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Begrisch Hall

Good
  • Brutalist
  • Identity of Building/Site
  • History of Building/Site
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Begrisch Hall

Site overview

Completed in 1961, Begrisch Hall stands in the southwest section of the Bronx Community College campus. During the late 1940s, New York University, then located in University Heights, embarked on a major building campaign. Many prominent architects participated, including Marcel Breuer, who was commissioned in 1956 to design a comprehensive master plan for the campus. Executed in exposed reinforced concrete, the trapezoidal structure features a pair of sloping cantilevers that spring from side-wall trusses and appear to defy gravity. These bold sculptural forms reflect specific programmatic requirements, enclosing a pair of steep-floored lecture halls seating a combined 250 students. Begrisch Hall exemplifies Breuer’s later career, a period when the architect frequently investigated the expressive qualities of reinforced concrete, anticipating such notable structures as the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Begrisch Hall

Site overview

Completed in 1961, Begrisch Hall stands in the southwest section of the Bronx Community College campus. During the late 1940s, New York University, then located in University Heights, embarked on a major building campaign. Many prominent architects participated, including Marcel Breuer, who was commissioned in 1956 to design a comprehensive master plan for the campus. Executed in exposed reinforced concrete, the trapezoidal structure features a pair of sloping cantilevers that spring from side-wall trusses and appear to defy gravity. These bold sculptural forms reflect specific programmatic requirements, enclosing a pair of steep-floored lecture halls seating a combined 250 students. Begrisch Hall exemplifies Breuer’s later career, a period when the architect frequently investigated the expressive qualities of reinforced concrete, anticipating such notable structures as the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Primary classification

Education (EDC)

Designations

New York City Individual Landmark, designated January 8, 2002

How to Visit

Campus tours available for prospective students and their families

Location

2050 Sedgwick Avenue
Bronx, NY, 10453

Country

US
More visitation information

Case Study House No. 21

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Designer(s)

Marcel Breuer

Architect

Nationality

American, Hungarian

Other designers

Architect: Marcel Breuer

Related chapter

New York/Tri State

Commission

1956

Completion

1961

Commission / Completion details

Commissioned by New York University: 1956Completed by Marcel Breuer: 1961

Original Brief

Beginning in the 1940's, New York University embarked on a campaign to further develop their campus - then located in University Heights in the Bronx. Marcel Breuer, already a famed architect by that time, was commissioned to design several buildings. He was asked in 1956 to develop a comprehensive design for the replanning and new construction of the campus. Five buildings were constructed from Breuer's plan, with Begrisch Lecture Hall being the most radical.

Current Use

Begrisch Hall is currently used for its original purpose - a building containing two educational lecture halls. However, though it was originally commissioned by New York University, it is Bronx Community College that now operates on the campus and utilizes all buildings.

Current Condition

The current condition is fairly good. It is generally in good repair, with no obvious major damage to the exterior of the structure. There is some water damage and discoloration to the exposed concrete, which appears to come from the metal facing that lines the meeting between the walls and the roof.

References

http://s-media.nyc.gov/agencies/lpc/lp/2110.pdf
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