Upcoming Event: Dramatic Cultural Change and the Future of Architecture

On November 14, 2017 at 6 p.m. at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society is hosting a dialogue discussion on"Dramatic Cultural Change and the Future of Architecture."

The question is: In a time of increasing globalization, technological growth, and social alienation, what role ought architecture play? Should it keep pace with "modernity" and be equally au courant? Should it look back to tradition to encourage people to feel at home in the world? Or is there a third way?

Our speakers will be architects Duo Dickinson and Michael G. Imber, FAIA.

For more information, and to register, click HERE.

LECTURE: COSMOS CLUB IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

On October 16, 2016, the National Civic Art Society hosted a lecture at the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C. by Calder Loth, Senior Architectural Historian for the Virginia Department of Historic Resources. His subject was "Reconstructing Lost Architecture: A Commendable Tradition." He provided the arguments for rebuilding destroyed historic landmarks, and offers examples from around the world. Loth noted that the reconstruction of demolished historic structures has long been considered strictly forbidden. The loss of a significant building is usually considered to be an opportunity to rebuild with a structure reflecting a "contemporary" aesthetic and lifestyle. Nevertheless, a widespread popular sentiment holds that natural or man-made disasters should not deprive us of important heritage, and that accurate rebuilding of landmarks is a commendable activity since reconstructions serve emotional, patriotic, aesthetic, and educational needs. Moreover, the majority of reconstructions are serious, scholarly achievements. Time has shown that few people regret these resurrected buildings.

"The Glory of Penn Station: Lost Forever?" Lecture in NYC on October 26

New Yorkers continue to mourn the loss of McKim, Mead & White’s magnificent Pennsylvania Station, which opened in 1911 and was egregiously razed a mere 53 years later, to intense public outrage. It lives on in our collective memory and in countless books and documentaries. But how many of us dream that one day, the quintessence of Beaux Arts glory would return? Sound far-fetched?  Maybe not. On October 26 in New York City, architect Richard Cameron will detail the National Civic Art Society's plan to rebuild McKim’s masterpiece. Historian David Garrard Lowe will begin the program with an illustrated tribute to Charles Follen McKim, and the presentation will conclude with a discussion of the campaign to resurrect the station. An event not to be missed!
 
Date and Time: October 26 at 6:00 PM
Location: India House, One Hanover Square, New York, NY 10004
Cost: $59
Details: The lecture will be preceded by a cocktail reception and followed by a buffet dinner.
 
RSVP: You must reserve directly with India House at (212) 269-2323, press 3; or e-mail membership@indiahouse.nyc. Payment required in advance to India House, cash or check only.

About the Speakers: 

Richard Cameron is principal at Atelier & Co, a boutique architecture and design firm based in Brooklyn. In 1991 he co-founded the Institute for the Study of Classical Architecture (now The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art). He has taught drawing, design, and history at the Institute since its foundation. He is currently the Acting Director of Education and the Director of The Beaux Arts Atelier. His work has appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, House & Garden, and Period Homes.

David Garrard Lowe is a well-known lecturer, cultural historian, and author. His articles have appeared in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, American Heritage, House & Garden, and City Journal. His books include Stanford White's New York; Beaux Arts New York; Lost Chicago; and Art Deco New York. Mr. Lowe has lectured at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Cooper-Hewitt Museum, Smithsonian, Art Institute of Chicago, American Academy in Rome, on cruises in the Mediterranean, and crossing the Atlantic on Queen Mary 2.

NEW URBANISM AND THE HUMAN HABITAT: BEAUTY IN THE NATURAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

On May 13, 2015 at the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society hosted a panel discussion on "New Urbanism and the Human Habitat: Beauty in the Natural and Built Environment."

Speakers:

• James Howard Kunstler, author of The Geography of Nowhere
• Michael Mehaffy, Portland-based urban designer
• Roger Scruton, English philosopher and public commentator
• Moderator: Orsolya Ujj, Pannonius Fellow of the Common Sense Society

U.S. House Briefing on the EISENHOWER MEMORIAL

On July 18, 2014, at the U.S. House Rayburn Office Building in Washington, D.C., the National Civic Art Society hosted a briefing to discuss the current state of the Eisenhower Memorial and its future prospects. The panel concluded that the design is dead, and advocated for a new, open competition.

Speakers:

• The Hon. Bruce Cole, former Chairman of the National Endowment of the Humanities, and President Obama's appointee to the Eisenhower Memorial Commission
• Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Art Society
• Catesby Leigh, art and architecture critic
• Moderator: Howard Segermark, Chairman Emeritus of the National Civic Art Society