SUPERSTRUCTURES is pleased to be hosting and co-sponsoring a new, free, continuing education series in conjunction with the Brick Industry Association (BIA) and Steven Winter Associates (SWA). The theme of the series is energy efficiency. The next in our series, which qualifies for one AIA/CES/HSW/SD credit, is:
Energy Efficient Windows
By: Steve Fronek, PE, LEED GA
Wausau Window & Wall Systems
In bygone days windows simply kept water out and let in light and air. Today's windows have added functions including serving as thermal, sound, and radiant-energy barriers. When specifying windows there is an array of considerations regarding performance, materials, finishes and glazing options. This seminar will focus on thermal transmittance, or U-factors, of window systems, including the window assembly, review of differenct certification and testing methods and guidance for developing accurate U-factor specification language.
Please Join Us: Wednesday, April 25, 2012
Time: 5:30 - 6:00 pm Registration
6:00 - 7:00 pm Presentation
Location:SUPERSTRUCTURES Engineers + Architects, 13th Floor Seminar Facility
32 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10013
Please confirm your attendance with Megan Seid of the Brick Industry Association via e-mail at mseid@bia.org on or before Monday, April 23, 2012.
Save the date for upcoming programs in the series:
May 22, Energy Efficient Restoration
June 21, New NYC Energy Code and Progress Inspections
SUPERSTRUCTURES at SEAoNY Seminar, February 7th
Barry Drogin, SUPERSTRUCTURES’ Director of Non-Destructive Testing & Evaluation, will be one of the five featured speakers at the Structural Engineers Association of New York’s annual day-long seminar. The theme of this year’s program is Sustaining New York: Renovation and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures; Barry’s presentation covers “Non-Destructive Testing & Evaluation for the Structural Engineer.” Six PDH Credits are offered for attendance at the seminar. For more information click here, and to register, click here.
Building Envelope Academy – 2010
SUPERSTRUCTURES is pleased to be hosting and co-sponsoring a new continuing education series in conjunction the Brick Industry Association and Hohmann & Barnard. With a shared commitment to continuing education we have developed a year-long curriculum focused on masonry wall systems – their design characteristics, construction detailing, investigation, and restoration. Each session qualifies for one AIA CEU. Our curriculum is as follows:
| DATE 02 / 24 03 / 31 04 / 28 05 / 26 09 / 29 10 / 27 11 / 17 12 / 15 | TOPIC Brick Walls: 101 The Great Divide: What Happens Between the Brick and the Back-up Non-Destructive Testing: Can You Really See Through Walls? Maximizing Energy Efficiency in Masonry Walls Mortar: Materials, Specifying, and Quality Assurance Masonry Restoration & Materials Conservation Rehabilitation: Common Problems and Solutions Brick Masonry Rain Screen Walls |
Director of Conservation’s Work Featured by The Municipal Art Society
The Municipal Art Society of New York has created an online slide show highlighting its Adopt-A-Monument program. We are pleased to note that the presentation cites SUPERSTRUCTURES' Director of Conservation, Joan Berkowitz, for her work orchestrating the restoration of the Heinrich Heine Monument and Fountain on the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. This remarkable restoration project is the first of the three case studies presented in the informative review narrated by program director Phyllis Samitz Cohen. To watch the slide show click here.
Years of vandalism and neglect had ravaged the monument and left many of its elaborate sculptural elements broken or missing. Ms. Berkowitz coordinated the disassembly, relocation, re-erection and restoration of the complex fountain, sculpted by Ernst Herter in 1988. Also known as the Lorelei Fountain, the monument honors the German poet Heinrich Heine, whose poem "Die Lorelei" immortalized the mysterious creature of romantic legend. A sculptural group carved in white Tyrolean marble depicts Lorelei seated on a rock in the Rhine River among mermaids, dolphins, and seashells. Restored by the Society through the Adopt-A-Monument program, with a gift from the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, the fountain was moved from its original position in Joyce Kilmer Park to a newly landscaped setting at the sound end of the park.
SUPERSTRUCTURES presents at the Traditional Buildings Conference
Joan Berkowitz our Director of Conservation was a featured speaker at the 2009
Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference March 12, in Boston, Massachusetts. Her AIA- approved continuing education presentation, "Diagnosing & Solving Masonry Failures: From Testing through Effective Project Administration," was geared to well-intentioned owners, architects, designers, contractors who need to know:
Lessons are illustrated with case studies gleaned from twenty years' experience preserving notable landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, Grant's Tomb, and Federal Reserve Bank. You can learn more about the event at their web site:www. traditionalbuildingshow.com
SUPERSTRUCTURES Staff Member Announces Book Release
SUPERSTRUCTURES is pleased to announce the recent publication edited by one of our very own - conservator Amel Chabbi: Recording, Documentation and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places: Illustrated Examples. This book focuses on case studies from around the world that highlight the successful use of recording tools to assist in conservation. Ms. Chabbi edited these case studies while she was on staff at The Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, CA. "Amel's work at the Getty was just one of the things that stood out on her resume, so we are happy to celebrate this milestone with her," said Joan Berkowitz, the Firm's Director of Conservation. The book is also available on-line, free of charge, at The Getty Institute's website, and is available in limited printed supply for libraries and educational institutions.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Staff Member Presents At International Conference
Amel Chabbi, SUPERSTRUCTURES conservator, and Professor Frank Matero of the University of Pennsylvania, presented a paper, "Preserving the Texaco Road Map Pavement: the Conservation and Display of a Pop Art Icon," at the annual International Committee for the Conservation of Mosaics (ICCM) conference occurred October 20-26, 2008 in Palermo, Sicily (Italy). The conference is entitled "Conservation: An Act of Discovery" and focuses on how a systematic and full documentation during the process of conservation can deepen one’s understanding of a mosaic, the technique or techniques involved in its execution, its context in which it was found and the historical vicissitudes it has experienced.
The 130-foot-by-166-foot terrazzo replica of a Texaco New York State Road Map was housed in Philip Johnson's New York State Pavilion and was an icon of the World's Fair of 1964-1965. The conservation process was incorporated into an exhibit, "Back on the Map: Revisiting the New York State Pavilion at the 1964-65 World's Fair," on display at the Queens Museum of Art. Four tiles were conserved in an open glass studio built within the museum gallery. Although the ICCM typically features conservation studies of ancient pavements, the Texaco Road Map Pavement conservation project was acknowledged as innovative and groundbreaking because the conservation approach furthers traditional techniques and ethics used in ancient mosaic conservation to address problems related to the conservation and presentation of a modern large-scale terrazzo pavement. If you would like more information on the ICCM and the conference visit their website.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Principal Honored
The Society of Indo-American Engineers and Architects (SIAEA) selected SUPERSTRUCTURES Principal Vikrant Sampat, PE as an honoree at their 28th Annual Holiday Dinner Dance held October 25, 2008 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City. To find out more about the SIAEA and their holiday gala visit their web site: www.siaeany.info.
Engineers Without Borders Meets At SUPERSTRUCTURES
SUPERSTRUCTURES hosted the New York Chapter meeting of Engineers Without Borders (EWB) on Wednesday, June 18, 2008. At the meeting, EWB introduced the organization to non-members, gave an overview of their current project: Matunda Site Assessment, and introduce a new project where members of EWB-NY recently traveled to El Salvador with a group of doctors to investigate the start of a public health initiative. The presentation included details on the project and how to get involved as a new volunteer.
EWB is a non-profit humanitarian organization established to partner with developing communities worldwide in order to improve their quality of life. This partnership involves the implementation of sustainable engineering projects, while involving and training internationally responsible engineers and engineering students. To learn more about EWB check out their web site: www.ewbnewyork.com
SUPERSTRUCTURES Expands Popular Seminar Program - First Ever Evening Sessions Offered
SUPERSTRUCTURES is pleased with the success of its first evening seminar series dedicated to the art of clay masonry for a sustainable environment. Since many of our projects involve brick façade restoration, it was natural that we welcome the Brick Industry Association to offer its AIA certified (HSW) presentations.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Director Appointed to RILEM Technical Committee
Barry Drogin, Director of Non-Destructive Testing and Evaluation was recently appointed to a prestigious RILEM Technical Committee. He is now a senior member of TC 216-SAM - Strategies for the Assessment of Historic Masonry Structures. For more details see the web page: Technical Committee 216-SAM RILEM is a French acronym for the organization, International Union of Laboratories and Experts in Construction Materials, Systems and Structures.
Mr. Drogin is also a member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Technical Committee 228, Nondestructive Testing of Concrete.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Conservator Makes the New York Times
Amel Chabbi, SUPERSTRUCTURES conservator, was mentioned the New York Times April 7, 2008 edition in article by David Dunlap. In addition to her work at SUPERSTRUCTURES, Amel is part of a team restoring several panels of a half-acre terrazzo roadmap of New York State from the New York Pavilion of the 1964-65 World's Fair. For more details see the article: "In the Tent of Tomorrow, a Faded Map of Yesteryear"
SUPERSTRUCTURES In the News
H. H. Richardson Complex - the 1870 campus once the home of the Buffalo State Asylum for the Insane. The article mentions SUPERSTRUCTURES role in stabilizing structures that have been abandoned for over 34 years. This is the Superstructures' third Dormitory Authority project in Buffalo, NY. SUPERSTRUCTURES is also providing construction administration services for the façade restoration of the Roswell Park Cancer Institute.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Presents at APTNE Symposium and 2008 Annual Meeting
Stephen E. v. Gottlieb, AIA, SUPERSTRUCTURES Senior Preservation Architect and Edward Rosen, AIA, Senior Vice President of Bovis Lend Lease will present a paper entitled "Great Adventure - Not The Theme Park: New Techniques and Repair Approaches." Their paper reflects the symposium's theme "Lessons Learned." The two are currently working on the GSA's construction management team for the restoration of the landmark U.S. Post Office in Brooklyn, NY. Their paper will discuss the pros and cons of approaching a restoration conservatively or using new techniques and the difficulties of gaining acceptance of new techniques.
The Association for Preservation Technology's Northeast Chapter held its 2008 meeting at the Whitney Humanities Center, Yale University, on Saturday, March 8, 2008. The event was co-sponsored by the Yale School of Architecture. SUPERSTRUCTURES is supported the event with a gold sponsorship and through the efforts of our Director of Marketing who sits on the APT NE Board of Directors
SUPERSTRUCTURES presents at The Traditional Buildings Conference
Joan Berkowitz our Director of Conservation was a featured presenter at the 2008
Traditional Building Exhibition and Conference March 14, in Boston, Massachusetts. She gave her AIA approved continuing education presentation: "Conservators: What Do They Do and Why do and Why Do I Care?"The talk is geared to well intentioned owners, architects, designers, contractors who need to know:
Lessons are illustrated with case studies gleaned from twenty years experience preserving notable landmarks such as the Chrysler Building, Grant's Tomb, and Federal Reserve Bank. You can learn more about the event at their web site: www.TraditionalBuildingShow.com.
SUPERSTRUCTURES Preservationist Presents to the AIA New York Chapter's Historic Building Committee
For those of us who missed him at the Association for Preservation Technology International's (APTI) annual meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico this past November, Hansel Hernandez will re-present his paper on the National Arts Schools of Havana Cuba at the Center for Architecture on January 30, 2008. The creation of The National Arts Schools constitutes a moment in which architecture aimed at breaking with the status quo of previous decades and creating a new society with a uniquely Cuban identity. What stands out about the schools, aside from their sensual, organic design, is the fact that they were made using traditional building materials and construction methods: brick, tile, and the Catalan vault as the main structural system. Construction of the schools came to a halt in 1965 leaving some of the structures in a ruinous state. The work presented here will look at the genesis of the project, its architects, and the materials and craftsmanship involved in the creation of a group of unique buildings, which reflected a novel and modern program. Please visit the AIA web site - www.aiany.org for details.
SUPERSTRUCTURES to host 2008 SDA Events
The Society for Design Administration - New York Chapter (SDA) has selected SUPERSTRUCTURES' classroom as the venue for their 2008 educational programs. The SDA is an affiliate of The American Institute of Architects, and promotes education and best practices in management and professional standards of design firm administrative personnel. Among the topics planned are: employment law, professional liability insurance and how to make your office carbon neutral. Please visit the SDA web site - www.SDANYC.org for details.
Two SUPERSTRUCTURES Staffers Present Papers at APTI Annual Meeting
Two members of the SUPERSTRUCTURES team will be presenting papers at Association for Preservation Technology International's (APTI) annual meeting to be held November 3-7, 2007 in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Both papers reflect the theme of this year's conference "Old World Technologies Adapting in the New World."
Charu Chaudhry's presentation will cover the assessment of grouts for structural stabilization of un-reinforced masonry structures in seismic areas. The presentation will elaborate a methodology of evaluating grouting as a strengthening technique for earthen structures.
Hansel Hernandez's paper will explore the interesting story of the National Arts Schools of Havana Cuba. Now sculptural ruins, the school's architectural design and building materials are part of Cuban history between 1961 and 1965.
SUPERSTRUCTURES to host SMPS Events
SUPERSTRUCTURES was pleased to be hosting the 2008 Professional Development Series organized by the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) New York Chapter. Dates and topics are:
February 21, 2008 - Analyzing your Marketing Return on Investment
April 17, 2008 - Proposal Boot Camp: Learn the Basics (& More) Without Breaking a Sweat
July 17, 2008 - Mapping Your Career Path: Finding the Road to Success
For information on up coming events, please visit the SMPS web site - www.SMPSNY.org for more information
Berkowitz becomes board member of the Historic Districts Council
Joan Berkowitz, our Director of Conservation has been appointed as a new Board Member of the Historic Districts Council. The Council advocates for New York City's historic neighborhoods. You can learn more about HDC by visiting thier web site: www.HDC.org
Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums 27th Annual Housing Conference
SUPERSTRUCTURES will be presenting a seminar at the 27th Annual Housing Conference on November 11, 2007, sponsored by the Council of New York Cooperatives and Condominiums (CNYC). Joan Berkowitz, Director of Conservation and Stephen Gottlieb, Senior Preservation Architect will explain how an investment in testing building materials and non-destructive evaluation can yield savings by focusing the scope of restoration work on the real problems and causes of deterioration. For more information regarding the conference, please visit CNYC's web site -www.cnyc.com
Back to School with Sharon Greenberger
SUPERSTRUCTURES hosted the Annual Principals Breakfast of the Society for Design Administration's New York Chapter on Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA) and E. Bruce Barrett, AIA, Vice President of Architecture and Engineering gave an informative presentation on the SCA's accomplishments, capital plans, and sustainability initiative.
The event attracted over 60 attendees including Rick Bell of the AIA, and principals of many of the A/E firms currently working for the SCA.
New Additions to Senior Staff
Joan Berkowitz, Director of Conservation
We are pleased to announce that Joan Berkowitz, formerly the president of Jablonski Berkowitz Conservation, Inc., has joined SUPERSTRUCTURES Engineers + Architects as Director of Conservation. Joan is one of New York's most recognized names in materials conservation and an active member of the professional preservation community. Prior to forming JBCI, Joan spent 10 years as an architectural conservator first with Columbia University's Center for Preservation Research, and then with the National Park Service. She has contributed to the preservation of some of the nation's most cherished landmarks including the Chrysler Building, Grant's Tomb, the Federal Reserve Bank, and Fort Ticonderoga. "Joan shares our dedication to advancing the art and science of exterior restoration," said Paul Millman, PE, RA, Principal of SUPERSTRUCTURES, "She brings the skills and experience that reinforce our ambition to be a center for professional practice, research, and education in exterior restoration, historic preservation, and conservation."
Joan's presence allows us to expand our offerings in applied science with services such as materials testing for the conservation of masonry, metal, wood, and glass. Beginning with a chance encounter at a Terra Cotta Symposium last autumn, Joan had several conversations with founding partners David May, RA, and Paul Millman. It became clear that SUPERSTRUCTURES and Joan share common values and that the firm would provide an ideal platform for the next phase in her accomplished career. "I am optimistic about the future – I find Paul and David quite thoughtful and open-minded in their approach which is really refreshing. At SUPERSTRUCTURES I will have the opportunity to provide services that compliment the offerings of an outstanding organization." said Joan.
As Director of Conservation, Joan intends to maintain her "hands-on" style which was aptly profiled last year in the New York Times. Reflecting both Joan's sense of humor and seriousness of purpose the Times' article describes Joan's "dirtiest job" ever – the documentation of Colonial-era walls found at the South Ferry Subway excavation under Battery Park. Joan celebrated the commission by buying a new pair of "knee-high waterproof clodhoppers" before crawling in the muddy trenches to document the walls so that they can be rebuilt elsewhere.
Joan will continue as Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's, Graduate School of Architecture, as an instructor for the "Conservation Workshop." "Continuing education is a big part of our firm's culture and Joan's teaching background will help us expand our in-house education program." said Millman, "We are confident that she is going to help the firm move forward on many levels, - with new services, introducing us to a broader base of clients, and by helping us to identify and attract the best and brightest graduates."
SUPERSTRUCTURES Staff Member Announces Book Release
SUPERSTRUCTURES is pleased to announce the recent publication edited by one of our very own - conservator Amel Chabbi: "Recording, Documentation and Information Management for the Conservation of Heritage Places: Illustrated Examples." This book focuses on case studies from around the world that highlight the successful use of recording tools to assist in conservation. Ms. Chabbi edited these case studies while she was on staff at The Getty Conservation Institute in Los Angeles, CA. "Amel's work at the Getty was just one of the things that stood out on her resume, so we are happy to celebrate this milestone with her," said Joan Berkowitz, the Firm's Director of Conservation. The book is also available on-line, free of charge, at The Getty Institute's website, and is available in limited printed supply for libraries and educational institutions.
