Sir Terry Farrell’s statement on the AT&T Building proposals

AT&T Building Terry Farrell
The Sony Building’s base as seen from the street. (Courtesy roryrory via Wikipedia Commons)

LONDON – Sir Terry Farrell has issued a statement regarding the controversial plans to alter the base of the Sony Building (formerly the AT&T Building) in New York.

The AT&T Building designed by Philip Johnson is a hallmark of the Postmodern era and is subsequently a building of great importance to architectural history and indeed New York’s. Its iconic open pediment maybe its most recognisable and perhaps defining aesthetic feature, but further architectural flourishes can be found at the building’s base.

It is here that New Yorkers will be familiar with a grandiose stone entrance that is truly monumental in scale. This relationship with the street is precious and must be maintained for this how the people who walk past and use this building every day know it. Street frontage is integral to preserving an established sense of place and architectural permanence is pivotal to this.

It is encouraging to see so many already campaigning on the AT&T Building’s behalf and this work reminds me of the similar efforts made for the Comyn Ching Triangle. In this regard, I urge the Landmarks Preservation Committee (LPC) to follow Historic England’s example by granting the building the protection it deserves. Although the process to list Comyn Ching Triangle last year required some lobbying, the impact this had has been overwhelmingly positive, with additional Postmodern buildings being listed afterwards and seemingly more to come.

I understand that a “Request for Evaluation” has been formally submitted to the LPC. I sincerely hope that this is acknowledged and that a repeat of the Sasaki Fountain demolition, a feature that defined the Citicorp Centre’s equally monumental street frontage, does not occur.

7 November 2017

Street frontage is integral to preserving an established sense of place and architectural permanence is pivotal to this.

Sir Terry Farrell

AT&T Building Terry Farrell
(Courtesy Jim.henderson via Wikipedia Commons)