Carol Willis, Founder of the Skyscraper Museum
On October 4th at 50 United Nations Plaza, Manhattan’s premiere residential global address, over 120 guests were treated to an evening of elevated learning and discovery with talks led by a New York who’s who in the fields of architecture and urbanism. The event was co-hosted by 50 United Nations Plaza and The Skyscraper Museum, with expert speakers on the skyline’s history and urban landscape.
On a gorgeous night in NYC, guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres poolside, provided by Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events, while admiring a perfect view of the sunset, amplified through the penthouse’s panoramic vistasand private outdoor terrace. The night began with an introduction by Jill Mangone, Zeckendorf Development Director of Sales and Marketing at 50 United Nations Plaza, and remarks by Carol Willis, founder, curator, and director of the Skyscraper Museum.
Attendees toured all of the approximately 10,000 square foot duplex penthouse as they heard talks from experts on various aspects of New York City’s skyscraper landscape. Peter Han, managing partner of Foster + Partners, discussed influences that led to the design of 50 United Nations Plaza, the first Foster + Partners residential project in North America. Ken Jackson, renowned urban historian and editor-in-chief of The Encyclopedia of New York City, spoke on the meaning of Midtown’s omnipresent towers. Gina Pollara, a Cooper Union trained architect who currently heads her own consulting firm treated guests to a look into the design and development of the Louis I. Kahn designedFranklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, of which she is the former executive director. Jeff Kenoff, architect and Director at KPF, displayed renderings and discussed the upcoming 1 Vanderbilt Tower, which upon completion will become Midtown’s tallest office building. Architect and documentary film maker James Sanders evoked the romance of Manhattan in the movies with examples from his well-known book,Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies and Scenes from the City: Filmmaking in New York. Carol Willis spoke on her favorite Art Deco buildings, including the iconic Empire State and Chrysler Building, both clearly visible from the penthouse’s outdoor pool deck.
