The Municipal Art Society (MAS) of New York announced their list of honorees for the 2014 MASterworks Awards last week. These annual awards are dedicated to buildings, completed the year previously in the city of New York, that exemplify a high standard of design, and make a significant contribution to the city’s urban environment. This year, all of these projects are located outside of the city center and cover a wide range of programming, from an African-American heritage museum, to a pencil factory addition.
Vin Cipolla, president of MAS said that “the 2014 MASterworks winners strike a great balance between groundbreaking design and historic preservation. We are thrilled that all the winners this year are in the outer boroughs, proving that design excellence is happening throughout the city.” See the full list of winners here, or take a look at the five major category winners after the break!
Best New Building: Weeksville Heritage Center/ Caples Jefferson Architects
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This building combines exhibition, performance, and educational spaces into a “sweeping gateway” that frames the historic site of a 19th century African American freemen’s settlement.
Best Restoration: Englehardt Addition, Eberhard Faber Pencil Factory/ Scott Henson Architect, LLC
The restoration of this factory combines all the necessary amenities for modern day use, while at the same time preserving its historic features and the aesthetic idiosyncrasies acquired during its lifespan.
Neighborhood Catalyst: BRIC Arts Media House & Urban Glass/ LEESER Architecture
Located in downtown Brooklyn, the BRIC Arts Media House and Urban Glass seamlessly brings together two cultural centers with an exciting and inviting aesthetic.
Best Urban Landscape: Brooklyn Bridge Park/ Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc.
Offering city visitors and residents alike unparalleled access to the New York waterfront, the Brooklyn Bridge Park has become a neighborhood landmark.
Best Adaptive Reuse: The Queens Museum/ Grimshaw Architects
This museum is hosted in the shell of the former New York City World’s Fair pavilion, taking advantage of the airy interior to complement the museum’s intent: to be open and engaging.
