A STUDY OF VAN ALEN INSTITUTE

A Study of Van Alen Institute

This case study of Van Alen Institute in New York City involved interviews, archival research, and participant observation to understand the organization and their work in hosting annual design competitions since 1904. A number of contemporary social theorists have articulated the need to transform spatial practices and cultural institutions such as Van Alen are in a unique position to mediate between the visions of individual “insurgent” architects and dominant socio-economic forces. This study focused in particular on the Envisioning Gateway competition which aimed to generate ideas for Gateway National Recreation area, composed of a number of sites around New York Harbor. The competition received 95 submissions from around the world and was judged by a panel of 12 prominent design professionals. The study takes lessons from Gateway and other competitions to discuss the impact they have on architectural production.

Related Projects: Socially Responsible Design

Related Materials: Van Alen Analysis Paper, Van Alen ACSA Presentation