Letter from the Editor

I often think routine could be my downfall. I enjoy changing things up from time to time, ushering in the new and not settling for the mundane. Change and the element of surprise actually feels refreshing, sort of like a renewed sense of freedom and brings with it change of scenery, ideas and, for me at least, a change in spirit. After the year that we’ve had, I think we can all appreciate experiencing something new and there’s nothing like a new year to start switching things up and trying new things. A year ago, I changed PYLON into the member magazine that it is today and with your help, I think that change was worthwhile. Many times we hold on to things as they are because that’s the way they have always been, but I believe in constantly seeking out change and innovation. This is the reason why we’re changing things up this year. In the spirit of creativity and making sure that PYLON can sustain different iterations into the future, we’ve decided to try putting out seasonal issues this year. I’m also trying out new ways of having members participate at a higher level–and I have started with having Nadeen Hassan, Assoc. AIA be a Guest Editor for this issue.

I’d like to continue making each issue this year a bit different while still holding on to the ideals that PYLON started with. I hope that you will shift gears and continue to go on this ride with me so that we can create meaningful change together!

“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them. About the only thing you can’t do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

— ROB SILTANEN

TALISHA L. SAINVIL, AIA EDITOR IN CHIEF

SECRETARY@AIABROOKLYN.ORG 718-797-4242 WWW.AIABROOKLYN.ORG

“As a woman in architecture, you’re always an outsider, it’s okay, I like being on the edge.”

— ZAHA HADID

As I type my first Guest Editors letter, there are many things that I can dive into and talk about; however, the best thing I can come up with, at this very moment, is, “What a year this has been.” This past year was filled with surprises, grief, and hardships. To me, adaptation was a needed skill for many to push through. Typically, right before the new year begins, it is a tradition for me to grab a piece of paper and pencil to set new resolutions and goals for the year. But I think it is safe to say that what we have learned from 2020 is life can be extremely unexpected and filled with surprises.

For this new year, I did not grab a piece of paper to document my resolutions for the year but focus on the small things that bring me joy. In 2021, I will try to enjoy every good moment that comes and find small pieces of joy that keep me going. This idea inspired PYLON’s first issue of 2021, reflecting on celebrations and joys that did happen in 2020: such as updates or new co-chairs from our committees including, Historic Resources, Urban Design, Women in Architecture, CRAN, and Brooklyn Design Awards.

With this issue dedicated to celebrations, I enjoyed reading about many women’s works within architecture in honor of Women History Month. It was refreshing to read about their journey, goals, accomplishments, growths, and advice for the next generation of women who want to pursue architecture. Take a step in their shoes and read about their journeys as mothers, principals, students, and student advisors.

Finally, while you flip through this issue, I want you to think about how did you cope with all the unexpected events that happened, what brought you peace, what put you at ease, and what did you celebrate?

I think one good thing that did come out of the year was people’s connection and resilience. That personalized connection, meeting someone face to face, was missing throughout 2020. But it is remarkable to see how quickly people maintained some human interaction, even if virtual, amongst one another. I hope we connect beyond Zoom by writing and showcasing our work through PYLON. To all of my fellow AIA Brooklyn members, I urge you to continue participating in this publication. Say anything. I encourage you to celebrate and share your pockets of peace that keep you going every day.

NADEEN HASSAN ASSISTANT EDITOR

SECRETARY@AIABROOKLYN.ORG 718-797-4242 WWW.AIABROOKLYN.ORG

Dear AIA Brooklyn Members, The recent jarring murders of six Asian women begs the sad question, Will we ever learn to love each other? These women are hardly the first Asian people to be targeted this past year because of their race and ethnicity, but their terrible deaths have awakened us once again to the hatred, prejudice and injustice in this country that we cannot ignore and must act to end. As we stated just nine months ago and must restate now: As an organization of professionals and as human beings, we should demonstrate that we are willing to rise to the challenge that this moment in our history has presented. We must be actively anti-racist. AIA Brooklyn stands in solidarity with the Asian community by denouncing ALL racial inequality and violence.

We at AIA Brooklyn continue to be committed to intervening to bring about change. We are advocating for required continuing education to include credits in the subjects of equity, diversity, and inclusion; we are expanding the scope of our Scholarship Foundation to reach students at the high school level, in the hope of nurturing the growth of minorities in architecture while creating lasting bonds to support their success and we will continue to be an active voice in the chorus of equality, human rights and fairness for ALL.

The importance of recognizing a hate crime and reporting it is made clear by Neal Katyal, Law professor and Supreme Court lawyer (from his “Courtside” podcast of 3/21/2021, on the Atlanta murders): A hate crime is “a crime of violence that is motivated by some sort of animus based on race or other characteristics; it is not a stand-alone offense, it is an enhancement of another crime… Criminal law is not just about sentences, it is about labels. It is about reflecting a person’s offense and labeling it the correct thing… The point of criminal sanctions is to make the community whole again… You can’t bring the victims back, but you are able to reflect the gravity of the offense – to label it what it is and allow the community to repair itself. Calling these crimes just murder does not capture the gravity of what happened. The crimes are broader than the individual victim… If you see an incident, report it.”

JOHN H. HATHEWAY, JR. PRESIDENT TALISHA SAINVIL SECRETARY

RAYMOND PEEBLES PRESIDENT-ELECT JANE MCGROARTY TREASURER