#the van alen legacy

[thr3eguess3s]

Ah yes, the two best things to quote at the beginning of your YA vampire romance novel published in 2009: Emily Brontë, and fucking EVANESCENCE

[totallynotreadingatwork]

Mini Book Reviews Again Again

Look I know I did one of these five minutes ago but I still have 20 books to get through here so bear with me okay.

Down Among the Dead Men by Peter Lovesey, book 15 of the Peter Diamond series - I don't normally read crime novels and this book reminded me why. It was a lot of police propaganda in places, a lot of nonsense in others, and overall just a bit boring. There was also a bit where someone being a lesbian was a major plot twist like??? what decade are we in??? (tbf it was written in 2015 but that's no excuse!). So yeah, didn't like this one much.

Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor, book 2 of the Daughter of Smoke and Bone series - Well, if I could marry a book series then this would be the one. It's beautifully crafted and beautifully written, and the worldbuilding in this one is incredible. I love the characters and the conflict and I can't quite articulate specifically how or why without giving too much away but seriously everyone should give this a go, I've even given it to my mum to read.

Starve Acre by Andrew Michael Hurley - Oh boy was that one weird. It's not very long, but it doesn't need to be. It was cool and creepy and ominous in so many ways, and I think it would be good for people who like more gothic horror than slasher horror. I'll never look at a hare the same way again. TW for off-screen child death though. Like almost the whole book is focused around a couple dealing with the loss of their son.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan, book 3 of the Heroes of Olympus series - What can be said that hasn't been said already? Pretty sure all of Tumblr already knows that this man is a brilliant author and that these books are amazing so I'm not going to elaborate here.

Fractured by Teri Terry, book 2 of the Slated series - Very early 2010s dystopia but still very good. I really do very strongly believe that part of the reason these books never majorly blew up the way The Hunger Games and The Maze Runner did is because they're set in Britain, and obviously weren't marketed as much. I'm enjoying them a lot. They're not the very best things I've ever read in my life, but I would have devoured them as a teenager if I'd gotten around to reading them back then.

Forget Me Not by Alyson Derrick - Cute little lesbian love story. I enjoyed it well enough but it wasn't my favourite. It made me laugh in places, but I was never really invested in the relationship between the girls unfortunately. However, I was in a major reading slump at the time I read it, and was really stressed with work and life and stuff so maybe that was why I bounced off it.

Songbirds by Christy Lefteri - I'm not normally one for books that feel like they'd win a lot of awards (I like Blue Bloods for crying out loud!) but this one was very good indeed. I can't say I enjoyed it because the subject matter was really depressing, but it was very well written and had a lot to say about it's topic. It's about a live-in maid called Nisha who works for a woman in Cyprus but goes missing in chapter 1 and the rest of the book is her partner and her employer desperately trying to find her but struggling because basically no one else cares. It was a very powerful book in all honesty.

Rhosllannerchrugog, Johnstown, Ponciau, and Penycae: A Collection of Pictures by Dennis W. Gilpin - Just me out here reading some local history. Nothing that would really interest anyone who doesn't know the area, but it was fun to see places I know today as how they looked in the past.

The Dissolution of Valle Crucis Abbey by Derrick Pratt - Again, local history. It was a bit dry, as expected, but still fun to learn more about the local area.

Masquerade by Melissa De La Cruz, book 2 of the Blue Bloods series - Again, complete trash, but for some reason I love it. I think it's partially nostalgia because I first read these back in 2010 or so when I was 11 or 12 and loved them then, but sometimes I think it's because we all need something to just switch our brains off to. Some people like reality TV, some people like Ali Hazlewood, I like Blue Bloods. It's all the same.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow - This is one of those books that you get from the library and enjoy so much you immediately wan't to go out and buy your own copy of. Like I feel like I'm going to be incomplete if I don't have this book in my life forever. A truly beautiful world-hopping story about finding yourself and where you belong, and it has the 'book within a book' thing going on like in The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern. Can't say too much without giving it away, but it's very good and I recommend it.

Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz, book 3 of the Blue Bloods series - It's Armageddon time baby! No not really but there is a little bit of a reckoning. That all obviously comes secondary to the terrible romance thought because of course it does and that's what we're all here for anyway. It's still thoroughly problematic and off the wall, but hey, 2000s vampire novels were never going to be sensible. Cringe is dead give me more vampires.

The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz, book 4 of the Blue Bloods series - Oh look, more vampires! Originally, and for most of the year, I decided not to read too many books form the series too close to one another in case I got burnt out on the series, but Blue Bloods made me break that because I was having too much fun with them. I'm officially caught up to all the ones that were out when I first read the so form here on out I'm in uncharted territory. I'm hoping it's still all just as trashy.

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan, book 4 of the Heroes of Olympus series - Again, we all know Rick Riordan is god so I won't spend too much time on this one but I will say that I think that one is my favourite of the series. The bits in Tartarus are really well done and I still love all the characters and everyone on earth should read this book series.

The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman, book 7 of the Invisible Library series - This is the second to last book in the series so things are really ramping up here and getting everything in place for the finale, and it managed to do all that whilst also telling a satisfying contained story. We've got another new main character, the return of an old villain or two, and adventure to be had all round. I'm very much looking forward to the next book.

Ask the Passengers by A.S. King - Another lesbian romance one I didn't really enjoy. I think I'm getting too old for coming of age stories like this. Or maybe this one just wasn't very well written. It was okay for the most part, but I didn't like the love interest at all and it seemed a lot of the time that the main character didn't either, which isn't ideal for a romance. Also, there's a running thing where the main character will watch aeroplanes flying overhead and 'send her love' up to the passengers and then we'd cut to a passenger on the flight for a few pages as they magically feel overwhelmed with a sense of love that helps cure all their troubles or whatever and I thought that was silly and I didn't like it. Not the worst thing I've ever read though.

The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan, book 5 of the Heroes of Olympus series - A cracking finale, even if I do still find the fight with Gaia a little anticlimactic. I love getting to hear from Reyna and Nico for the first time; they're some of my favourite characters. Honestly just a 10/10 series.

[quoteablebooks]

Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Paranormal

Rating: 2 out of 5

Trigger Warning: 

Summary:

With the stunning revelation surrounding Bliss's true identity comes the growing threat of the sinister Silver Bloods. Once left to live the glamorous life in New York City, the Blue Bloods now find themselves in an epic battle for survival. Not to worry, love is still in the air for the young vampires of the Upper East Side. Or is it? Jack and Schuyler are over. Oliver's brokenhearted. And only the cunning Mimi seems to be happily engaged.

*Opinions*

One might be wondering why I have continued this series, why not DNF it and go on with my life? Well, because I have never been able to stop a book or series in the middle because that “what if” would always be nagging me. What if it got better and I didn’t give it a try? What if it got worse and I couldn’t warn people not to fall into the same trap I did? So, here we are again, talking about the most shallow vampires that I have ever read about, which is saying something because they aren’t known as the most empathetic supernatural creatures. 

I went back to read my previous review of this novel and while 4.5 is VERY generous, I agree that this is the best book in the series so far. Mainly because we are really starting to understand more about Lucifer’s plan (4 books ins) and what Schuyler and the rest of the “good guys” have to stop him from breaking out of Hell. Also, there isn’t a landmark or name brand dropped in every third sentence, which let the story flow better. Still, I don’t really care about any of these characters, though I feel for a few in this novel. It is all the telling and not showing that de la Cruz uses in her writing. We are told that Schuyler and Jack are soulmates, but it doesn’t come across on-page in their actions. I got more chemistry between Mimi and Kingsley in this novel than between Schuyler and Jack. Then there are the adults that are dropped into Schuyler's life to be plot devices and then disappear just as quickly. It just makes it that I don’t care what happens to any of these characters, which makes even the climax of the book very low stakes. 

The one character I did find myself actually caring for, it with Mimi Force, which is surprising given her characterization in the previous novels. One of the reasons that I enjoy her is that her personality does a complete 180 in this novel from the spoiled woman we saw previously. De la Cruz uses the year time gap that Mimi spent with the Venators in the low-income areas of Rio to explain the change in her, but I don’t buy it. The Mimi we saw in the first three books, the Mimi whose point of view we had in all three novels, who hated every woman and girl she came across suddenly decided to be a girl boss and have compassion. With the three books worth of history, the scene of her having the maid stand up for herself in her dreams and helping the children in Rio rang very fake. If Mimi had been a Queen Bee but had compassion in her own mind, I would forgive that, but she had been just awful until now. Annoyingly, I did feel bad for this new Mimi and all the heartbreak she deals with in this novel and found her one of the most compelling characters. The scene at the end of the novel in the church was very poignant and you couldn’t blame her for her resolve. 

Bliss, much like her mother, was once again little more than a plot piece to be moved around as needed to add tension to the story. Again, because Bliss’s attraction and love for Dylan was told to us instead of shown, that plot point didn’t really matter to me all that much. I will say that de la Cruz did a good job conveying Bliss’s exhaustion and how the Visitor beat her down into almost complying with his plan. That being said, most of her points of view seem to be setting her up for her series of novellas that de la Cruz wrote. For being the main character, Schulyer just seemed to make one bad decision after another and was constantly saved by Oliver and Jack. In fact, Schulyer has stuff happen to her, but she rarely does anything under her own agency. Even her choice in the love triangle was decided by someone else. I just find her annoying, though not as much as my last read-through. 

This novel felt more like a story and less like vignettes from multiple points of view, which was nice. Now to see if the rest of the books in the series build upon this for a satisfying conclusion or if this is the peak. 2.5 stars for some rather memorable scenes and the movement in the overall plot. 

[visit-new-york]

Chrysler Building: A Shimmering Icon of Art Deco Elegance

In the heart of Manhattan's bustling skyline, one architectural masterpiece stands tall, capturing the imagination of all who gaze upon it. The Chrysler Building, a shimmering beacon of Art Deco elegance, is not just a skyscraper but a symbol of New York City's enduring spirit and architectural innovation. With its captivating history, exquisite design, and a touch of old-world glamour, the Chrysler Building continues to enchant and captivate, leaving an indelible mark on the Big Apple's iconic skyline.

The Chrysler Building, completed in 1930, was the brainchild of architect William Van Alen. Its distinctive design is a symphony of style, blending Art Deco with influences from the Machine Age. The tower rises to a staggering 1,046 feet, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time of its completion. Its crowning glory, the iconic stainless steel spire, reaches even higher, ultimately soaring to 1,476 feet. This bold architectural choice, combined with the building's tiered setbacks and intricate ornamentation, immediately sets it apart from its contemporaries.

The Chrysler Building's spire is nothing short of a masterpiece. Composed of seven concentric stainless steel arches, it seems to ascend endlessly into the sky, a testament to human ambition and ingenuity. The polished metal glimmers and reflects the ever-changing hues of the New York City skyline, giving the building a dynamic and ethereal quality. The spire's tip is adorned with a spectacular sunburst design, a symbol of hope and optimism that encapsulated the spirit of the Roaring Twenties.

Beneath the shimmering façade, the Chrysler Building holds a treasure trove of architectural marvels. The lobby, in particular, is a breathtaking work of art. A soaring, marble-clad space is adorned with ornate, artful details, including intricate friezes, Egyptian-inspired motifs, and a magnificent ceiling mural by artist Edward Trumbull. The lobby's elegance and opulence transport visitors to a bygone era of sophistication and glamour.

The Chrysler Building's enduring legacy goes beyond its architectural significance. It has played a prominent role in popular culture, making appearances in numerous films, television shows, and works of literature. Its silhouette, unmistakable and timeless, is a symbol of New York City itself, representing both the city's storied past and its ever-evolving future.

Yet, beneath its polished surface and captivating design, the Chrysler Building harbors an air of myth and mystery that adds to its allure. One enduring legend is the tale of a secret spire race between the Chrysler Building and the Bank of Manhattan Trust Building (now known as 40 Wall Street), a nearby skyscraper under construction at the same time. This tale, though perhaps more myth than fact, only deepens the intrigue surrounding this architectural wonder.

The construction of the Chrysler Building was not without its challenges. The architects and builders had to contend with the limitations of 1920s technology, including the absence of modern safety measures and equipment. Nevertheless, the determination and expertise of the builders triumphed over adversity, resulting in an enduring symbol of human achievement.

As we look ahead to the future, the Chrysler Building continues to stand as a symbol of resilience and creativity. While no longer the tallest building in New York City, its timeless elegance and iconic spire remain a source of inspiration for architects, artists, and dreamers alike. Recent renovations and preservation efforts ensure that this shimmering gem will continue to grace the Manhattan skyline for generations to come.

For those who wish to experience the magic of the Chrysler Building firsthand, tours are available to explore its exquisite lobby and learn more about its history and architectural significance. Standing in the shadow of its gleaming spire, visitors can connect with the past, marvel at its beauty, and imagine the countless stories that have unfolded within its walls.

In a city that is constantly changing and reinventing itself, the Chrysler Building remains a steadfast symbol of New York City's enduring spirit, artistic excellence, and architectural innovation. Its shimmering spire reaches for the heavens, while its hidden treasures and legendary history capture the hearts and minds of all who encounter it. As an icon of Art Deco elegance, the Chrysler Building is not just a skyscraper; it's a living testament to the dreams and aspirations of a city that continues to inspire the world. It's a reminder that in the ever-evolving urban jungle of Manhattan, the Chrysler Building's brilliance still shines as brightly as ever, inviting all to partake in its timeless allure.

Chrysler Building -  Next page>

[i-got-the-feels]

 Tae Taechin Lerttravinont

Sam Keen/Marty Rubin/Melissa de la Cruz, The Van Alen /Legacy (Blue Bloods, #4)/Alex Flinn, Breathing Underwater (Breathing Underwater, #1) /Craig D. Lounsbrough/Dorothy Allison/Danka V/Jyoti Patel, The Forest of Feelings /Frances Ward Weller/Donna Roberts/ Arnold H Glasgow/Unknown

[astinglh-f]

Chrysler Building

The Chrysler Building, an iconic skyscraper situated in the heart of Manhattan, New York City, is a dazzling testament to the Art Deco architectural movement. Constructed between 1928 and 1930, this architectural masterpiece was commissioned by the Chrysler Corporation as its corporate headquarters. Designed by architect William Van Alen, the building stands tall at 1,047 feet (319 meters) and briefly held the distinction of being the world's tallest building before being eclipsed by the Empire State Building.

What sets the Chrysler Building apart and makes it an enduring symbol of Art Deco is its striking design. The entire structure is a celebration of Art Deco's core principles, characterized by geometric shapes, sleek lines, and decorative ornamentation. The exterior of the building is particularly famous for its ornate spire, a masterpiece of design and engineering, adorned with a series of arches and stainless steel "gargoyles." These details seamlessly blend elements of machine-age aesthetics with artistic creativity, creating a building that is both functional and visually captivating.

Notably, the use of stainless steel in the building's construction was groundbreaking at the time, contributing to its distinctive shimmering appearance. The interior of the Chrysler Building is equally remarkable, with a lobby that boasts an Art Deco mural by artist Edward Trumbull and elevator doors adorned with intricate Art Deco motifs. The Chrysler Building's enduring cultural significance is evidenced by its frequent appearances in movies, television shows, and various forms of artistic expression, solidifying its place as an enduring symbol of New York City's architectural grandeur during the early 20th century and a shining example of Art Deco's enduring legacy.

[yarnreader]

Episode 53: "My Birthday Episode" (9/9/16)

https://youtu.be/SFhgf0_lvE8

Here are the show notes for episode 53. Welcome!I'm Samashwilliams94 on Ravelry, @sam__williams94 on Twitter, and Samantha Williams on Goodreads, Pinterest, and Google +.Show notes for all episodes are on the blog.The Ravelry group is The Yarn Reader Blog and Podcast. What I've been up to?We had a date night August 19th.I opened my swap package.Went to a get-together on Sunday.We had the Tropical Storm come through.I got a new to me bookcase and bike for my birthday.I've been having car problems again. Books.I had finished the following:Out of Oz by Gregory MaguireThe Van Alen Legacy and The Keys to the Repository by Melissa De La CruzMayne Attraction: In the Spotlight by Ann MarrenHarry Potter and the Cursed Child By J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, and Jack Thorne.Beautiful Creatures by Kami Gracia and Margaret Stohl.I'm currently reading: Misguided Angel by Melissa De La Cruz Long Time Coming by Edie ClaireBeautiful Darkness by Kami Gracia and Margaret Stohl Crafty Stuff I finished the Harry Potter Blanket.WIPs:Heavy-weight Patchwork blanketFlaxMonkey socksDragon Egg SocksFuture Knitting:Lots of socks. Added to the PileSwap packageInterweave Fall 2016 TV TimeTV Shows:House and NCISMovies: Viva Las VegasSuicide SquadHarry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2Batman Good bye!If you enjoyed this episode please like and subscribe! Happy Crafting!Sam <3  

[randombookreadersworld]

The Van Alen Legacy (Blue Bloods #4)

author: Melissa de la Cruz # pages: 369 #chapters: 71 start date: January 6 finish date: January 9 rating: 4.5/5 review: honestly, one of my favorites in the series. Please don’t ask for specifics as I don’t remember I just know I loved it!

[the-blue-blood-coven]

Schuyler Van Alen

Schuyler Theodora Elizabeth Van Alen Chase

Dimidium Cognatus (Half Human, half vampire), True born spirit

[-outofcontext-]

The Van Alen Legacy #OutOfContext

[dontwakeme-causeimdreaming]

I hate it when I read/watch something amazing and become fixated on it only to find out that the fandom is so small/nearly non-existent and I don’t have anyone to gush over its greatness with

[lee-yan-druh]

Vampires featured in the books/TV show in the photo? HECK YES. Emotional vampires? *deep, exasperated sigh* 😒😒😒 #dropyourgenre tag tagged by @mikysbooks and @paperfury, thank you! Vampire books should definitely count as a genre, or it does in my world anyway. 😊❤️📚👍🏻😍📖

[quoteablebooks]

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance

Rating: 3 out of 5

Trigger Warning:    

Summary:

From the bestselling author of Blue Bloods, comes a series that will reinvent the myth of the werewolf in the same way that Blue Bloods did with vampires—with style and NYC flair! Lawson and his brothers escaped from the underworld and now lead desperate, dangerous lives. They’re pursued by the Hounds of Hell from one town to the next, never calling any place home. But when the hounds finally catch up with them and capture the girl Lawson loves, the hunters become the hunted. Lawson will stop at nothing to track down the hounds, even if the chances of saving Tala are slim... The only hope he has lies in Bliss Llewellyn. Bliss, too, has lost someone to the beasts and will do anything to get them back—even if it means joining forces with the insolent, dangerously good-looking boy with a wolf’s soul.

*Opinions*

Wolf Pact is a collection of short stories that chronicle what Bliss Llewellyn was doing after she exited the main series after the events in The Van Alen Legacy and the wolves that she is supposed to bring into the war with the Silver Bloods and Lucifer. I was pleasantly surprised by this collection of stories and the amount I came to care about the new characters that were introduced. While there were still some of the issues I have with the main Blue Blood novels, there wasn’t the same level of annoyance I had with a couple of the novels. Probably because Schuyler wasn’t present at all. Interestingly, de la Cruz keeps expanding the world in short stories and not the main novels. The fact that there are witches and warlocks is added when they are relevant to the plot, but the implication of supernatural creatures other than the vampires is never explored. Maybe if I read The Witches of Eastend series de la Cruz would have gone into more detail, but I don’t think I should have to read a whole other series to see how witches figure into the world. It goes back to my main complaint about the series, there is a lot of interesting information and ideas, but it all feels like an outline that wasn’t expanded on. Well, that and the main character is insufferable. I am happy that we got more time with Bliss, I always liked her character. Lawson and Malcolm were also likable editions to the team and I feel as if Ahramin was interesting. The other named characters were rather forgettable. The relationship between Lawson and Bliss was well done, except I don’t think the near sex in a public place was the best choice. There was a better way to show that they were drawn to each other than one almost hook up that is never discussed again. Especially when they end up as friends and companions without anything romantic between them. In terms of plot, it wasn’t anything to write home about and there were a couple of glaring plot holes (everyone in ancient Rome speaking English is the one I couldn’t get over). As with the regular Blue Blood series, it took a very long time to get where we were eventually going and the payoff was a little lackluster. Still, I liked the characters enough for this to be a three-star read for me. I am hoping that it will all come together in the end and there will be a great payoff to the series, but I’m not going to hold my breath.

[visit-new-york]

Chrysler Building - Skyscraper Rivalry

Friendly Skyscraper Rivalry: The construction of the Chrysler Building ignited a friendly rivalry with another iconic New York City landmark, the Empire State Building, as both aimed to claim the title of the world's tallest building.

Public Access: While visitors are usually not granted access to the upper floors due to security concerns, the building's elegant lobby is open to the public, allowing people to experience its Art Deco splendor.

Hollywood Fame: The Chrysler Building's distinctive appearance has made it a sought-after location for filmmakers and has been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, solidifying its status as a cultural icon.

Attention to Detail: The decorative elements on the building's exterior were crafted with meticulous attention to detail, showcasing the skill and craftsmanship of the artisans involved in its construction.

Engineering Marvel: The steel frame of the Chrysler Building was an engineering marvel of its time, enabling its impressive height and unique silhouette.

Impact of the Great Depression

Depression-Era Challenges: Despite its initial grandeur, the completion of the Chrysler Building coincided with the onset of the Great Depression, which impacted its initial occupancy rates and financial success.

Art Deco Optimism: The design of the Chrysler Building encapsulates the optimism and exuberance of the Roaring Twenties, with its sleek lines and ornamentation reflecting the era's technological progress.

Leased Land: The land on which the Chrysler Building stands was leased from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, a private college in New York City.

Architectural Legacy: The completion of the Chrysler Building marked the zenith of William Van Alen's architectural career, showcasing his innovative design approach and attention to detail.

Interior Evolution: While the Chrysler Building is renowned for its exterior design, the interior spaces have served various purposes over the years, accommodating a range of offices and businesses.

Previous page Chrysler Building Next page

[spudinacup]

DO NOT REPOST MY ART… Please.

[Reblogging and Reposting are not the same things btw. Reblog away.]

[Chapter 2: Pg 18]

“She was a stranger in her own life, a tourist in her own body.” ― Melissa de la Cruz, The Van Alen Legacy

[NEXT PAGE ALREADY AVAILABLE ON MY PATREON: patreon.com/spudinacup]

Tag warnings for the comic and the Archive account linked under Readmore:

For those of you that want to avoid this comic, I’m putting anything that becomes graphic under #Trigger Warning. Also, until I get a better idea of what to call these I’m listing it as #SU AU Gone Wrong.

Not everything I have planned is going to be as messy as these first pages have been. I’ve noticed that there isn’t a lot of ‘gore’ art in the Steven Universe fandom, at least that I have seen in my searches. I understand that this all can be a bit jarring to come across for those who don’t expect it. Some of that is intentional, I’m trying to mimic the show style as much as possible to have that double-taking nature to it. That being said, I also don’t want to deeply upset anyone.

So again, if you want to avoid pages with graphic material the tag is:

#Trigger Warning

If you want to avoid the story entirely:

#SU AU Gone Wrong

That being said you can find the comic and read from the beginning at @suaugonewrong

[architectnews]

Brooklyn Bridge Design by DXA studio

Van Alen Institute Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge Competition Proposal, Winner, Design Entry Images

Brooklyn Bridge Design Winner: DXA studio

May 18, 2021

Brooklyn Bridge Competition Entry by DXA studio

DXA Studio wins at the 2021 NYCxDESIGN Awards for its reimagining of the Brooklyn Bridge, NY, USA

The Great Bridge: Path to Equilibrium, Brooklyn, NY:

Honor Presented by Interior Design for The Great Bridge: Path to Equilibrium

New York, May 18, 2021 – DXA studio, an award-winning architecture and design firm based in Manhattan, has been named a winner of the 2021 NYCxDESIGN Awards presented by Interior Design. Its reimagining of the Brooklyn Bridge was recognized as best in the On the Boards: Commercial category announced on May 17th.

The Great Bridge: Path to Equilibrium creates an experience that is more accessible, safe, democratic, and enjoyable for all who visit the iconic structure. DXA studio’s version envisions a future that elevates people over automobiles and reclaims land entangled by roads and ramps for civic use in the form of parks, museums, local commerce, recreation and housing, as well as makes the bridge more accessible to adjacent communities.

“We are honored to receive a NYCxDesign Award for our reimagining of the Brooklyn Bridge,” said Wayne Norbeck, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “Our vision was to return the span to the type of public space that was originally intended for the millions of pedestrians who cross it every year.” In the design, the upper deck expansion becomes a planted promenade with lanes for tourists and commuters, while the lower deck features six traffic lanes reduced to two for trolleys and emergency vehicles, with the remainder dedicated to public use including bike lanes and planters.

The reimagination of the bridge is the result of a collaboration with Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design + Consulting, Philiip Habib & Associates, and Thornton Tomasetti.

DXA studio was also named a finalist in two additional categories: Building Façade for 215-225 West 28th Street, and Kitchen + Bath for Soho Development (49 Greene Street).

“New York City is filled with amazing projects from a number of really talented studios. Being named a finalist by NYCxDESIGN in three separate categories was a thrill, and it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at our firm,” said Jordan Rogove, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio.

Now in its sixth year, the NYCxDESIGN awards honor outstanding projects in major areas of design, from architecture to interiors. Winners and honorees “represent the very best design talent” and will be published in Interior Design magazine.

NYCxDESIGN is a non-profit organization that nurtures, supports, and provides opportunities for New York City’s design sector by organizing and coordinating exceptional year-round activations, amplifying the voices of design through storytelling and promotion, and providing annual grants for local talent and businesses that make New York the design capital of the world.

Previously on e-architect:

Aug 13, 2020

Brooklyn Bridge Competition Entry by DXA studio

Brooklyn Bridge Competition Design by DXA studio, NY, USA

NEW YORK – August 13, 2020: DXA studio, an award-winning architecture and design firm based in Manhattan, has reimagined the Brooklyn Bridge to yield an experience that is more accessible, safe, democratic and enjoyable for all. DXA’s version of the Great Bridge envisions a future that elevates people over automobiles, reclaims land entangled by roads and ramps for civic use in the form of parks, museums, local commerce, recreation and housing, and makes the bridge more accessible to adjacent communities.

In the design, the upper deck expansion becomes a planted promenade with lanes for tourists and commuters, while the lower deck features six traffic lanes reduced to two for trolleys and emergency vehicles, with the remainder dedicated to public use, including dedicated bike lanes and planters.

“The Brooklyn Bridge is an exquisite and inspiring structure that was far ahead of its time when it was constructed,” said Wayne Norbeck, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “With this proposal we believe that this visionary bridge will be returned to the type of public space experience that was originally intended for the millions of people that transverse the span every year.”

On the upper promenade, the plantings will be comprised of colorful matrices of grasses, wildflowers and woody plants drawn from local ecologies like the coastal plain, riparian corridors and upland meadows — rich communities with compelling arrays of flowers, foliage, fruit and form that, when woven creatively, will engage visitors, birds and pollinators alike.

For the lower deck, several of the existing bridge access ramps and traffic lanes would be closed and vehicular traffic redirected in phases over a period of thirty years, consistent with City initiatives such as the Climate Mobilization Act. Trolleys, elevators and shallow ramps, between levels, and lanes wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and pedestrians will enhance accessibility and mobility. Bicyclists will have dedicated lanes separated from pedestrians, trolleys and emergency vehicles. Finally, different lanes will be provided for tourists and commuters, so that all can simultaneously utilize the bridge for different purposes without negatively affecting one another.

“We have been studying what it means to be a pedestrian in New York City for the past few years, and that research took us back to what the streets used to be like before the automobile took the right of way in the 1960’s, a more vibrant, active and democratic place, a model for the qualities we’d love to see on the bridge,” said Jordan Rogove, Co-Founder and Partner of DXA studio. “All that has happened since we put this proposal together only corroborates this goal, more space to remain safe from the pandemic and meaningful civic spaces and plazas for the voices of the underrepresented to be heard.”

The existing steel on the new outside upper deck walkway will be reinforced and supplemented with additional structural members for increased gravity and lateral capacity. As noted, cross-laminated timber will be used for the external lattice structure as a novel and eco-friendly material, and a nod to the bridge’s pine foundations.

The engineering marvel of the Brooklyn Bridge conceived by John A. Roebling and completed in 1883 was a civic gesture to join streets functioning simultaneously as thoroughfares, markets, promenades and playgrounds, was largely overtaken by the ascendance of the automobile.

This new concept is meant to disentangle the infrastructural knots that currently encumber it and will restore the grandeur of its original design and herald the return of the trolley. The legacy of this balanced restoration and reimagining will utilize materials, technologies and strategies that improve accessibility, civility, equality and enrichment.

The reimagination of the bridge is the result of a collaboration with Philip Habib & Associates, Thornton Tomasetti, and Patrick Cullina Horticultural Design + Consulting. Philip Habib & Associates, who has overseen many of NYC’s most notable development projects such as the Hudson Yards and Riverside South, served as the civil and traffic engineers in order to determine the feasibility of phasing the Bridge’s lane and ramp closures.

Thornton Tomasetti, who has previously worked on hazard mitigation and ramp infrastructure for the East River Bridges, served as structural engineers for both the park conversions and the proposed terminal structures, as well as biophilic design consultants. Finally, Patrick Cullina, who has worked on both the High Line and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, advised on park pathway layouts, planting, and irrigation systems.

About DXA studio

DXA studio is an award-winning design practice that provides a rare balance of expertly crafted design with technical proficiency. Believing in the power of architecture to positively influence the lives of all that engage it, DXA focuses on authenticity, sustainability and innovation in all their projects.

Established in 2011, DXA’s expertise spans the full spectrum of design services and project categories including multi-family and single family residential, commercial, institutional and hotel design. In-depth research and analysis happen prior to design, identifying opportunities to push boundaries and integrate technological advances in building materials, construction, and sustainable strategies. By capitalizing on these discoveries, the site, program and unique opportunities of each project, DXA produces creative solutions and distinctive design work that consistently outperforms expectations.

At DXA studio, client projects begin with an open exchange of ideas and full architect-client collaboration. The client’s program and desires, along with the complexities and context of the site are used to create a conceptual framework. From this process, a design of distinctive identity, clarity, and ingenuity is created.

For more information about DXA studio, please visit https://ift.tt/3yiunah.

Brooklyn Bridge Design by DXA studio

Brooklyn Bridge Competition images / information received 130820

Previously on e-architect:

July 28 &27, 2020

Brooklyn Bridge Competition Entry

Brooklyn Bridge Design by Daniel Gillen, Brooklyn, NY, USA Design: Daniel Gillen image courtesy of designer Brooklyn Bridge Design Architecture competition entry “The Brooklyn Bluff” for the Van Alen Institute’s Reimagining Brooklyn Bridge Competition.

Location: Brooklyn, New York City, USA

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