WHY: From “Modern Architecture in New York”

“One should not overlook the flavor of the fast-disappearing older structures which testify to the sophisticated, cosmopolitan and international atmosphere of Manhattan’s yesteryears…  The contrast of the old with the new, of century-old cast-iron facades with sparkling chrome, glass and steel, is part of the city’s drama and endless fascination.”

- “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City,” The Museum of Modern Art and the Municipal Art Society of New York, Prepared by Ada Louise Huxtable; Distributed by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Third Printing 1966.

WHERE: Bonnier’s Inc.

“Still one of New York’s best-designed shops, Bonnier’s gains it particular effect from a two-story-high glass façade, through which can be seen the main selling floor and the setback balcony of the second floor, above.  This arrangement of façade and interior facilitates the use of attractive window displays of dramatic verticality.  Attention to architectural detail, as in the carefully studied divisions of the storefront and its well-designed lettering, the brick end wall carried through from exterior to interior, and the striking balcony and open stair, are pleasingly in character with the superior Scandinavian crafts and furnishings that the store promotes and sells.”

- “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City,” The Museum of Moern Art and the Municipal Art Society of New York, Prepared by Ada Louise Huxtable; Distributed by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Third Printing 1966.

Image via Google.

WHEN: Fifth Avenue Motors, demolished 1964

“The utilization of limited space for maximum effect is demonstrated with unusual clarity by this automobile showroom for small foreign cars.  The exterior is particularly noteworthy for the dramatic way in which the architects have divided the rather awkward high façade into a series of horizontal bands featuring the repeated name “Volkswagon”.  This well-designed lighted plastic lettering is not only singularly successful shop and product identification, but also makes a handsome esthetic pattern of the store front.  The interior, white and starkly simple, gives this small, economical car a kind of stripped down jeweler’s setting.”

- “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City,” The Museum of Moern Art and the Municipal Art Society of New York, Prepared by Ada Louise Huxtable; Distributed by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Third Printing 1966.

Image via Google.

WHAT: Asia House

“A small museum and headquarters for the Asia Society and Japan Society occupy the former site of two brownstones [at 112 East 64 Street, Philip C. Johnson, architect, 1959].  The façade is tinted grey glass outlined in white and is in its way as great a contrast with the existing brownstone fronts as Edward Durrell Stone’s grilled residence on the same street.”

- “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City,” The Museum of Moern Art and the Municipal Art Society of New York, Prepared by Ada Louise Huxtable; Distributed by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Third Printing 1966.

Image via Google. Note: The building is currently the home of the Russell Sage Foundation.

WHO: Edward Durrell Stone

“This remodeled brownstone [at 130 East 64 Street] – the architect’s own home – present a pierced terrazzo screen to the street, behind which the typical narrow, deep New York town house been converted for contemporary living.  The white exterior screen wall protecting the glass façade has become the signature of the designer, who has used it variously for a United States Embassy in New Delhi, India, the handsome American pavilion at the Brussels World’s Fair, and a number of commercial and residential structures.’

- “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City,” The Museum of Moern Art and the Municipal Art Society of New York, Prepared by Ada Louise Huxtable; Distributed by Doubleday & Company, Inc., Third Printing 1966.

Image via Google.

WEEKLY Ws: Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City

In 1958 the Municipal Art Society of New York and The Museum of Modern Art jointly sponsored walking tours devoted entirely to modern architecture.  Ada Louise Huxtable prepared four tours covering midtown Manhattan.  A small pocket book titled “Four Walking Tours of Modern Architecture in New York City” based on her mimeographed handouts was published in 1961.  This week we’ll share excerpts from this amazing little book.