By Kevin Zimmerman
For the next four weeks New York’s chapter of the American Institute of Architects plans to spotlight architectural gems across the city, including sites in Queens, during its annual Archtober festival.
As part of the 31-day celebration, AIA has selected a Building of the Day, and will offer tours and discussions on each of the structures.
“It’s 31 days and 31 buildings,” said Cynthia Kracauer, festival director. “We try to get a representation of the diverse expression of architectural in the entire city.”
Since its inception in 2011, Archtober’s organizers have always required a minimum of one location in each of the five boroughs. AIA has regularly filled the slate with stops here.
“Queens has never been a problem,” said Kracauer. “In past years, we have toured the TWA terminal at JFK and explored flood mitigation in the borough.”
JFK factors into this year’s program as well, when the Oct. 7 Building of the Day is the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse in the terminal.
The 10,000-square-foot space was a joint venture between Virgin Atlantic’s designers and New York-based Slade Architecture.
Described as an Uptown-themed space, the clubhouse includes a bar, dining area, hair salon and spa.
“It’s a space that invites Upper Class passengers to relax and enjoy themselves before flying,” Virgin spokeswoman Jaime Fraser said in a statement.
Although the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse is normally available only to ticketed passengers, the second Queens stop is always open to everyone.
The Glen Oaks Library at 256-04 Union Turnpike opened in May 2013 and replaced its 57-year-old predecessor, which no longer
“We are so proud that the Glen Oaks Community Library has been invited to be part of this year’s Archtober Building of the Day celebration,” said Bridget Quinn-Carey, interim president and CEO of the Queens Library. “The library is not only incredibly beautiful, but it is a true community hub. This library is a great example of the power of a well-designed community space.”
Designed by the Marble Fairbanks group, the 18,000-square-foot building includes a sky-lit reading room, two community meeting spaces and outdoor patron area. The project earned accolades and awards from AmericanArchitects.com, the Queens Chamber, NY Chapter of AIA and Architizer.
“We always like to visit libraries and other public projects,” said Kracauer. “When the city is willing to hire a high quality architect, it really shows the civic spirit and creates a much more thoughtful building.”
AIA’s visits in Queens wrap up with two walking tours — in Rockaway Beach Oct. 11 and Forest Hills to Corona Oct. 18 — which Kracauer dubs environmental tours that examine the total urban settings, including municipal art, streets, public spaces and parks.
To compile a list of buildings, AIA consults with a group of 49 organizations — architecture firms, design companies and museums — which nominate projects. Buildings that receive one of AIA’s design awards and even classical structures — last year the Statute of Liberty made the list — are also included.
Most of the daily tours take place around noon and are either free or come with a nominal fee, said Kracauer. Registration is required for each event.
Participants can expect to hear insider tidbits from tour guides who were part of building each structure. At some stops people will even have the chance to ask questions of the architect who designed the place.
While many of the tourgoers work in the design and architecture fields, Archtober attracts all types of individuals, said Kracauer.
“There is a real hunger in the citizenry to understand our environment,” she said, “and to understand the role architectural plays in the quality of our lives.”
For more information and to make reservations, visit www.archtober.org.
Reach news editor Kevin Zimmerman at kzimmerman@cnglocal.com or by phone at (718) 260-4541.
