The Ubiquitous Karl Fischer
Karl Fischer, the architect who has designed 50 or so residential buildings over the past decade in Williamsburg alone (including 20 Bayard, above), is the subject of a profile in yesterday’s New York Times. The quotes range from the politely negative when it comes to Fischer’s aesthetics (“I think it’s fair to say that some…
Karl Fischer, the architect who has designed 50 or so residential buildings over the past decade in Williamsburg alone (including 20 Bayard, above), is the subject of a profile in yesterday’s New York Times. The quotes range from the politely negative when it comes to Fischer’s aesthetics (“I think it’s fair to say that some of his buildings have rubbed people the wrong way” says former CB1 land use chair Ward Dennis) to the reverential when it comes to dollars and cents (A lot of times good design and practical field measures don’t always align, but with Karl they aligned very well,” says Don Capoccia, who hired Fischer to design Schaefer Landing). Where do you stand on Fischer’s impact on the borough and its skyline?
Remaking the Face of Brooklyn [NY Times]
His work does help give Williamsburg it’s own unique “sense of place.” I call it post-industrial-warehouse.
I always wondered why Wburg/Williamsburg of late reminded me of Vancouver. Now I get it–massive Canadian influence!
I’m not a fan of Fischer’s buildings. I appreciate that he tries to create something other than a banal block, but to me they lack cohesiveness. Bayard Street along McCarren Park looks like a missed opportunity to design something elegant and inspiring.
But still, considering the size of some of his buildings, their sense of variety and whimsy makes them pleasant enough and far from the hulking bulks that others might have built, like the Edge.
Of all the buildings he’s designed, my favorite is actually the small Sevenberry at 120 North 7th. It’s understated, with an elegant symmetry and actually blends well with the older vernacular grey home next to it – http://snipurl.com/10fg3f [maps_google_com].
He’s an auteur, but not the greatest — perhaps more Michael Mann then Martin Scorcese.
Don Capoccia. What a name.
***Bid half off peak comps***
This is nice if you like that sort of thing. 🙁