Architectural Projects & New York City Landmarks

On this week’s show we will examine the intersection of architectural design and buildings that have Landmark protection, specifically how architects work with landmark restrictions in their construction and design projects.

My guests will be Wayne Norbeck and Jordan Rogove, co-founders and partners in the architectural firm DXA Studio. And co-hosting this special episode with me will be Rediscovering New York regular and the program’s Special Consultant, David Griffin of Landmark Branding.

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

Show Notes

Segment 1

To start the show, the topic of New York landmarks was introduced and what goes into designing them. Two of the guests being featured on today’s show are the co-founders and partners of the architectural firm DXA Studio. Their names are Wayne Norbeck and Jordan Rogove who both have years of experience. Today’s co-host is David Griffin who is a New York historian working with Landmark Branding. Next, the background of the guests is questioned along with how they got into their career field. Both of them explain how becoming an architect was a natural choice.They have wanted to become architects since they were young. There are some challenges that go into working with landmark protected places. Wayne explains how a client can be in for quite a learning experience when working on a project if they are not educated about what is permitted and what is not. In the past, clients have wanted to put a 20 story edition on a building which was not allowed. Also, Jordan discusses the importance of making a project authentic and one way of doing that is to take note of the design and style of architecture that matches the others in the area.

Segment 2

After the break, 7 Harrison Street in Tribeca, New York was brought up because that is the first place with landmark protection that was worked on by DXA Studio. When a building has landmark status, it is very challenging to change the appearance of it from the street. At times, Jordan and Wayne have to be careful to ensure that whatever they're building is a contribution instead of a hindrance. When adding additions to buildings, they must make sure no one's windows are being blocked for example. One Hundred Barclay is another project that was worked on by DXA. The building is located near the new World Trade Center. They are responsible for the design of the exterior as well as the interior lobby. The two architects explain how a lot of the process was working with designers in order to illuminate a space in the best way possible.

Segment 3

Next, 827 & 831 Broadway is asked about which used to be a place for artists to produce their work. Many great painters were natives of that location. These buildings are very important to the state culturally. Jordan and Wayne eventually developed a project to create a vertical extension. They wanted to expand on a place that contains so much history, however, the project is currently delayed. Some people are making the case that the project is not appropriate and unnecessary but the two are confident that it will get built in the future.

Segment 4

Landmark branding is a company that provides branding and marketing support for real estate, architecture and design professionals. David works there and ensures that New York is backed. When Jordan and Wayne are assigned a project that involves religious landmarks they do their best to preserve what they find. In the past, they have preserved stained glass windows among others that are still around today. When they were working on the Brooklyn Bridge, they attempted to bring it back to its original look and feel. The project was received well by the public. They were given some great feedback and many people liked the design.