Much of NYC’s architectural history is found in its cultural buildings. Unfortunately, however, many of them have also fallen into various states of disuse and disrepair over the last several decades. But that doesn’t mean they’re obsolete. Finding ways to creatively adapt and reuse these structures for evolving programs and future purposes is not only more sustainable than building new – it also helps preserve much of what NYers and visitors alike love about the city.
On March 10, Angel Ayón and Sanika Kulkarni from AYON Studio shared their knowledge of the adaptive reuse and redevelopment of historic churches and theaters with Historic Preservation master’s candidates at Pratt Institute’s Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment (GCPE).
Setting the stage with AYON Studio’s own work — from St. Paul’s German Evangelical Lutheran Church and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and concluding with Times Square Theater and Flushing RKO Keith’s to the Nitehawk and Theater 80 — their presentation focused on the specific challenges and opportunities commonly found in these types of buildings. They also shared a range of global case studies: theaters that were turned into gyms, sports and e-sports arenas, bookstores, grocery stores, and parking garages; as well as churches that were converted into performing arts venues, residences, hotels, restaurants, co-working and event spaces – and even tattoo studios and skate parks!