 50 years of Preservation Advocacy

How can past architectural preservationist efforts help forecast future issues and opportunities? Last Tuesday evening, AYON Studio’s principal Angel Ayón joined fellow panelists Samuel Brooks and Vicki Weiner to help uncover this and more in “What We Learned: Takeaways from 50 years of advocacy.”

Moderated by Tara Kelly, this final episode of the Historic Districts Council’s 50th Anniversary Lecture Series explored the preservation community’s progress over the last half-century, as well as the distinct challenges that await the next generation.

 Part recollection, part reminiscence, Angel cited his own professional experiences from the previous decades—through education, professional practice, and community activism. From his involvement the Harlem Fire Watchtower restoration, as well as numerous landmarked cultural institutions within New York City, to his ongoing involvement with Save Harlem Now!, the exchange highlighted some of the challenges and priorities to focus on during the next 50 years

Preservation League of NY State Honors the Harlem Fire Watchtower

What do a 5,000-pound bell, a cast-iron structure, and a copper roof all have in common? They’re all historically restored components of the Fire Watchtower at Marcus Garvey Park!

Last night, the Preservation League of New York State (PLNYS) celebrated this beacon of Harlem heritage with a 2020 Excellence in Historic Preservation Award – one of only nine – as a model effort. Also dubbed the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower, this prominent neighborhood feature was designated a NYC landmark in 1967 and made the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

For two decades, Principal Angel Ayón advised stakeholders in their fight to save the 1857 structure, the last of its kind in NYC and one of the oldest surviving in NY County. Honored by Peg Breen, President of The New York Landmarks Conservancy (NYLC), as a “proud symbol of the community,” the tower also received two other awards this year, including a prestigious Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award from NYLC and a MASterworks Award for Best Restoration from the Municipal Art Society.

Catch up with the recording of the 2020 PLNYS awards ceremony, and explore the fascinating history of this beloved Harlem landmark, and the 20-year struggle to save it.

Sustainable Design meets Reglazing Modernism at Harvard GSD

Young architects are learning that preservation isn’t just for pre-war buildings! Last Friday, October 23rd, Principal Angel Ayón and Uta Pottgiesser shared case studies from their book Reglazing Modernism with students at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Together with their host, GSD Lecturer in Architecture David N. Fixler, Angel and Uta shared how to make modern buildings more environmentally friendly by capitalizing on advancements in technology since the buildings were built. Briefed on their recent  FTI SKINS Podcast, an article entitled “Greening the Glass Box” from DOCOMOMO NY/Tri-State’s mōd publication, and spurred on by a controversial 2015 op-ed published in Fast Company magazine, the virtual class even explored the ethical dilemma of saving Mid-Century Modern icons with under-par building performance.

We’re curious to hear what you think about this important issue! Feel free to share your perspective in the comments below.

Facade Tectonics Institute's SKINS Podcast Discusses Reglazing Modernism

The latest episode of the Facade Tectonics Institute SKINS podcast includes a lively conversation on Reglazing Modernism with co-authors Angel Ayón and Uta Pottgiesser. During this in-depth exchange with Mic Patterson, the Institute's Ambassador for Innovation and Collaboration, Ayón and Pottgiesser discuss the origins of their collaboration, the motivations for writing the book, and its relevance for the facade alteration industry. Topics discussed include case study selection, editorial and publication process and their current plans for future publications. The podcast is a perfect opportunity to learn more about Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019), which Docomomo International has called "a fist class lesson for all who have to decide on Modern Movement heritage and who ask how they get a road map to meet [its] inherited complexities."

Here is a link to the episode in the SKINS podcast:

https://www.facadetectonics.org/podcasts/episode-08-reglazing-modernism

How Low Can We Go? Historic Preservation and Carbon Reduction

The second annual collaboration between the AIA NY Historic Buildings Committee (HBC) and the Committee on the Environment (COTE) took place on September 25, 2020. Focusing this time on Case Studies in Carbon Reduction for Modern Heritage Buildings, the virtual panel discussion explored exemplary architectural projects at the intersection of Modern heritage and sustainability. Moderated by Scott Henson from Henson Architects, the panel included a presentation by Bruce Becker from Becker and Becker and Lois Arena from Steven Winter Associates on the conversion of the former Pirelli Tire Building in New Heaven (Marcel Breuer, 1970) into a Passive House boutique hotel. AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón presented on the Window Wall Replacement at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in NYC (Frank Lloyd Wright, 1959), and Ghislain Bélanger from CO12 Architecture Inc. discussed the renovation of a residential unit at Habitat '67 in Montreal (Moshe Safdie, 1967). 

Click here to see the event details.

The Fire Watchtower Wins a Lucy G. Moses Preservation Award

On September 23, 2020 AYON Studio joined many friends and colleagues in celebrating the 30th Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards. Bestowed by the New York Landmarks Conservancy to projects that demonstrate excellence in the restoration, preservation, or adaptive use of historic buildings, streetscapes, and landscapes, the awards are considered by many the Oscar's of Preservation in New York City. The 2020 edition of the prestigious award included the restored Mount Morris Fire Watchtower in Marcus Garvey Park, a project with which Angel Ayón has been involved for the last 20 years. AYON Studio congratulates all the awardees and specially those involved in the effort to safeguard this unique historic structure in Harlem.

Click here to enjoy a video of the event.

Heritage Facades at the FTI World Congress

As the summer comes to an end and the Covid-19 pandemic rages worldwide, the Facade Tectonics Institute's virtual 2020 World Congress offered a chance to delve into lively discussions about facade design, materials, technology and heritage conservation. On August 26, 2020, the last day of presentations, AYON Studio Principal co-presented with co-author Uta Pottgiesser, PhD on their ongoing research on Reglazing Modernism. Later on in the afternoon, Mr. Ayón chaired the Heritage Facade session where Tim Brown from Clemson University, Christine Reynolds from WJE and Gerry Land from architectsAlliance presented on a variety of topics that, as Angel said during the introduction, ranged ”from the conceptual to very practical, and from monumental to modest buildings." To learn more about the Facade Tectonics Institute, go to https://www.facadetectonics.org/events/2020wc.

Virtual Talk on Reglazing Modernism with APT NE

On the 19th of March 2020, AYON Studio Principal and co-author Uta Pottgiesser, PhD gave a virtual book talk to the membership of APT_NE, the local chapter of the Association for Preservation Technology (APT) in the northeast region. Titled Reglazing Modernism: Intervention Strategies for the Renewal of 20th Century Icons the talk was watched by nearly 100 people. For APT_NE, "it was a huge success" that allowed them to stay engaged with their membership. Mr. Ayón and Dr Pottgiesser's talk was based on their book, Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019). Watch a recording here. For more about APT_NE, visit them online here.

Podcast on Conservation of Modern Architecture with AYON Studio Principal

© 2020 Columbia University GSAPP. All Rights Reserved.

A new season of Columbia GSAPP Historic Preservation Podcast includes a conversation with AYON Studio Principal on the conservation of Modern exterior glazed enclosures. The exchange between Angel Ayón and Jorge Otero-Pailos, director of the Historic Preservation program at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation was recorded prior to Mr. Ayón's Spring 2019 lecture at the school. It also preceded the release of Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019), a book co-authored by Angel Ayón. Clear here to listen to the podcast. For more on Reglazing Modernism, click here.

Discussing Preservation in NYC Beyond the Pandemic

On May 7, Pratt's Historic Preservation program and AIA Brooklyn held a virtual panel discussion about the effects of the ongoing public health crisis on the local Historic Preservation community. Titled "Historic Preservation in New York City Beyond the Pandemic" the panel was co-hosted by Pratt faculty members Rebecca Krucoff and Christopher Cirillo. The panelists included Lisa Ackerman from the Columbus Citizen Foundation and Pratt's Historic Preservation program, Molly Garfinkel from City Lore, Zulmilena Then from Preserving East New York (PENY), Simeon Bankoff from the Historic Districts Council and Angel Ayón from AYON Studio and Save Harlem Now! To learn more about Pratt's School of Architecture free online Executive Education series with AIA Brooklyn, click here.

The Cuban Artists Fund Follows Up with AYON Studio's Principal

The Cuban Artists Fund (CAF) is an arts and culture non-profit organization dedicated to raise global awareness and understanding of Cuban cultural achievements. Over the years, they have built an international network of support and partnerships for the Cuban arts community, and have played a leadership role in promoting better understanding among American, Cuban, and Cuban Diaspora artists, art professionals, academics, and communities. In 2004, AYON Studio Principal was the recipient of the coveted CAF Artist Grant, which he used to prepare a website summarizing the history and development of the Mount Morris Fire Watchtower in Harlem's Marcus Garvey Park. Sixteen years later, CAF catched  up with Angel Ayón on social media to discuss his whereabouts and the effect of the grant on his personal and professional development. To read the full exchange between Angel Ayón and CAF Executive Director Carlos Pomares, click here.

Discussing 50+ Years of Advocacy at the HDC Preservation Conference

On March 7, 2020 Principal Angel Ayón moderated a plenary session at the Historic Districts Council's 26th Annual Preservation Conference. The speakers included Pratt's Historic Preservation program coordinator Vicki Weiner, Historic Preservation consultant Gregory Dietrich and Real Estate salesperson and dedicated preservationist Christian Emanuel. Focusing on the next 50+ Years of Advocacy, the panelists discussed what future preservation efforts may consists of, including issues of cultural significance and underrepresentation; climate heritage and protection of historic properties along coastal communities; value-based historic preservation perspectives and community-based planning; reconciliation of historic preservation and real estate interests and perspectives; revisions and updates to designation report narratives; and the imperative to focus on salvaging and protecting not only buildings, but also people, small businesses and the communities they create, among other topics. For more about the Historic Districts Council, click here.

Angel Ayón, Gregory Dietrich, Vicki Weiner and Christian Emanuel at the HDC conference. Photo by R. L.

Reglazing Modernism Book Talk at AIA NY

AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón and Uta Pottgiesser from Delf University of Technology gave a lively book talk on February 27, 2020 at the Center for Architecture in NYC.  Moderated by Kyle Normandin from WJE and sponsored by AIA NY Historic Buildings Committee and Docomomo NY / Tri-State, the presentation and following Q&A highlighted the findings and recommendations included in Reglazing Modernism - Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019). For more information on the book, click here.

Kyle Normandin, Uta Pottgiesser and Angel Ayón at the Center for Architecture. © AYON Studio, 2020.

Reglazing Modernism Launched at the TWA Lounge

Reglazing Modernism - Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019), a book on conservation of Modern architecture by Principal Angel Ayón, Uta Pottgiesser and Nathaniel Richards was presented at the TWA Lounge in Lower Manhattan. Mimicking the sunken lounge of Saarinen's landmark TWA Flight Center at JFK airport—one of the three local case studies included in the book—the TWA Lounge was an ideal place for the event. A unique mix of friends and family, clients and colleagues, came together on February 13, 2020 to celebrate the release of the book in the US. For more information on the book, click here.

TWA Lounge at One World Trade Center. Photo by AYON Studio.

Docomomo International Reviews Reglazing Modernism

Docomomo International, the leading organization dedicated to the documentation and conservation of buildings and sites from the Modern movement, has published an extensive review of Reglazing Modernism. Authored by AYON Studio Principal Angel Ayón (with Uta Pottgiesser and Nathaniel Richards), Reglazing Modernism - Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons (Birkhäuser, 2019) explores twenty international case studies of culturally significant Modern buildings in the US and Europe where the exterior glazed assemblies have been subjected to various types of interventions. Penned by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Joseph Tomlow, the Docomomo International review deems Reglazing Modernism "a first class lesson for all who have to decide on Modern Movement heritage and who ask how they get a road map to meet [its] inherited complexities." To read the Docomomo International review, click here. To learn more about the book, click here.

Existing 1976 non thermally-broken replacement aluminum-frame curtain-wall at the Bauhaus Dessau workshop. Photograph by Angel Ayón, 2016.

New Year, New Horizons!

We are super excited to start the New Year facing new horizons! Here is our awesome view of the NYC skyline as seen from our new office on Union Square. We like this location, and our building, and we are lucky to get into a new office space as AYON Studio grows and expands. Happy 2020!