SPEAKING OF ARCHITECTURE: May 2013

Friday, May 31, 2013

Living in the Brownfield - Jessica Bandy | Bethlehem, USA

“A quiet town in eastern Pennsylvania, Bethlehem was headquarters of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation, a 96-year-old company that provided steel for the nation, from the Empire State Building to the Golden Gate Bridge. In 1995, it ceased production and in 2001, it declared bankruptcy. While parts of the vast complex remain abandoned, service industries are moving in, and the site has become a tourist destination. Jessica Bandy examines the life cycle of Bethlehem from different generational points of view.” Excerpt from the School of the Visual Arts website

Bethlehem, U.S.A., Video (30 minutes)

We had the pleasure of hosting Jessica Bandy numerous times throughout the last year as she gathered the raw material for her thesis project in the “lens arts” program of the School of the Visual Arts (SVA). We’re thrilled to see the screening announced and hope that you’ll support the arts and the artist by spreading the word about this great project. I have not seen all of the images and video, but I do know that Bob Spillman and my dad, Bill Deegan, had cameo’s and got to tell their stories about life in and around the Bethlehem Steel Plant.

Great working with you Jessica, congrats on the project and the MFA – Bill.

all images copyright Jessica Bandy

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ABOUT US

Spillman Farmer Architects is an interdisciplinary practice of design professionals focused on the delivery of innovative building solutions based on human-centered design. Since 1927 we have been working closely with people and communities to deliver high quality, effective, and inspiring places to live, work, play, and learn.

Our design process empowers people to make responsible, thought provoking and inspiring decisions related to the built environment. Through this process, we explore each project’s unique opportunities for honest, expressive solutions specifically suited to the building’s site and use.

The materials we work with are familiar; however, our curiosity about them and their methods of assembly are not. Our priority is to develop an architecture that is rational, leveraging a distinct, precise and honest building vocabulary that shows clear evidence of how and why it was made.

We are deeply influenced by place and choose honest materials which honor the location and achieve a lasting patina as they age. In the end, our works are authentic, responsive to the environment, sustainable, resourceful, and grounded in the unique history of each context, a tangible result of our critical thinking and thoughtful approach to the practice of architecture.

BLOG CONTRIBUTORS

Joseph N Biondo - Material, Process, Product:

Spillman Farmer Design Principal Joseph N. Biondo was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and graduated from the Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning and Design. Shortly after graduation, he pursued a lengthy career with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson Architects, where he worked closely with AIA Gold Medal recipient Peter Bohlin. In 1996, he established JOSEPH N. BIONDO ARCHITECTS, before joining SPILLMAN FARMER ARCHITECTS in 2003, where he is currently bringing design excellence to the forefront. Joe’s architecture is recognized for its ties to regional traditions. His buildings represent an architecture that is clear, precise and honest; an architecture that reflects on what is absolutely necessary. He specializes in developing architecture from the intense working of materials and their means of construction. His work has been recognized by his peers in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and has been featured in the profession’s most prestigious publications. Joe's work celebrates the process of making and is deeply influenced by his family background, which is rooted in the garment and construction industries. Joe believes that beyond site considerations, client program requirements, and issues of sustainability, thoughtful planning of a building must include a lasting aesthetic.

Dan Harrigan - Great Heights in Higher Education:

In Dan's 30 years with Spillman Farmer, he has worked on projects on over 30 campuses. His experience and expertise encompass nearly every sector of our practice, and his special interest in designing for colleges & universities makes him an asset to clients across the country.

As a lifelong athlete, Dan has special interest in athletic design for higher education clients. In his college days, Dan was a 16-time Division I All-American and a Top Five NCAA Student Athlete. After college, Dan went on to win a bronze medal in the 1976 Olympics and a gold medal at the 1975 Pan-American Games.

Christa Kraftician, LEED AP - Speaking of Green:

Christa's passion for sustainability & green initiatives has taken hold at Spillman Farmer, and her continuing committment to environmental stewardship shapes our practice daily. Christa is also involved with the United States Green Building Council, acting as a board member for the Delaware Valley Chapter (DVGBC) and a co-chair for the Lehigh Valley Branch.