Archtober (ärk’tōbər) is New York City’s Architecture and Design Month, the fifth annual month-long festival of architecture activities, programs and exhibitions taking place during the month of October.
Archtober presents special tours, lectures, films and exhibitions that focus on the importance of architecture and design in everyday life. The many participating organizations aim to raise awareness of the important role of design in our city and to build a lasting civic and international recognition of the richness of New York’s built environment.
The Archtober “Building of the Day” celebrates contemporary as well as iconic architecture in New York City with daily on-site tours, led by the architect. There will be a different building featured each day in October, beginning on October 1 with the Collaborative Research Center at the Rockefeller University.
Founded in 1901 by John D. Rockefeller Sr., The Rockefeller University was the first institution in the United States devoted solely to biomedical research, and it remains one of the foremost biomedical research centers in the world. Located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the University’s historic 14-acre campus was originally designed by Shepley Bulfinch in the early 20th century and redesigned by noted landscape architect Dan Kiley in the mid-1950s. In 2005, the University’s Board of Trustees approved a new strategic plan for the University emphasizing the importance of interaction, collaboration and interdisciplinary research. A cornerstone of the plan was the construction of the Collaborative Research Center. The project is the recipient of a 2013 AIA New York State Citation for Institutional Design.
The month also includes, workshops, talks, and more, including special exhibitions at various locations in New York City. Here are a few highlights:
Archtober Tours at the South Street Seaport Museum: Join the South Street Seaport Museum for a series of special lunchtime tours in celebration of Archtober! Tours will highlight the architecture of the Seaport District and the Seaport Museum’s historic buildings.
Cocktails and Conversations: Julian Zugazagoitia, Michael Manfredi, and Marion Weiss: This series of dialogues about design pairs a notable architect with a recognized critic, journalist, curator, or architectural historian to discuss current architecture and other design issues. Since you shouldn’t start Friday night without an adequate drink, we’ll provide a custom-crafted cocktails inspired by the architect’s work and created in-situ for this event.
Drawing Ambience: Alvin Boyarsky and the Architectural AssociationAn exhibition featuring formative works by architects who are among the most celebrated figures today—including John Hejduk, first Dean of the School of Architecture, Cooper Union professor Michael Webb, Cooper alumni Daniel Libeskind, as well as Frank Gehry, Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaas and Bernard Tschumi.
Hidden History of the Brooklyn Bridge: The iconic landmark, the virtual symbol of New York in the 19th century, has secrets hidden deep within its granite towers, as well as within its 140 year history. Secret vaults, underground rooms, and a fortified bomb shelter give the story of this structure a much richer and more interesting flavor than any other structure in the City. Walk with us as we reveal some of these hidden spaces and discover the stories behind the bridge.
Visit the Archtober website for a complete listing of the month’s offerings. Or, for guides and program information, visit the Archtober Lounge at the Center for Architecture or the Archtober Hall at the South Street Seaport Culture District. Additionally, more Archtober guides will be distributed at all participating organizations and preferred hotels. Visit the website for details.