Learning From New York
Eight Lessons For The Post-Apartheid Architect
by Gareth Leonard, Senior Architect, GAPP Architects and Urban Designers
A
rchitects are arguably not the
greatest travel companions –
at least not when they are
put in charge of the itinerary
for a trip to New York. While
immersing yourself in the city’s canyon
like streets, parks, renowned museums
and iconic buildings may be one of your
lifelong dreams, two weeks is enough to
test even the most committed partner to
near breaking point. I did schedule a day
out to attend the US Open and a few late
morning starts, so I’d argue that I’m not
completely insensitive…
Personal dissent and grumblings about
my travelling style aside, New York is a
destination I would recommend every
architect explore. If you can avoid the
obvious tourist hunts and flaunted roman-
ticism attached to certain destinations, the
city is profoundly eye-opening.
From an urban design point of view,
South Africa and the United States share
a comparable age and history as