2009 Oct 10: Open House New York – 2009

This year I only visited two sites for Open House New York. Both were interior spaces done by accomplished architects.

First, I toured the BBG-BBGM studio on the 25th floor of the Empire State Building. It was mostly just seeing the architects’ workspace and learning about how ‘green’ the studio is (from the lighting patterns to the heating system and beyond). I was particularly impressed by the sleek, modern design of the lobby.

Second, I visited the Kushner Residence in the West Village. I’d gone last year but hadn’t gotten in because the line was so long because they only allow 16 people in at a time. But this time I waited 45 minutes in line and it was totally worth it! It’s a duplex designed by Kushner himself. The bedroom has a glass shower that’s even glass on the bottom, meaning you can see through it from downstairs. The walk-in closet has doors made from the doors of a subway car. And oh, let’s not forget about the fountain downstairs that’s fed from the water that’s drained from the second floor. It’s the most impressive apartment I’ve seen in person, without even being that luxurious.