We got the opportunity to visit the Greenbelt Conservatory after five online lessons. We had been attending meetings in the lab at WHSAD, but we were able to glimpse the park for the first time this semester. It was a vast forest with several spots to explore. I'm part of Group A consists of Magaly Aspiroz, Kole McLaurin, Zyon Thompson, Jeffrey Hernandez, Micheal Deans, and Micheal Nazario. Christopher Ricker, from the Greenbelt Conservancy, was our tour guide through the park. We noticed several trails and minor roads with boards of wood that act as small bridges, which were entertaining to cross. Hiking in this terrain seems pretty strenuous, and I had fun. I can see how visitors to the Greenbelt desire its natural characteristics … [Read more...]

Sustainable United Neighborhoods was formed in 2018 by Jay Solly, CEO, and co-founder. In early 2019, Jay and his team joined the Bushwick Generator as the space's core non-profit. Toby Moskovits discussed the history of the Bushwick Generator and her plans for the future. She explained the structure's architecture and the components of each room. Jay spoke about his non-profit, Sustainable United Neighborhoods, which works to build communities and promote the green economy by raising public awareness, adopting green regulations, and educating employees. Also, SUN assisted and distributed around 700,000 food meals to individuals in need in the neighborhood. They also helped with the distribution of meals to households over the holidays. … [Read more...]

During this fourth installment of WHSAD's Heritage Equity Lecture Series, Matthias Hollwich presented "The Future of Work" and how architecture is beginning to account for the work habits and behaviors that manifested out of the Covid-19 pandemic. Discussing green initiatives, flexible office spaces, and worker comfort, among other aspects of innovative design, Mr. Hollwich spoke to a future in which the person comes first and a vision in which structures fit seamlessly into surrounding environments. Matthias Hollwich, the founder of HWKN, is a New York-based architect, artist, social strategist, and inventor dedicated to using architecture to change the world. Matthias was born and raised in Germany, where he studied architecture. He … [Read more...]

We gathered again on November 17  to continue our discussion about maintaining equity in High Rock park's cleanliness and preservation of its natural history. During this meet, Mr. Codio, senior architecture teacher and one manager of all WHSAD's projects, with a collaboration of Chris, discussed the setup and how we use tools, how to handle them, and how to put them together without injuring others if they were accidentally trodden on. Learn about the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE), which consists of clothes, helmets, goggles, and other garments or equipment that protect the wearer's body from damage or illness. A sledgehammer, a tiny sledgehammer, a pickaxe, a stone rake, a multifunctional garden hand tool, and a … [Read more...]

On Tuesday, October 26, a group of WHSAD students, who are part of My Brother's and My Sister's Keeper groups, had the opportunity to go on a virtual trip and work on a hands-on project in collaboration with the Greenbelt in Staten Island. During the session, each of the four groups constructed a model based on real-life designs. Group 1 had to construct a "Rock Waterbar," group 2 worked on the "Log or Treated Timber Waterbar and Anchors," group 3 worked on "Step Construction Design”, and group 4 worked on a model of a water bar that shows two sets of rocks stopping and redirecting a downstream flow of water. In parks and trails like High Rock, these structures assist in managing water flow that is due to precipitation. These various … [Read more...]

On Monday, May 3rd WHSAD’s Makerspace students and interns learned about the award winning design firm IKON 5 architects. IKON 5 was formed back in 2003 and over 80% of their projects are for higher education clients all around the United States. During this presentation Arvind Tikku, managing Principal of IKON 5 architects, Joseph Tattoni, Design Principal of IKON5 , and Harjit Jaiwal, marketing director, gave us an overview of understanding of IKON 5, the process to be hired for designs services, and the design process. Mr. Tikku said “there's a very important” aspect to architecture: winning the job. IKON 5 architects is located in Princeton, New Jersey and New York, New York. Each one of their projects has a designated staff from … [Read more...]

On April 20th, two of WHSAD’s journalists, Kevin Garcia and Amelia Velez,  had an interview with two RAMSA speakers Taylor Brophy and Nadeen Safa. Nadeen and Taylor both work as Architectural Designers at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, located in New York City. They both have been designers at RAMSA for about three years now. Ms. Brophy works in RAMSA’s institutional studio, where her focus is mainly on projects for universities ranging from residential dorms to student centers. Taylor’s most recent project was to design the Raclin Murphy Museum of Art for the University of Notre Dame. She attended the University of Miami and interned at Cure & Penabad Architects along with Chipman Design Architecture firm. Nadeen Safa is a Yale … [Read more...]

This year WHSAD students have had the opportunity to participate in RAMSA’s pre-mentorship program. RAMSA, which stands for Robert A.M.Stern Architects, is a 265 person firm that consists of architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. Founded by Robert Arthur Morton Stern, RAMSA is a fifty-year old firm. In the first session, WHSAD students learned about the day in the life of a RAMSA’s architects, interior designers, and landscape architects. During this day, students remotely participated in a design exercise. In the second session, WHSAD students had a portfolio workshop in which they learned about developing a comprehensive and convincing portfolio.  During the first session of RAMSA we focused on what creates the … [Read more...]