Black in Historic Preservation: Ford Foundation Building Architectural Tour

an in-person event in NYC

Join us for an in-person tour of the Ford Foundation Center for Social Justice, a late Modernist, NYC Individual Landmark (1997).

During this in-person event, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the rich history and architectural significance of this historic landmark. Our knowledgeable Ford Foundation guide will take us on a journey through the building, highlighting key features and sharing insights into its design and construction.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to discover the hidden stories behind this renowned architectural gem. Book your spot now and immerse yourself in the world of historic preservation!

Architectural Style: Late Modernism

Original Architects: Roche-Dinkeloo [Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates LLC (KRJDA), led by architects Kevin Roche and John Dinkeloo], successors to Eero Saarinen's firm

Restoration Architects (since 1981): Hoffmann Architects + Engineers

Original Contractor: Turner Construction began construction in 1963 and completed the building in 1967.

Highlights:

• Considered the first large-scale architectural building in the U.S. to devote a substantial portion of its space to horticultural pursuits.
• Landscape architect Dan Kiley, led the design of its famous 12-story atrium with the notion of having indoor, urban green space accessible to all, which influenced the future incorporation of indoor public space in other urban buildings by owners and their design teams
• An early example of the application of environmental psychology in architecture.
• Read a synopsis of the Foundation's 2019 rehabilitation plans, by Ford Foundation President Darren Walker: click here

In support of a community of care and respect, Black in Historic Preservation practices the following Community Agreement and expects members, supporters, presenters, and attendees of events to do the same:

1- Do No Harm: We address issues without attacking people’s identities. We hold a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Blackness, racism, sexism, xenophobia, fatphobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, and hate speech.

2- We lead ourselves before we lead others: We address issues without attacking people’s identities. We hold a zero-tolerance policy towards anti-Blackness, racism, sexism, xenophobia, fatphobia, transphobia, ableism, ageism, and hate speech.

3- One Mic–Practice Active Listening: We allow others to speak and complete their statements and do not interrupt. Listen to understand before you make yourself understood. We balance between listening and speaking - also known as take space, make space.

4- What’s said here remains here–What’s learned here leaves: Everything said in Coalition meetings is confidential. We may all talk in general terms with others about the ideas we share in our discussions, but we will not attribute specific statements to specific people.

5- We feel and reveal our feelings: We hold space to allow each other to sit with our emotions; we do not pretend to know the breadth or depth of another person’s feelings or the most fruitful direction for their thoughts.

6- We embrace multiple truths: We speak our truth from our own perspective while seeking to understand truths that are different from ours. We embrace the complexity of being human and accept different perspectives and lived experiences.

7- We commit to generative conflict in which we all “win”: We see conflict as an opportunity. We lean into discomfort—we clarify, collaborate, and grow.

8- We collaborate in the spirit of reciprocal learning, teaching, accountability, grace, growth, and fun: We will not blame ourselves or others for getting something wrong on the first try. Instead of asking, “Who’s to blame?” We own our impact and ask, “What can we learn from this?” After we have learned new information, however, we will hold ourselves and others accountable.

Host or Publisher Black in Historic Preservation of wrkSHap kiloWatt