book launch

Recently, Kurt's friend sent him a link to a book launch party for Geologic City: A Field Guide to the GeoArchitecture of New York. I had absolutely no idea what it was about but it was free and I was promised wine.

The book was produced by Studio X, a department (?) of the Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation at Columbia University, and the party was held in their studio space.

While I don't think I can even recount what the book is about, it was interesting to see explore another school's studio space. They have a view of the new World Trade Center buildings...

...the Hudson River...

...and the Empire State Building. Not too shabby compared to our sight lines out of Dudley Hall, right?

From what I could gather, the exhibit was all about rocks and minerals and how the city is shaped by them. It also mentioned how within the past 50 years or so, our civilization has begun to make a lasting impression on the earth itself.

Timeline detailing the life of the sun, the earth, dinosaurs, etc. It's a nice reminder of how our time in this world is such a speck in the grand scheme of evolution. Perspective, anyone?

Jenn and Kurt having a deep discussion about geology...or was it skiing? (Not such different topics, I guess) Either way, I tuned out and focused on my wine. It was a nice warm up for Fashion's Night Out. Stay tuned for that post!

back to school

I'm imagining this will be Kurt and I as we embark on our first day of school.

I have always (mostly) liked school. Learning new things was fun and I was pretty good at it. However, I was not so successful in studio courses and it stressed me out, so I have taken a lengthy learnin' break after my time at Auburn. If I were a good little architect-in-training, I would be taking ARE classes and studying for my exams. I'm dragging my feet on that, so instead Kurt and I are taking a Spanish class together! (In my defense, there was a Groupon from Fluent Brooklyn. When NCARB starts offering Groupons, I will get moving on the architecting.) 

Anyway, Spanish! I'm super excited. The Spanish speaking population in NYC (and the rest of the country) is huge, and no matter how much we Americans stick our heels in, that's not changing. When I'm at work, a large percentage of on-site workers are of the Hispanic persuasion. You would be surprised how often I run into a communication barrier. Although I don't foresee becoming fluent (or even remotely close) after one dinky course, I think it is a good basis to have. Let's hope I can stick with it and actually use it! I'm afraid Kurt is going to be much better than I am (Italian and Spanish are almost the same thing, right?) but I'm hoping we will be able to practice together. However, I'm not sure he is yet aware of my obsession with being an A+ student. Our relationship might not make it through this course! Wish us luck!