We Met the Iron Chef!!

Not really though... he wasn't at his restaurant the night we visited, oh well.

So a lucky group of 12 architect students and 4 art students went to the Morimoto Restaurant on Wednesday night to see behind-the-scenes of a top notch restaurant. Stephanie Goto, a Cornell alumnus, gave us an architectural tour of the restaurant. We learned about the materials used for the construction of the ceiling, walls, stairs, chairs, you name it. We were also shown the inside of the prep kitchen that boasts a cryogenic freezer. Apparently fish has to be preeeetty cold to be the freshest at any time of the year...as in -70 degrees Fahrenheit. Stephanie also invited a few special guests: Annie Block, Editor of an Interior Design Magazine, and John Randolph, Development Director of Sciame Development. And if the night could get any better, we were treated to some delicious hors d'oeuvres. YUM.

New York Public Library

This morning, architecture and art students had a backstage pass to the New York Public Library. Before opening hours, we were led in through the main library area, the art section, and the maps department to learn how such a large operation can keep up with so many patrons. It's really a beautiful space...if my study (if I can afford even having one) ever ends up looking like one of the rooms in the NYPL...I'd be a happy, happy person.

We even got a glimpse of only a portion of the stacks, which stretch 2 city blocks and multiple levels into the ground underneath the city. I guess you need that much room to house over 4 million books. So overall I was impressed. Good call, Carrie Bradshaw. Maybe I'll get married here too.

Moving to the Big Apple

We've moved in!

On January 21, 2009 we officially became New Yorkers, or at least came one step closer. Our group of nine art students came from California, Chicago, New Jersey and Virginia, all eager to find our way in the hustle and bustle of New York City!! 12 architecture students are also here for the AAP program this semester. In the next few months, I hope you will get to meet all
21 of us!

I'm a second year art student. My mind's not made up yet about which concentration I will do, but I hope that this semester in the city will give me some idea of which future projects I will pursue. The city provides us with an infinite amount of opportunities--apart from the galleries, museums, theaters, stores and other large enterprises the city offers, there are so many nooks and crannies we have yet to discover--it's these little hidden treasures and surprises, unique to only New York City, that enrich our experience and give us something to not only talk about, but draw inspiration from. I for one have never seen full grown Caucasian men wearing ancient Chinese garb and riding on mopeds in order to advertise the coming of Chinese New Year...

We have wrapped up our first week of class. So far we've seen several Chelsea galleries and explored the area around our studio situated conveniently by Union Square. We've started to familiarize ourselves with the subway system, the pace and feel of the city and its inhabitants. And I think all of us are trying to strategize just how to make the most out of this program and get to know the city and use it to our advantage.

Today the class had a trip to Dia:Beacon, NY. Upcoming trips include one to the New York Public Library and the Morimoto Restaurant, so look forward to updates soon!