by AIA New York | Center for Architecture
AIA New York and the Center for Architecture’s annual gala, Heritage Ball, gathered nearly 1,100 professionals from the architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate industries at Chelsea Piers’ Pier. The event celebrated New Yorkers who demonstrate leadership, vision, and commitment to projects and initiatives that contribute to New York City’s status as a global design capital. This year’s honorees were WEISS/MANFREDI; Larry Silverstein, founder, Silverstein Properties; Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation; and Beverly Willis, FAIA, and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.
This year, Heritage Ball also celebrated the Center for Architecture’s 15th anniversary. Since October 2003, the Center for Architecture has become a leading cultural institution focusing on architecture and the built environment. In his speech, Benjamin Prosky, Assoc. AIA, Executive Director, AIANY | Center for Architecture, said, “The Center for Architecture has helped AIA New York grow from just over 3,000 members to nearly 5,700 today, allowed us to reach hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers and visitors, and enriched the lives of many thousands of students, teachers and families. We are grateful especially to the members and supporters who helped found and sustain us over the past 15 years.”
The Heritage Ball serves as the single largest funding source for the AIA New York and Center for Architecture; this year’s gala raised nearly $1.5 million.
President’s Award: WEISS/MANFREDi
The 2016 President’s Award recipient, WEISS/MANFREDI, was honored for standing at the forefront of architectural design practices that are redefining the relationships between landscape architecture, infrastructure, and art.
AIA New York Chapter Award: Larry A. Silverstein, Chairman, Silverstein Properties
Larry Silverstein receives this year’s AIA New York Chapter Award for his tireless work pursuing the growth and renewal of NYC’s people, businesses, and communities through philanthropy and his own projects.
Center for Architecture Award: Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, Commissioner, NYC Department of Parks and Recreation
Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP, is the recipient of the Center for Architecture Award his demonstrated commitment to equitable access to beautifully designed, well-maintained parks for all New Yorkers.
NYC Visionary Award: Beverly Willis, FAIA, and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation
The NYC Visionary Award was bestowed on Beverly Willis, FAIA, and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, recognizing her leadership in advocating for equal treatment, equal pay, equal opportunity, and equal recognition for women in architecture and related professions.
Scholarships
In appreciation of their significant contributions towards design excellence, AIA New York and Center for Architecture invited each award recipient to select an academic program to receive scholarships for one of its students. The following students were chosen by their respective programs:
Oonagh Davis – Cornell University School of Architecture, receiving a scholarship in honor of WEISS/MANFREDI.
Leslie Epps – The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, City College of New York, receiving a scholarship in honor of Larry Silverstein.
Alejandra Sanchez – Pratt Institute, receiving a scholarship in honor of Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver.
Quentin Yiu – Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation, receiving a scholarship in honor of Beverly Willis and the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation.
Thank you all who joined us at Heritage Ball 2018 and helping us carry out our mission to show that design matters!