LANDSCAPE RESTORATION
"The real value of Noguchi's art is explicitly revealed when we stop to consider how they fit into modern American architecture. Most probably, the deciding intention of Noguchi's art is the allowance of play of these irrational objects in the rational space of architecture. What is always uppermost in his heart is the question: How to meet Modern Civilization?" --Shuzo Takiguchi, Noguchi (Tokyo: Bijutsu Shuppan-sha, 1953)
Ken Smith Landscape Architect & Landscape Agency New York were commissioned around Christmastime 1999 to 'restore' the plantings at SOM's seminal 1952 Lever House. In the process of researching the project an unbuilt Isamu Noguchi scheme was unearthed, influencing the subsequent 'restoration' effort. The renovated building and landscape should re-open in late 2002 with many surprises on the ground and within. As of December 2001 RFR Realty (which recently purchased the Seagram Building) is as yet wrapped up in an exacting and exquisite restoration of the glass curtain wall and interior spaces.The Lever House Landscape Restoration Plan received an ASLA Design Merit Award in 2004 ...