Modernism in New York

On this week's show we will explore the development of Modernism in New York - the new architecture based on International and Chicago models that swept up Park Avenue and redefined the New York City skyline. 

From Lever House to the Seagram Building, to Expressionist landmarks such as the Guggenheim Museum and the TWA Terminal at JFK International Airport, we will discuss the buildings that created a new era of American design.

My solo guest will be Rediscovering New York regular and the show’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding, and the special consultant for Rediscovering New York.

Tune in for this fascinating conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.

Show Notes

Segment 1

Today’s guest is David Griffin who is a regular of the show. He is the founder and CEO of Landmark Branding and the special consultant of Rediscovering New York. Landmark Branding provides creative sales-enhancing services. He first got interested in this industry when he was young and one of the first employees of the Park’s department in Long Island. Sometimes he got the opportunity to stay overnight in one of the old structured buildings which he loved. His mother also made it a point of concern to educate him on history. Today’s main topic is modernism which is a branch or art that symbolized revival or a new era.

Segment 2

In 1939, the Museum of Modern Art was designed by Edward Darrell Stone. He had the assistance of the trustee Phillip Godwin. It eventually moved from its former location on 5th avenue to a custom built home on W 53 Street where it still remains today. The garden was designed by the Architectural Curator named John McAndrew. All together it is found to be one of the most beautiful small scale environments in New York City. Public housing is also discussed, including the Williamsburg houses in Brooklyn. They were built during 1936-1938.

Segment 3

David founded Landmark Branding in 2013 and ever since he has offered marketing support for real estate brokers, developers, designers and architects. He also writes articles, has a blog and offers VIP tours. Next, the Lever House is brought up. It is the first building in the city to be entirely glass. Its construction took about a decade and stood as a renowned milestone for American architecture. In 1982, it was designated an official landmark. The Seagram building is also discussed. It is made of bronze and stained glass which are expensive materials. The place was designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and completed in 1958.

Segment 4

To end the show, the two banter about famous American architects. Frank Lloyd Wright was the first. He had no formal training but was still one of the best. He did not call himself a modernist architect because he did not want to put himself into a certain category. When Wright was collaborating with Solomon R. Guggenheim, Wright did not love the location being in New York at first but they settled on 5th Avenue and loved it because of its close proximity to the famous Central Park. This ended up being one of Wright’s most famous buildings.