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September 14, 2009
An Open Letter to SHoP Architects Regarding Atlantic Yards
Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn laid out the arguments against Bruce Ratner's Atlantic Yards megaproject in an open letter to the partners of SHoP, the architectural firm responsible for the new designs of the new Nets arena:
Dear Mr. Sharples, Mr. Sharples, Ms. Sharples, Ms. Holden, and Mr. Pasquarelli:
We understand that your practice has been recognized widely as one of the most promising and innovative young architecture firms in New York, as well as in the United States. It is clear that you all have a real commitment to furthering your profession through your innovative approach to practice as well as through your teaching. Thus we are writing this letter of concern in response to last week's announcement that you have joined Forest City Ratner's project team for the Atlantic Yards development proposal.
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We hope that as practitioners and teachers of architecture that you will hold yourselves to a higher standard as it will set an example for your students, as well as other members of your field, by choosing not to be engaged with a project with so many ethical problems. You are best known for pursuing a "third way" in architecture. But with this commission, sadly, you have chosen the wrong way.Of course we understand that the current economy is particularly difficult for architecture firms, but please understand that many of us have sacrificed much in the past six years of opposition to this project.
On these grounds, we urge you to reconsider your involvement. And we will be pleased to meet with you and discuss these issues.
Posted by lumi at September 14, 2009 5:11 AM