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AGENCY TESTIMONY
Steven Chu's testimony for reappointment to NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission
0:19:26
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4 min
Steven Chu, an architect and current commissioner of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission, provides testimony for his renomination to the position. He outlines his experience, qualifications, and vision for preserving New York City's architectural and cultural heritage while allowing for necessary evolution and adaptation.
- Chu emphasizes his architectural background and experience working on culturally significant projects in NYC
- He discusses his understanding of balancing preservation with the changing needs of the city
- Chu expresses his commitment to protecting diverse historical sites across all five boroughs
Steven Chu
0:19:26
Good afternoon, and thank you chair powers and members of the committee for this opportunity to testify before you.
0:19:32
It is a great honor to be renominated for the position of commissioner of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission.
0:19:39
Having served as a commissioner for over two years now, I have gained experience and a better understanding of how to carry out the responsibilities of an LPC commissioner.
0:19:48
It has been a collaborative and rewarding experience working with my fellow commissioners and LPC staff to enforce Landmark's law in this constantly growing, evolving, and adapting city of ours.
0:20:01
As an architect, I've had the fortune to work for some of the city's most important institutions and had a hand in several cultural civic projects that have been approved by the LPC over the past thirty years, including the Brooklyn Museum, the Public Theater at 425 Lafayette, New York City Center, Carnegie Hall to name a few.
0:20:20
I'm currently a partner at Ennead Architects, formerly Polschek Partnership, where I've been employed since 1996.
0:20:27
My mentor and former employer, the late James Polshak founded the firm on principles rooted in the tradition of respect for context and belief that making architecture is an inherently civic act that comes with great social responsibility.
0:20:41
He taught me that a building must belong to its community and reminded us of the power of public space.
0:20:47
These are principles that have guided me through my years in the practice.
0:20:51
I believe that the experience I've gained in the practice of architecture will continue to benefit the commission.
0:20:57
In the past years, I've learned much about the process and dynamics of the commission and how to carry out its mission to protect New York City's architecturally, historically, and culturally significant buildings and sites.
0:21:09
Some areas where I feel that I have brought insight and value are understanding the perspective of architects coming to the commission and the challenges they may face technically and programmatically.
0:21:20
I also understand the flexibility they have in implementing a design.
0:21:24
There are many variables that need and should be considered when dealing with sensitive historic context.
0:21:30
I'm able to analyze the architectural and therefore historical characteristics of a building and or streetscape and apply that knowledge towards the design of a newly proposed architecture, experience in construction methods, project delivery process, and budgeting implications and their potential impact on the project at hand.
0:21:51
I have experience in designing various building typologies, cultural, educational, commercial, and civic.
0:21:57
I can bring some insight into the issues and factors involved in each building type and how they may affect the historic settings.
0:22:04
Understand the value of proportion, scale, and harmony.
0:22:07
There are characteristics that should be recognized in the historical context and reflected in the new work.
0:22:14
And I believe that the design concept and detailing to ensure proper execution and quality are both equally important in the proposal.
0:22:24
And finally, an understanding that the changing needs of the city, its institutions, residents, and visitors required upgraded facilities that must accommodate, that must be accommodated in the historic context.
0:22:35
I can only hope that the skills and experience I've gained continue to serve and be useful to the commission and the people of New York City.
0:22:42
The city represents the past, present, and future.
0:22:44
I understand that it needs to evolve, adapt, and change, that it can continue its tradition of being diverse, progressive, inclusive, and stay vibrant and relevant into the future.
0:22:54
If reappointed, I would do my best to apply the law to preserve and protect sites that reflect diversity in history in all five boroughs and ensure that they remain relevant and vibrant in the future years to come.
0:23:06
It is an honor to have served the past years on Landmark Preservation Commission.
0:23:11
I take this very seriously and the responsibility of reserving the history and culture of this great city.
0:23:16
It is my desire to continue to play a role in the stewardship and continue as it continues to adapt and meet and evolve the needs of the city and its diverse population.
0:23:25
Thank you for your consideration of my nomination, and I welcome any questions.