Two weekends ago, we took part in the Open House New York events.  Open House New York is a non-profit organization that focus on education and community events around NY’s architecture and urban development.  It was modeled after simiar organizations in London and Toronto.

Although most of the sites closed starting at 3 pm and onwards, we managed to make it to 4 locations after a late start at 2 pm.  Our first stop was the Austrian Cultural Forum in the midtown 50’s.  From the outside, it is an impressive modern building squished in a very narrow space designed by Austrian born architect Raimund Abraham.  We were told that Abraham won because his design incorporated the staircase in the back of the building, thereby creating more space than other architects’ designs.

It is an impressive interior functionally for the use of space and makes me think of Ikea! in the use of blond color wood. For such a narrow and tight space, the building has an auditorium complete with a piano that is conveniently stored away in the ceiling. Yes, I’m not mistaken…the ceiling.

Although I have never understood or quite appreciated religion, I am often in awe of churches, temples, mosque (I’ve only been in 1 mosque ever in Kuala Lumpur and I don’t think I was supposed to be there). Church of the Transfiguration in Murray Hill is quite inspiring from its serene front garden (it’s like entering into another world that’s not right in the heart of New York City) to the ceiling of the church with criss-crossed beams like that of the hull of a ship.

I’ll have to remember to go back to the Church of the Transfiguration every month or so, sit in the garden hopefully unnoticed and soak in the serenity. 

Our last stop of the day was Paul Rudolph Foundation/Modulightor Building.  My oh my…what an architectural feat of urban living, granted in miniature form.  I don’t think anyone over 5″10″ can live there without feeling claustrophobic.  Stairs extend from walls and twin size mattresses are found in nook corners that exemplifies coziness while providing a slight bit of privacy in a building where none of the separating walls reaches the ceiling.  Never more so could I say that the decorations bring life to a space as sculptures, vases and other rich cultural artifacts adorns white walls and sand/greyish color furniture pieces.

I couldn’t have spent a more enjoyable Saturday in New York.  It reminds me of what I love about the city, there is so much to see and do.  Next year, I’ll have to start earlier in the day and make my way to the other boroughs.

 I always thought that I’d need to travel to Europe to enjoy really beautiful architecture but it’s all just subway rides away.  I guess architecture is something that’s often overlooked in terms of tourism in New York.  Visitors come here to see the WTC site or Time Square for its sheer overwhelming madness of Soho for the shopping but not necessarily to appreciate the design and urban development.