Our Must-Do Picks for Archtober 2019, Week 2 (Oct. 9–16)

Archtober 2019 is in full swing now, presenting an impressive lineup of architecture and design-focused events in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island throughout the month of October.

Bustler and our sister site Archinect have partnered with Archtober for the ninth year in a row and present you our weekly highlights from a packed calendar. Below are our recommendations for Archtober 2019, Week 2, October 9–16.

Having trouble locating the nearly 30 Buildings of the Day? Use Archinect's handy interactive map to easily spot them, especially while on the go.

Building of the Day: Pratt Student Union | October 9

The Student Union features three interconnected levels of open areas that encourage its use as a key campus circulation element. A large stepped platform acts as a piazza within the main volume, providing circulation to the mezzanine above as well as seating on and below, while open lounge areas are distributed throughout with enclosed meeting rooms on the perimeter and a video room tucked away below the reception platform in what was previously a pool.

Tour of Squarespace’s New York City Headquarters | October 9

Join the AIA Marketing and Communications Committee for a tour at Squarespace’s New York City headquarters, with interiors designed by A+I.

FOOD: Workshop with Laila Gohar | October 9

This workshop, led by Laila Gohar, will consist of using food as both an artistic medium and a tool for communication, exploring the nature of human interaction by creating a convivial, multi-sensory edible workshop.

Building of the Day: Solar Carve (40 Tenth Ave) | October 10

Sculpted by the angles of the sun, Solar Carve explores how shaping architecture in response to solar access and other site-specific criteria can expand its positive impact. The building takes its unique form from the geometric relationships between the allowable envelope and the sun's path, producing a faceted, gem-like facade that privileges light, fresh air, and river views to the public park-while also becoming a new iconic silhouette on the New York skyline.

WISE Tackles the Climate Mobilization Act | October 10

Since the passing of the Climate Mobilization Act (CMA), the New York City real estate community has been busy navigating the challenging process of meeting new, bold building standards. Please join us for a Women in Sustainability & Energy (WISE) panel & networking event.

Curbed Trivia Night! | October 10

Join Curbed New York editor Amy Plitt and Curbed senior story producer Diana Budds on Thursday, October 10 as they test your knowledge about architecture, design, and New York’s built environment. Prizes and bragging rights abound!

Building of the Day: Hunters Point Library | October 11

Hunters Point Library is QPL's first new library to be added to its system since 2007, bringing to 63 the total number of branches in the borough. Designed by Steven Holl Associates, the library comprises 22,000 square feet, soaring ceilings and offers spectacular views of Manhattan, providing patrons free access to information and an unrivaled experience of learning and discovery. (Read more about Hunters Point Community Library here)

Digital Urbanisms Conference | October 11

Digital Urbanisms is a one-day symposium bringing together urban researchers and practitioners – planners, architects, geographers, organizers, and entrepreneurs – to take stock of the digital processes and products shaping cities, their promises and problems, and discuss alternatives and approaches for operating within and against the uneven spaces they characterize.

Shohei Shigematsu & Atelier Bow-Wow on the Past & Future of Tokyo Architecture | October 11

Tokyo's architectural landscape is constantly shifting in response to social conditions, and the fast-approaching 2020 Summer Games have been a significant impetus for current changes. From the eyes of architects, what is the challenge of Tokyo and what is the fascination of this metropolis? Atelier Bow-Wow sparks a conversation on Tokyo's changing architectural landscape with Shohei Shigematsu, a Partner at OMA and the Director of OMA's New York office [...].

Building of the Day: Merchant’s House Museum | October 12

Come explore the architecture of the 1832 Merchant's House, Manhattan's first designated landmark. This tour includes the rarely seen bedrooms on the third floor (now staff offices), and even a peek up into the attic. From late Federal to Green Revival, you'll gain new perspectives, learning about changing period styles and technologies in mid-19th-century New York City.

SANAA’s Grace Farms Architectural Tour | October 12

Learn about SANAA‘s process for designing and creating Grace Farms in New Canaan, Connecticut. Explore the international award-winning River building and hear behind-the-scenes stories about the materials and structural elements that were chosen to communicate Grace Farms Foundation’s vision.

Architecture for KIDS | October 12

This annual event serves as an introduction to Architecture. Kids ages 3 and up, have participated. We have various activities to entertain those who favor drawing, coloring or building.

Building of the Day: Empire Outlets | October 13

Empire Landing is a new retail and entertainment destination on the Staten Island waterfront. Located on a large, steeply sloping site adjacent to the Staten Island Ferry terminal, the design reconnects the neighborhood of Richmond Terrace to New York Harbor. A series of new pedestrian routes define the plan, stepping up via generous stairs that create spaces for outdoor gathering within the new shopping district.

The Remnants of Dutch New Amsterdam | October 13

Discover the many hidden Dutch relics south of Wall Street, as you trace the streets of Manhattan in 1667. You’ll hear about New York’s founding myths and facts while standing in the very spots they all happened.

Experience Harlem Through Senses | October 13

Living in a city can be an overwhelming experience due to constant information overload. During the multisensory walk, guided by architect Taru Niskanen, we explore the city by concentrating on our senses, which are often shut down in urban environment.

Building of the Day: 75 Kenmare | October 14

75 Kenmare is NYC luxury condo designed by renowned architect Andre Kikoski with interiors by Kravitz Design, founded by legendary music icon Lenny Kravitz. Knit into the contextual fabric of NoLita, with its richly textured facade and artful interiors, 75 Kenmare retains the authenticity of downtown life while incorporating a new sense of refined elegance.

Our Lifespan by Design: The Creative Challenge | October 14

For nearly five decades, Patricia Moore, Designer & Gerontologist, has embraced the challenge of Designing For All as the mandate of her storied career. The 2019 recipient of the National Design Award, as “Design Mind”, Moore is celebrated for her singular efforts to recognize people of all ages and abilities as equal in their right for the highest quality of life, by Design. Join us to hear Dr. Moore’s vision for delivering equity by design, for the lifespan, today and in the future. (Read also Archinect's feature article on how Patricia Moore approached design research, Understanding the End User: How One Woman Took It To The Extreme)

Eleena Jamil Architect | October 14

Eleena Jamil Architect (EJA) was founded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2005. EJA explores the potential of bamboo as a renewable material in mass housing, pavilions and community schools.

Building of the Day: BBG Robert W. Wilson Overlook | October 15

Opened in summer 2019, the Robert W. Wilson Overlook introduced an ascending garden shaped by communal gathering spaces that overlook the iconic Cherry Esplanade.

Design Career Fair | October 15

Teens, college students, and emerging designers are invited to learn about design careers and education opportunities from National Design Award winners and jurors, guest designers, and college representatives.

Off the Rails: Megadevelopment and the Future of the City | October 15

As megadevelopments rise worldwide, often financed by the taxes we pay, we ask: How much was the public involved in determining their outcomes, or in deciding whether a development was necessary at all? How are public benefits integrated into these plans and how beneficial are they in reality? What is the consequence of megadevelopments on democracy, displacement, and the city of the future?

Daniel Libeskind: Edge of Order | October 15

Daniel Libeskind will discuss his new book, Edge of Order.

Building of the Day: Moxy East Village | October 16

Opening fall 2019, Moxy East Village is located in the heart of New York’s East Village. Conceived by Rockwell Group as a vertical timeline, each floor of the hotel draws inspiration from a different era in East Village history while celebrating the neighborhood’s spirit of experimentation. 

Architecture & Design Film Festival | October 16

Architecture & Design Film Festival (ADFF), the nation’s largest film festival devoted to the creative spirit of architecture and design, will launch its 2019/2020 season during Archtober.

AIANY Urban Ecology Boat Tour | October 16

This unique circumnavigation of Manhattan will explore green infrastructure designed to both restore the health and productivity of the region’s marine ecology and to create resilient edges to mitigate storm surge and sea level rise.

Winner’s Salons: 20 X 20 | October 16

Celebrate 20 years of the National Design Awards with 20 20-minute classes, talks, and more. Join one or more, and end the day at a networking reception.

Don't forget to check back for our Week 3 recommendations! If you missed it, here's our Week 1 list.

For the complete list of events from October 1–31, head over to the Archtober event list, like the Facebook page, or follow Archtober on Twitter and Instagram.