AIGA: Graphic Design in the Wild: Deciphering the Neoclassical Neon in Brooklyn’s Bustling Cultural District

Nestled between downtown Brooklyn’s Fulton Mall and the leafy residential neighborhood of Fort Greene, there’s a corner address that vibrates with energy. The Strand Theater, at 647 Fulton Street, anchors the edge of the rapidly expanding Brooklyn Cultural District, sitting amidst an explosion of residential construction. Home to UrbanGlass, and BRIC House, a multidisciplinary arts and media center, its arresting exterior of black paint, pink neon, and expressive metal letterforms, boldly announces what lies within, jolting passersby to attention. When walking, driving, or riding past, I always find myself transfixed, displaced for a moment by graphic design writ large. Read more at AIGA Eye on Design >>

INTERIOR DESIGN: New Builds in Bangkok

Urban developments in Bangkok are evolving into future cultural and commercial hubs, but the resulting relationship between traditional and contemporary architecture is not always an easy one. So many local and international firms are approaching architectural and interior projects, both at small and at mega scales, in ways that strive to reconcile the existing city fabric with contemporary demands for living, working and entertaining in the Thai capital. read more at Interior Design >>

CURBED NY: Imagine LIC's Skyline With This Whimsical Silvercup Addition →

As it turns out, the expansion of Long Island City's Silvercup Studios to include Silvercup West, a mixed-use extension of the famed production studio, hasn't been a dormant project after all; in fact, LEESER Architecture has been busy creating a plan as an alternate to the originally-proposed Richard Rogers design. LEESER's proposal was created in 2013 for a "potential investor," and one-up's Rogers's design by working within the site's existing zoning restrictions...read more at Curbed NY >>

NEW YORK TIMES: DUMBO Roars - Transforming Dumbo, a Brooklyn Neighborhood, With New Condos →

Water Street is abuzz with activity, including the construction of a glassy 290-unit rental complex. Designed by Leeser Architecture and Ismael Leyva Architects for the Two Trees Management Company, it is named Dock Street. The development will eventually house a 300-seat public middle school with an entrance on Dock Street as well as stores along Water Street. The apartments, including 58 units designated for low-income residents, are expected to begin leasing this fall with occupancy to follow by year’s end...read more at New York TImes >>

FIELD CONDITION: Dock Street Dumbo

Curtain wall installation has reached the 14th floor at LEESER Architecture and Ismael Leyva Architect's 17-story, 290-unit rental near Brooklyn Bridge Park. The glass curtain wall features vertical fins, yet to be installed, of opposing triangles that define irregular shapes which help to break down the relentless glass envelope. The Two Trees development will also contain a 300-seat middle school and retail at its base. see construction photos at Field Condition >>