Diller, Scofidio and Renfro

We went to the incredible architecture firm, Diller, Scofidio and Renfro where Junior Architect Kumar Atre showed us the legacy of the firm's work, and discussed what it's like to work for a company like this.  Then, Jac Mautner gave us a tour of the model shop, and a tour of one of the firm's flagship projects- the Highline!

            The Highline has been a spot of great historical importance and artistic inspiration for some of us Scholars. However to meet the architecture firm that designed and oversaw the construction of this marvelous landmark is priceless.

Located in the melting pot of Chelsea, the firm’s offices were aligned desks with cluttered papers of plans and ideas.  Beautifully made models were scattered throughout the room. There we met a junior architect and the workshop manager.   They gave us a simple history of their firm’s past projects; the reconstruction of the Lincoln Center and the designing of Julliard’s music building. Their style was obvious and elegant.   Julliard’s newly constructed building was sophisticated in its glass structure and modern interior design. The rooms were made to embrace the art of the musicians and the musicians themselves.  Their plan of their unfulfilled public park demonstrated their understanding of space and respect of the environment. This is greatly demonstrated all along the Highline, crowded with plants and flowers.
            After the intro, they gave is a tour. First we closely examined their wondrous craftsmanship in making extremely detailed and accurate models. Then they showed us their workshop. The walls were crowded with tools and materials.  Tables with “models in the making” and materials seemed to almost overflow the tabletops.   At the end of the day, we found ourselves once again on the Highline and saw it with new eyes.   ----Abigail Carrillo