All articles by Dana Schulz

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon
September 10, 2014

You May be Able to Print Your Own Solar Panels Soon

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Are you one of the many eagerly awaiting the iPhone 6 and iWatch? Well, pretty soon, you may be able to print your very own solar panel to serve as an energy-generating skin or case for your new device. Scientists at CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, along with those at Melbourne and Monash universities, report that they hope to offer the printed solar panels for low-power applications within the next few years. Printed on plastic--and faster, cheaper, and easier to use than traditional silicon panels--they could mean big things for a gadget-obsessed world, as well as for simple building and design applications.
More on the technology here
New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat
September 9, 2014

New Adaptive Architecture Project Explores How Physical Spaces Can Morph Based on Heat

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Generally, if a building starts moving, it's a very bad thing. But a new shape-shifting architecture concept from the students at Barcelona’s Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalunya proves otherwise. Responding to the notion that as buildings become smarter and greener they should also be responsive to their external environments, the project, dubbed Translated Geometries, explores how physical spaces could someday morph based on various environmental inputs.
More on the new technology here
REVEALED: $210 Million Upgrade for Grand Central’s Subway Station As Part of One Vanderbilt Tower
September 9, 2014

REVEALED: $210 Million Upgrade for Grand Central’s Subway Station As Part of One Vanderbilt Tower

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As part of a five-year, $210 million plan to significantly upgrade Grand Central's subway station, developer SL Green hopes to install new staircases to the train platforms, two new street-level entrances and a refurbished mezzanine level, and a 4,000-square-foot ground-level commuter waiting area. The improvements were conceived in conjunction with the MTA and the de Blasio administration earlier this year as the first component of the Midtown East Rezoning project. The transit upgrades must all be completed before tenants can occupy One Vanderbilt (planned for completion in January 2020), SL Green's new 65-story office tower planned for the entire block west of Grand Central and north of East 42nd Street. Designed by Kohn Pederson Fox, the tower will be the second-tallest building in the city when completed.
More on the upgrades ahead
Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor
September 8, 2014

Frank Gehry Bounces Back from WTC Snub with New Construction Technology Endeavor

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It was big news last week that Frank Gehry's designed plans for the Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center were axed by execs of the site. Though he may have felt slightly snubbed, based on quotes he provided to the New York Times, Gehry seemed unaffected overall. His mellow reaction toward the dis is now further substantiated by news that his IT company Gehry Technologies has been acquired by American location technology firm Trimble (the owner of 3D drawing software SketchUp) in order to "transform the construction industry by further connecting the office to on-site construction technologies," according to Trimble.
More on the starchitect's new partnership here
REVEALED: New Skyline Renderings for Nordstrom Tower at 217 West 57th Street
September 8, 2014

REVEALED: New Skyline Renderings for Nordstrom Tower at 217 West 57th Street

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Back in July, we learned that Extell's Nordstrom Tower will rise 1,775 feet–just one foot shorter than One World Trade Center, making it the tallest residential building in the world. Now, New York YIMBY has released renderings of how the 92-story supertall will look against the rest of the skyline. Though official images from Extell haven't been released, these preliminary sneak peeks are pretty impressive.
More on the new development here
MESH Architectures’ Atrium House Will Have You Saying “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Williamsburg Anymore”
September 7, 2014

MESH Architectures’ Atrium House Will Have You Saying “Toto, I Don’t Think We’re in Williamsburg Anymore”

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You're not dreaming; this house is in Williamsburg. In fact, it harkens back to the neighborhood's industrial roots and stays true to the low-scale character of the area. The navy blue cube was originally built as a garage that occupied the entire 22’ x 100’ lot, but when converted to residential use in 2011, NYC zoning regulations mandated that a certain percentage of the site be reserved for a yard. Enter MESH Architectures, the creative firm that devised a genius plan to incorporate the required outdoor space as an inner atrium, letting the outside in while still maintaining a sense of privacy. The central space is composed of two volumes - a double-height great room and the courtyard surrounded by folding-glass doors on three sides. The great room, master bedroom, and bathroom sit behind these glass walls, seamlessly blending the indoors with the zen, outdoor area.
Take a look inside this architectural marvel here
Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff
September 6, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks from the 6sqft Staff

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We talk to Sue Chin, the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Chief Architect, about designing for a very different clientele–tiger, sharks, gorillas, and more. We’ve got the dirt on Frank Gehry’s Ground Zero Performing Arts Center rejection. Coffee Culture: Are neighborhood cafes the first sign of gentrification? Travel back in time to Radio Row, the city’s original […]

Chiat Beach House by HS2 Architecture was Built with an 18th Century Barn Frame
September 5, 2014

Chiat Beach House by HS2 Architecture was Built with an 18th Century Barn Frame

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Since it looks like New York's summer heat wave came a little late this year, we decided to feature one of our most swoon-worthy seaside dwellings. The Chiat Beach House by HS2 Architecture is located in the small Southampton town of Sagaponack, notable for being the country's most expensive zip code back in 2009. And though this home might not scream "million dollar listing," it most certainly is something to see, as it's built around an 18th century Vermont barn frame that was salvaged, restored, and re-erected to create the home's striking "great room."
Take a tour around the property
Museum of the City of New York to Premiere Documentary “Rebuilding the World Trade Center”
September 5, 2014

Museum of the City of New York to Premiere Documentary “Rebuilding the World Trade Center”

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In advance of the 13th anniversary of 9/11, the Museum of the City of New York will be premiering the documentary Rebuilding the World Trade Center. The 62-minute film features footage shot over the past eight years by artist Marcus Robinson, documenting the work at Ground Zero through the eyes of the construction workers, "from the site managers to those who dug the building’s foundations and the ironworkers who assembled its steel frames." The film will premier at the museum on the evening of Tuesday, September 9th and will be followed by a panel discussion with New York Times reporter James Glanz. It will then premier nationally on the History Channel on September 11th at 6 pm.
More on the documentary and upcoming event
Katz’s Deli Co-Owner Jake Dell Nabs $1.9 Million Greenwich Village Pad
September 4, 2014

Katz’s Deli Co-Owner Jake Dell Nabs $1.9 Million Greenwich Village Pad

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The Lower East Side's iconic Katz's Deli was the talk of the town recently when it came to light that the neighborhood institution had sold its air rights. It's speculated that a parcel of adjacent buildings will be demolished to make way for a new cantilevered building. Jake Dell, the third-generation co-owner of the 126-year-old pastrami mainstay, has been quoted as saying that the sale will not affect the deli in any way, though he didn't cite specifics of the deal. But regardless of the details, it looks like Dell made out pretty well for himself, as he's just scooped up a $1,899,000 apartment at 808 Broadway in the heart of Greenwich Village. Just a short walk from Katz's, his new pad is described as a "Park Avenue-inspired home."
Take a look inside the pastrami king's new digs
Ryall Porter Sheridan’s Hamptons Pavilion is Clad in Spanish Cedar
September 4, 2014

Ryall Porter Sheridan’s Hamptons Pavilion is Clad in Spanish Cedar

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It must be hard to come up with a design to complement an existing log house, but Ryall Porter Sheridan succeeded with their Spanish cedar-clad Hamptons Pavilion. Interestingly, this material is neither Spanish nor cedar, but rather from an evergreen tree in the mahogany family. It's also the traditional material used for making cigar boxes. But despite its confusing moniker, the paneling creates a structure that is both modern and organically connected to the surrounding landscape.
More details on the Hamptons Pavilion right this way
Penthouse Perfection: Peeking into Manhattan’s Top Sky-High Listings
September 4, 2014

Penthouse Perfection: Peeking into Manhattan’s Top Sky-High Listings

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The penthouse craze began in the early 20th century thanks to media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. He took up residence in a three-floor apartment at the Clarendon at 137 Riverside Drive and, when his landlord refused to let him expand further, Hearst bought the entire building, adding two new floors to the top of his mansion, crowned by a new copper mansard roof. Now, 100 years later, the rich and famous are still making headlines with their pricey penthouse purchases. Fellow media mogul Rupert Murdoch recently purchased a $57.25 million triplex penthouse, along with an additional full-floor unit (because why stop at just three?) at One Madison. His bachelor pad totals more than 10,000 square feet of interior space, wrapped in floor-to-ceiling glass. Is this the new standard for penthouse living? We're taking a look at some of the top sky-high listings in Manhattan to find out.
Don't miss these incredible penthouse stunners
Fashion Wunderkind Kira Plastinina Buys $2.5 Million Chelsea Apartment
September 3, 2014

Fashion Wunderkind Kira Plastinina Buys $2.5 Million Chelsea Apartment

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You may remember Kira Plastinina making headlines back in 2008, when she, all at the age of 16, launched her namesake fashion line, opened a dozen US stores, and later that same year closed them all and filed for bankruptcy. Originally from Moscow, Kira has now launched a new high-end fashion line called Lublu in Dallas, Texas, but it looks like she might also be planning to make some moves in the Big Apple. According to city records, she purchased apartment 3A at the Slate Condominium at 163 West 18th Street for $2.45 million.
Take a look inside here
REVEALED: SHoP-Designed Condos by Anbau on the Upper East Side
September 3, 2014

REVEALED: SHoP-Designed Condos by Anbau on the Upper East Side

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Looks like the Upper East Side will be adding another luxury condo project to its roster--but this time it's an "affordable luxury" building. Located at 1711 First Avenue at East 89th Street, the 34-story building is being designed by SHoP Architects for Anbau Enterprises, who has shared renderings of the project with New York YIMBY. The building will have a bluestone base with a small cantilever over the 89th Street entrance. The rest of the façade will be brick and glass, offering floor-to-ceiling windows without the total curtain wall appearance. The western façade will be slightly glassier than the rest of the building.
More details here
Prodigy Network Closes on $85 Million FiDi Site for Their ‘Cotel’ Crowdfunded Hotel
September 3, 2014

Prodigy Network Closes on $85 Million FiDi Site for Their ‘Cotel’ Crowdfunded Hotel

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Back in June, we took a look at the winning designs for Prodigy Network's 17John 'Cotel' (collaborative + hotel = cotel), the city's first crowdsourced hotel and the world's first collaborative hotel. Now, the real estate crowdfunding startup has closed on the 15-story rental building at 17 John Street for $85.3 million, $25 million of which came from crowdfunded equity. Additional financing came from Deutsche Bank and another institutional investor. The property will be transformed into a 23-story, 191-unit extended-stay hotel, designed for the next generation of business traveler.
More on the first-of-its-kind project in NYC
INTERVIEW: Andrew Berman, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation
September 2, 2014

INTERVIEW: Andrew Berman, Executive Director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation

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There's been a lot of controversy around preservation in New York City as of late, and through it all, the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation (GVSHP) seems to always make its voice heard. From debunking myths about affordable housing and historic districts to advocating for the Village's next great landmark, GVSHP remains on the front lines of the field. Founded in 1980 to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of the Village, the organization now includes the East Village, South Village, Far West Village, Noho, and Meatpacking District in its purview. Part of the reason for GVSHP's expansion stems from the tireless efforts of its longtime Executive Director, Andrew Berman. Since 2002, he has overseen the research, educational programming, and advocacy of one of the city's leading preservation nonprofits. We recently sat down with Andrew to learn more about his views on the current state of preservation in the city and where he hopes to take GVSHP in the future.
Read our full interview here
Contemporary HEDGE Planters Pay Homage to the Pioneering Women of Landscape Design
September 2, 2014

Contemporary HEDGE Planters Pay Homage to the Pioneering Women of Landscape Design

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There's nothing we love more than an innovative, green design that also carries a social message, and these contemporary HEDGE planters do just that. Aside from being a fun way to bring the outdoors in to small spaces, they are named after the pioneering women who broke into what were once the male-dominated fields of landscape and garden design. They include Gertrude Jekyll, Beatrix Farrand, Marian Cruger Coffin, and Florence Bell Robinson. Cora Neil, a Los Angeles-based environmental designer, created HEDGE with these notable women in mind while working on a public garden space project at the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, California. The colorful, indoor/outdoor planters look great anywhere, notes Cora. She also says, "It's hard to find planters that fit—and actually look good—in your home or on your patio or balcony. The modern design and clean geometry make them fashionable solo, but look equally as good as a pair, trio, or sextet."
More on the design ahead
REVEALED: 125 Greenwich Street Will Rival One WTC and Become Downtown’s Tallest Residential Tower
September 2, 2014

REVEALED: 125 Greenwich Street Will Rival One WTC and Become Downtown’s Tallest Residential Tower

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The latest in the world of New York City supertalls comes to us from New York YIMBY, who has revealed renderings for the Rafael Viñoly-designed 125 Greenwich Street. At 1,356 feet, it will become Downtown's tallest residential tower, the first to rival the 57th Street skyscrapers like Extell's planned Nordstrom Tower, which will rise 1,479 feet. It will also be just 12 feet shy of One World Trade Center's roof, making it the second tallest skyscraper in the Financial District.
More details and renderings here
Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff
August 30, 2014

Weekly Highlights: Top Picks From the 6sqft Staff

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From failed suicide attempts to accidental plane crashes, we uncover the wild and dark history of the Empire State Building. Is Ridgewood NYC’s “next big thing?” We take a look at the rise of the Queens neighborhood. You know those weird outcrops, stairs, doors and out of place architectural adornments that just have us going “huhh??” […]

Study Finds That Most People Who Live in Glass Buildings Keep the Shades Drawn
August 29, 2014

Study Finds That Most People Who Live in Glass Buildings Keep the Shades Drawn

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When we talk about apartments in glassy towers we always emphasize the stunning views, ample natural light, and cross ventilation. But according to a study from the Urban Green Council, most residents in these all-glass buildings are not taking advantage of those attributes. The "Seduced by the View" study surveyed 55 glassy buildings around New York City and found that on average, 59% of the window area was covered by blinds or shades. And over 75% of buildings had more than half of their window area covered. Results were similar regardless of time of day, direction the window faced, and whether the building was commercial or residential."
More on the study here
One Madison: A Modern Marvel on Madison Square
August 28, 2014

One Madison: A Modern Marvel on Madison Square

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When it comes to New York City real estate, many people liken fluctuating prices to the chicken-or-egg phenomenon: does a building transform a neighborhood or does construction follow the most up-and-coming areas? In the case of One Madison, the super sleek 60-story, high-rise tower that is home to a media mogul, a supermodel, and star quarterback, gentrification had already taken hold in the larger NoMad area when construction began on the building in 2006.
Take a look at the towering building and how it became one of the city's top-sellers
Leroy Street Studio’s Louver House is a Contemporary Interpretation of the Traditional Barn
August 28, 2014

Leroy Street Studio’s Louver House is a Contemporary Interpretation of the Traditional Barn

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Leroy Street Studio was tasked with creating a contemporary Long Island home that responded to their client's passion for barns. The firm infused traditional barn qualities like spacious rooms and repetitive timber frames into the project, while developing a modern structure that was sensitive to its adjacent corn field and close proximity to the ocean. The client also has an affinity for woodworking and asked the architects to build a woodshop on the site. To meet the challenge, several external buildings and interior gardens were added to the plan, creating a separation of space under a unified whole. The result is the Louver House, named for its exterior skin comprised of a series of louvers that let plenty of natural light in while still maintaining privacy. They also create a stunning effect at night, when interior light cascades onto the many outdoor spaces.
More on the modern barn design here
Become Your Own Meteorologist with BloomSky, A Crowdsourced Weather Information System
August 28, 2014

Become Your Own Meteorologist with BloomSky, A Crowdsourced Weather Information System

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While we love a good one-liner by Al Roker or staring at Sam Champion's perfectly coifed hair, we admit to getting a little frustrated when we get stuck in the rain with no forewarning. But a new product called BloomSky lets you control your own meteorology destiny through a crowdsourced, hyperlocal weather information system. The personal station comes with an outdoor module and an app, and its nifty functions include: a rain sensor that can tell exactly when it starts and stop raining; weather pattern push notifications (never be caught without an umbrella again!); a wide-angle HD camera that captures weather scenes; an auto-generated timelapse video of every sunset; and subscriptions to worldwide BloomSky stations.
More on the weather device here
Torafu Architects’ Dice Furniture Goes from a Stool to a Shelf with Just One Roll
August 27, 2014

Torafu Architects’ Dice Furniture Goes from a Stool to a Shelf with Just One Roll

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If you've ever lived in a small space before you know the importance of having pieces that can multitask-- ottomans that work as both coffee tables and seating, couches that fold into beds, or counters that serve as dining tables and desks. The latest clever hybrid comes from Torafu Architects. Their Dice Furniture collection is designed to accommodate all ages, from toddler to adult, and can be used in three different ways depending on which side it is rested.
See how the attractive multitasker changes function with each roll of the dice
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