| |
|
|
| 2000 Designees |
|
 |
Edgar J. Kaufmann Conference
Rooms
new york city
threat: Removal of historic interior features; lack of landmark
protection
The penthouse of 809 United Nations Plaza
in New York City is a rare sight to behold. It contains the Edgar
J. Kaufmann Conference Rooms, the creation of an internationally
acclaimed master in modern architectural design, Alvar Aalto. The
rooms are one of only three projects in the United States designed
by Aalto (1898-1976), a renowned Finnish architect. Now, the three
rooms are facing an uncertain future. The owner, Kokuren Shien
L.L.C., plans to convert the conference rooms into offices, destroying
Aalto’s masterpiece. Once the owner was made aware of the
importance of the rooms, they offered to give the removable portions
to anyone willing to pay for the cost of removal. They also agreed
to wait 90 days before commencing with demolition. That agreement
expires this month.
|
|
|
