World-renowned architects Richard Meier and Peter Eisenman came “home” Monday to Columbia High School, where they spoke and answered questions from a large, enthusiastic audience. The two men — both CHS grads — discussed architecture, their careers and growing up in South Orange and Maplewood.
The event was a highlight of the 2nd Annual Maplewood Ideas Festival, presented by Maplewood Memorial Library and featuring lectures and events with renowned authors, architects, innovators, artists and visionaries — all free.
To see the rest of the Ideas Festival lineup, visit the Maplewood Library webpage.
Meier’s achievements include the Getty Center in Los Angeles and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Barcelona. Among many worldwide projects, Eisenman designed the University of Phoenix Stadium, which hosted this year’s Super Bowl, and the Berlin Holocaust Memorial.
The men were introduced by Library Director Sarah Lester, Senior Librarian Amanda Eigen and Maplewood Mayor Vic DeLuca. Eigen grew up in the same building with Eisenman in Manhattan, Lester noted.
Meier and Eisenman talked about their work, and how the “New York 5” evolved out of a few meetings the five men had in the early 60’s to discuss the buildings they were working on at the time. They told the crowd about how each of them discovered architecture and how they met at Cornell University, and described the influence Cornell and CHS had on their lives.
“They had a great time, found the discussion and the audience rewarding and enjoyable, and were sincerely happy to be back in Maplewood,” said Lester.
All photos are credit of Joy Yagid. To view the photo gallery below, click on any photo to begin.
