The AIA New York chapter released a brief statement today announcing the immediate resignation of Executive Director Rick Bell:
“AIANY and Center for Architecture Executive Director Rick Bell has offered, and the organization’s Board of Directors has accepted, his immediate resignation. An interim Executive Director will be named next week and a search to find a new Executive Director will also begin at that time.”
Bell became executive director in 2001 and helped found the Center for Architecture on LaGuardia Place in 2003. He is regarded as having an influential role in raising the architectural community's involvement on policy issues like affordable housing, accessibility, sustainability, and waterfront use. He was also heavily involved in post-disaster programs like New York New Visions, a design and urban planning coalition that prepares recommendations for rebuilding Lower Manhattan following the 9/11 attacks.
4 Comments
Weird. Never sounds good when someone resigns abruptly. I'll be generous and say that he probably was disturbed that AIANY events are about 90% PR people. Or maybe that arch discourse isn't really about arch or buildings anymore.
Maybe something happened at the Legacy of Dan Kiley event last night at AIANY? Someone ask a PR person...
@Lightperson, I posit from your cynical comment that you do not know Rick Bell personally....or probably have never met the man?
Rick has been a pillar of the AIANYC community and has poured his proverbial blood, sweat and tears into making the AIANYC and its home, the Center For Architecture, a critical voice and place for any discussion around the design industry and design in general. It is because of his leadership, mentorship and dedication that the Center For Architecture is the hive of political, academic and social activity around the discussion of architecture and the positive role it can play in making our lives better.
I'm sure your comments would be more appreciated at TMZ.
The Center for Architecture was the only real spot for real discussion about architecture in New York, while the MoMA always fiddled around with their huge resources. Rick did a lot with a little. I was just saying (as others did) that it was strange and mysterious. I hope all is well with him... I was just taking a jab at the surrounding PR culture that the Center finds itself in now as a theory. Just hope all is well with him.
Sorry to offend rclark, not my intent. Center4arch4Life
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