NYU’s Daily Student Newspaper
WASHINGTON SQUARE NEWS Vol. 42, No. 20
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2014
nyunews.com
Midterms got you down? Treat yourself to a spa day on a dime.
WSN talked to photographer Thomas Card about his book “Tokyo Adorned.”
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HOUSE on PG. 7
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Report outlines space allocations The University Space Priorities Working Group detailed how new space could be used in the NYU 2031 plan.
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The university must refocus its efforts on improving existing facilities.
TOKYO on PG. 5
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NYU 2031 overshadows other projects
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SPA on PG. 4
Tokyo youth defined in fashion
COURTESY OF THOMAS CARD
Spas offer affordable packages
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Group finalizes NYU 2031 proposals By KAVISH HARJAI
The University Space Priorities Working Group issued their final report, which provides their recommendations for how NYU should use space in the NYU 2031 Expansion Plan, on March 4. The Working Group hosted a press conference regarding the report that morning. Some of the group’s main recommendations include redeveloping Coles Sports Center to provide 80 new classrooms; performance, student study and life space; a new athletic and recreation center; a freshman residence hall; and housing for 100 faculty members. Ted Magder, Steinhardt professor and chair of the Working Group, said after considering various
GRAPHIC BY LYANNE NATIVIDAD/WSN
WORKING GROUP cont’d. on PG. 3
NYC band sets example WSN interviews ‘Grand Piano’ team for independent artists By MOHAMED HASSAN
By ALEXA SPIELER
The Met brothers, otherwise known as AJR, claimed a homefield advantage in New York as they played before an audience at Gramercy Theater on Feb. 19. Adam, Jack and Ryan Met make up AJR, a band that has spent much of their career playing before strangers rather than fans. They began performing in Washington Square Park about eight years ago. Jack Met, the youngest brother, explained the band’s musical style. “[Our music combines] genres of old
’60s music and newer, contemporary hip-hop,” Jack Met said. AJR has produced songs that pay tribute to their childhood in New York City such as “Growing Old on Bleecker Street.” Jack Met said performances in Washington Square Park were extremely nerve-wracking. Now the Met brothers are rarely nervous, as they have faced the challenges of performing to no audience and, perhaps worse, performing to an audience of unimpressed New Yorkers. AJR’s independent mentality sets them apart from other pop groups and
AJR continued on PG. 8
Eugenio Mira may be a relatively new name in American cinema, but the Spanish director and composer has received international acclaim from “The Birthday,” “Agnosia” and his most recent work “Grand Piano.” This original thriller features Mira’s close friend Elijah Wood as the protagonist. In an exclusive interview with WSN, Mira and Wood spoke about their relationship and experiences filming “Grand Piano,” a suspense film about a brilliant composer (Elijah Wood) who is still recover-
ing from a breakdown during his last performance when a mysterious voice (John Cusack) orders him to play a flawless concert to keep himself and his wife alive. The duo first met at the film festival Fantastic Fest in 2011. “I met [Wood] in the most incredible environment and surrounded by the most excellent and exclusive film people in the world,” Mira said. “I was there with three Spanish directors. Nacho Vigalondo, one of the three, had been emailing Elijah and we all just had a secret meeting. We sung karaoke and drank together,
and I just formed this great impression of Elijah.” Mira ran into Wood again at 2013’s Fantastic Fest and they discussed “Grand Piano.” After reading the script, Mira felt strongly that Wood was meant for the lead role. His producers sent the script to Wood, who was enthusiastic about the project. “I read it immediately because I wanted to work with [Mira],” Wood said. “I was so excited at the prospect that this fun that we had shared at this festival could actually manifest, and being able to
ELIJAH continued on PG. 8