Monday, March 30, 2009

Growing Green





This weekend we took a road trip out to the North Fork to visit our dear friends the Thompsons. Pamela gave us a tour of her vegan-friendly, organically grown winter greens and summer seedlings which she has been cultivating with her friend Denise at Moonbeam Organic Farm. Then it was out to the Peconic bay to check on her lines of seed oysters which she has been growing since 2000 as a charter member of Cornell's SPAT marine biology program. While on the beach, we were thrilled to discover two osprey in their nesting platform and a healthy variety of shells along the shore. Pamela's efforts are definitely a 'think globally, act locally' exemplar.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Earth Hour


From 8:30 to 9:30 tonight, everyone around the globe is asked to turn off lights. Earth Hour is an annual 'lights out' worldwide campaign to send a message about becoming more ecologically aware by conserving energy and reducing greenhouse gases. Sounds like a good night to light some candles or to do some star gazing. Send a comment on how you plan to spend your hour in the dark.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

NYC: An Immigrant Home




Today at SUNY Old Westbury on Long Island, I was invited to hear a lecture by Suketu Mehta, author of Maximum City: Bombay Lost and Found as part of their "Immigration and the Migration of People" Series. Mehta, who moved from Bombay to Queens when he was 14, wondered whether he could go home again when he decided to return to Bombay twenty years later. Not only was he inspired to write his novel, he discovered that home is not a geographically fixed place; it is a place infused with meaning by the people who inhabit it. He also noted that urban dwellers are universal, whether they are in Paris, London, New York, or Bombay. Today's lecture, organized by Jim Llana, Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Professor Narayan Hegde, English Dept., focused on writing and immigration. Mehta's current project is showcasing New York City's diverse ethnic composition. Unlike Mehta's early years in Jackson Heights where he was perceived as a general outsider, today's confluence of immigrants inspires unusual alliances and surprising cultural exchanges. After hearing his statistics about immigration, it's clear that globalization has changed our notions of cultural identity and economic borders. In contrast to the immigrants flooding the streets of New York City in the early twentieth century who had little to no chance of ever returning to their homelands again, air travel allows today's immigrant to maintain a relationship with his homeland and his home culture. Even further, in times of economic uncertainty, there is always a very real possibility that an immigrant's child might find better professional placement back home.
It was perhaps Mehta's eloquence, however, which was most powerful: "Human beings struggle under the heavy foot of history." Speaking about topics as wide ranging as Catholic Schools to Gandhi's revolution, Mehta's lecture today proved to be an enlightening intellectual and cultural exchange.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Lido Beach




As with just about everything in life, I am drawn to polar opposites. Not only do I love old homes, the newness of a building can be equally astounding. To see something emerge from nothing is awe-inspiring, especially if you've seen the building go from sketch, to drawing, to finished product. The renderings above are the second round of the Lido Beach project, which went from a renovation to a total redo. The result is a cohesive 4,000 square foot design set right on the Atlantic Ocean, and utilizes overhangs for passive solar screening, as well as photovoltaic and geo-thermal systems for sustainable energy. It looks as if the project is going from rendering to reality.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

If Walls Could Talk





I love old buildings, and I love old downtowns. I can trace it back to by affection for my grandparents' house, a semi-attached row house built in the mid 19th Century. I love their secrets-- the closed up fireplace, the dusty cedar chests, the dirt root cellar under the kitchen. When James and I moved into our house in Islip, I stuck some old objects in the corners of the basement, hoping that someday a curious child would rummage around and discover an old can of Octagon cleanser, or a spelling primer published in 1895.
I think what compels people to undertake a renovation project is an older building's attention to architectural detail. The quality of their bones offers the reason to preserve and restore them at considerable cost and effort. Lately I've been enjoying following renovation blogs, especially Holy Hudson, chronicling a renovation of an older home in Hudson, NY. Through cyberspace, I get to live vicariously though their renovation experiences-- the "under the wallpaper" discoveries, the smelly carpets, the long, backbreaking hours. . . ah it brings back memories.
Hudson itself is a treasure full of old buildings that reminds me in an odd way of Venice. An old port of industry along the Hudson River, its slightly ragged chic and aging elegance suggests a heyday from yesteryear. And like Venice, its a great walking city; you could take the day walking from one end of Warren Street to the other and still feel as if you've just scratched the surface. Imagine how many undiscovered mysteries the cellars of Hudson hold in their earthen walls.

Monday, March 23, 2009

Something Borrowed



One overcast morning, James and I drove around to catch up on some of Bouler Design Group's projects nearing completion. The one featured here is a great "before and after". Once a 1960's high ranch, this shingle style house fits into its neighborhood context so perfectly, you would swear it was from a bygone era. Built on the existing foundation and floor system, this residence was completely transformed by borrowing traditional elements, and now provides enough space for a busy family with five growing children. Yes. Five.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

Lomo



If you don't know about lomography, you have to talk to artist Alessandra Bautista. She's the one who turned me on to this Russian camera that has become some worldwide alternative photo sect. Kind of like those who still love their vinyl over digital, this film camera leaves you wondering if you got the shot you intended, especially since the wide angle lens partially obscures the viewfinder. But hey, for forty bucks, it's worth the anticipation. These images really showcase some of the crazy planetary effects you can have-- Is that the moon behind Happy Clown?!

The Zen of Maintenence





I've become one with my straw broom. Unlike its noisy, polluting cousin, aka the leaf blower, there's something soothing about sweeping away winter's dead leaves and branches to make way for spring. When I cleaned out the meditation garden recently, I discovered some day lillies already breaking ground.

The garden itself was a surprise, a cozy space created between the new addition and our house. Its limited sensory experience gives it a quiet that's sometimes lacking from the rest of our busy house, so I dubbed it the meditation garden. I've thrown in all sorts of symbols to the space: a wrought iron cross, a statue of Vishnu, another of Buddha, as well as some secular offerings: a sun dial, bird houses, and James's bronze sculptures of airplanes. But it was the addition of the gong that transformed the space. (In fact, as I type this, I hear one of the children banging away.) Gong meditation-- hit the gong and listen to the range of reverberation-- trains the mind to focus on one element. Of course it's a huge 'hit' at parties where we learn about our guests by their gonging techniques. One lovely and quiet young woman nearly dented the gong with her forceful approach. Who knew?

It's very rare that I've actually had time to meditate in the garden. Oftentimes I get there and see something that needs watering or weeding, so instead of "OM", I'm pulling out the hose or digging in the dirt. During this last clean up, I decided to take the time to consider each detail and activity with mindfulness, blocking out everything else. When I was done, I felt more refreshed than if I had simply forced my way through the chores, hoping to finish with enough time to meditate. But with my straw broom, later is now.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Table 36




At last night's US Green Building Council's Second Annual Gala, table #36 was definitely creating an alternative energy of its own. Needless to say, tables 35 and 37 may have wished we were a little less exuberant, but with the Oak Beach project moving along so well, we had reason to celebrate. James, Ron LaBarbara, the builder, and the client, who was one of the sponsors of the evening's festivities, even shared recent pics of the house on their phones at the cocktail hour. The night honored Babylon Town Supervisor, Steve Bellone, who has established innovative incentives to encourage the use of green energy. Also honored was the Blumenfeld Development Group, whose Tanger outlet project in Deer Park, LI used a variety of eco-friendly technologies to offset its carbon footprint. It was impressive to see such a large room full of people who were all committed to the same cause: the future of our planet.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

New Pics




Here are some pics of the Oak Beach project the client passed along. Against that blue sky, some of these shots really showcase the roofline. James, the client, and her builder Ron LaBarbara are attending the U.S. Green Building Council's "Building Green Long Island" event tomorrow night, honoring Babylon Supervisor Steve Bellone, who is leading the township with initiatives supporting eco-friendly architecture projects.

The Dingle Way




In celebration of St. Patrick's Day today, I wanted to raise a pint to honor Ireland. I've learned a lot from my trips to the Dingle Peninsula, so much so that I set three of my four YA novels there. What is it about the air along the cliffs that makes me feel as if I am breathing for the first time?
On our first trip, James and I spent a good portion of a morning trying to find the Dingle Way, a marked trail which traverses the entire peninsula. After driving the sub-compact down every dirt path in search of the Dingle Way, even having our bumper attacked by two rowdy border collies, we gave up. To our left was an awe-inspiring cliff with a sheer drop down to the Atlantic Ocean. Seeing it, I knew I had to climb that peak, so we parked the car and headed up. The wind, the mist, the sheep manure, and finally the payoff: a view that nearly made me weep. On our way back to the car, James noticed a sign to our right-- the marker for the Dingle Way. We laughed and decided that what we had just done, creating our own path, was truly the Dingle Way. Slainte!

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Oak Beach Update




With spring in the air, James and I decided to head out to Fire Island to check on the Oak Beach project. We were energized to see the progress, especially the installation of the arched windows on the west elevation. We also loved the welded steel tube column support for the staircase which had an already weathered patina on the steel. We tossed around the idea of an interior vertical garden with the client to soften the interior space, who is already invesitgating air plants from the west coast. What's that saying about great minds...?

Friday, March 13, 2009

Illumination




One cannot overstate the importance of a light fixture. Ok that's a bit strong, but truly, the choice between one light fixture over another can make the difference between a modern tone or a traditional one. To be true to the bones of the Islip house, as well as to provide different degrees of light, these three fixtures provide three different levels of lighting. The George Nelson Bubble lamp from Modernica added a much needed 1947 space age feature to our otherwise traditional living room. In the next picture, set in the heart of the home, the art glass, geometric Tiffany fixture over the dining room table is more architectural than the usual multicolored floral pieces. I almost bought a flying monkey chandelier for the space, which would have been a mistake in the long run. Finally, the light fixture over the kitchen island had to be both a functional work space light but also walk the right design line. This Kohler fixture seemed to tap into the 1925 origin of the house without being too obvious. As for fantasy lighting, sometime in my life I would love to hang a great, decadent chandelier dripping with crystals over an enormous claw foot tub. Now that would a be a luxurious soak indeed.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Portrait of a Lady


Our painted lady butterflies hatched this morning. In this picture, the last one is emerging from his cocoon head first. What a way to introduce spring! The shiitakes are being watered, the birdhouses are being painted, I just took the compost out, and peony bulbs are going in the ground this weekend. Whew.
And did you hear about the blog r3project.blogspot.com? The New York Times featured this blog about trying to live an environmentally responsible lifestyle on the cheap. In light of that, my other spring cleaning goals include finding a way to recycle my old computer equipment and to dispose of the archaic toxins cluttering the basement. I hear earth911.org is the place to go. I'll let you know how it works, right after I cancel all my catalogue deliveries... ok not all of them. Somebody's gotta save the economy.
SAVE THE DATE: March 29th: Earth Hour-- turn off your lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oh c'mon, it'll be so romantic playing Candyland by candlelight.

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

A Spotty Dog Moment



One of the best pints I've had on this side of the pond was this past weekend at the Spotty Dog on Warren Street in Hudson. Housed in an old firehouse, this independent bookstore has everything-- including a well-stocked art supply section and local beer on tap. It reminded me a great deal of Dingle, Ireland, where many of the stores serve as pubs at night. Dick Mack's doubles as a shoe maker, Foxy John's is hardware by day, heck even the town's seamstress works the taps at night. How efficient is that, two functions in one building? Yet the Spotty Dog tops them all with an excellent selection of books and a spot for tagalong kids to play a game of snakes and ladders. After buying an architecture book and a beautiful calligraphy pen, James and I saddled up to our pints and marveled at the genius of the place.

Friday, March 6, 2009

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle





In light of the current banking crisis, perhaps we should seriously consider turning all banks into spas and restaurants. Look at the evidence in these images-- lovely art deco banks reused to create exceptionally elegant and inviting architecture. In what was once the First National Bank and Trust, Drew Patrick Spa in Bay Shore, NY is one of the most luxurious places to spend the day. Built in 1917 and completely renovated starting in 2006, the building is a highlight in the downtown fabric of buildings. Another striking example of a renovated bank is Tellers Chophouse in Islip, NY. where its 30 foot tall interior space is often considered one of the most romantic restaurants on Long Island. Once built as monuments to the stability and security of the financial system, banks of this era spared little expense in their construction. Isn't it a wonderful and ecofriendly way for our downtown areas to reinvigorate and reestablish themselves by renovating these fine pieces of architecture?

Monday, March 2, 2009

Ready for Spring



Not even a foot of fresh snow can chill my anticipation of springtime this year. I am all ready to set my clocks an hour ahead, loss of sleep be damned. In honor of spring this year, I'm planning some eco-projects-- First off, we've started some seedlings. Olivia plunked some seeds in a pot and I've got a pine tree going that's now about ten inches tall. Next up, we're starting our shiitake spores today. We had high hopes of using a decaying log, but reality set in, so we are starting with a smaller kit and working our way up to logs. And for a bigger project, we're setting up some birdhouses to combat habitat loss for our feathered friends. Check out birds.cornell.edu/nestinginfo. But our greatest spring project so far is hatching a batch of butterflies. Right now they are a handful of fat caterpillars, evolving into even fatter caterpillars. We're just hoping spring comes in time for their release. Otherwise, we're pointing the car south and going on a road trip.