Don’t forget the little things by Amy Clair Grisham

 

Senior, Nutrition / Dietetics, College of Human Sciences

The New York Stock Exchange, Lion King on Broadway, The United Nations, boutique hotels, fabulous food, Rockefeller Center lit up and the most amazing window displays set up for Christmas- all to say, I was excited about being a part of the amazing New York City with a wonderful group of people. Although I was excited about these grand adventures, when we arrived in the city I began to see the beauty it held in different forms. During most of life, people often look straight ahead, literally and figuratively- keeping their minds and eyes on the destination or task in front of them. The sites we saw and people we met were without a doubt inspiring, but for me, New York City is filled with thousands of treasures wrapped in the little things. This trip challenged me to view things from a different perspective- to look up, down, or around instead of straight ahead. This perspective allowed me to see how function meets art, the beauty in “the every day”, and how we must not forget to look not only straight ahead, but all around us.

The penthouse suite at the Gramercy Park Hotel was a treat to see. However, the most interesting aspect of the suite was something as simple as a light fixture:

And how chewing gum or a light bulb can be transformed to art:

Throughout the week I noticed how every day, simple objects were formed to something rare and beautiful. This challenged me to view things “out of the box”.

We met Franco the Great- A Harlem native who transformed garage doors into art. He has painted many murals around the area.

Perspective.

A different angle of Central Park:

Bath robes with a personal message:

“Enjoy me… Don’t pack me”.

Twigs create a light fixture and furthermore, a piece of art:

The Antique Garage, a local Turkish restaurant where all the furnishings, utensils, and art work were from antique stores. This table was found with original wine goblet stains.

And, goodness, we did not forget to look up:

Public Service in NYC by Lindsay Mercer

 

Topic: Public services for Quality of Life

In school at Auburn I learned that all professions, across any field, have one qualifier in common- they all must provide a service for public good. this trait is especially true for majors involved with the College of Human Sciences. There is no better example of a service for public good than that of the United Nations.

1. The UN general assembly room

2. The smaller room for meetings in times on conflict. There are 5 permanent seats and the other 10 are a rotation. This is a very fair and transparent system.

One of the most moving portions of the UN visit was anti war exhibit.3. Powerful quote defining the role of the UN and the UN’s role in peace keeping.

4. Emotion photography of children and the weapons-bearing role they are forced to play.

5. The destruction and the people left behind

6. One of my favorite parts of the tour were the child-like cut out posters of all the basic human rights the UN serves to protect

7. the secret stair case at the back of the building used by the President for a stealth entry

8. The building itself is a reflection for the public service provided by the UN. If I remember correctly the two sides of the building represent Knowledge and Wisdom- both of which are essential in the decision making process.

9. Design with the other 90% poster for housing solutions in 3rd world countries

10. Another powerful quote about education reminded me of how fortunate our group was to be getting this type of behind the scenes look.

Aside from the services of the UN, there was evidence of improved quality of life throughout the city! From aesthetics to building community, improved quality of life caught my eye everywhere we visited!

11. The New York Public Library provides a wonderful and valuable service to the city.

12. The NY Public Library is known as a beautiful example of architecture and revered as must see. Its free- making it a truly public treasure.

13. &14. Grand Central terminal is wonderful, beautiful example of successful public transportation. Essential to making NYC the city it is today.

15. Art in Harlem is considered a public service as it improves the quality of life of the surrounding areas.

16. Some art is uplifting and brings a sense of community and pride to the neighborhood.

17. &18. Politicians certainly act of the behalf of the pubic. Some take advantage of this role while others make a legacy out of it. This was at the base of a statue in Harlem honoring one of those great men of influence.

19. The IQLA awards themselves served as wonderful example of the impact one person can make for the good of others.

20. The Audubon Society protects birds, their environments and the availability for people to enjoy them.

21. The Audubon Society also showed us what social responsibility looks like through their amazing LEED platinum office space. This logo backed in reclaimed wood is the first sight off the elevator and set the tone for the natural, sustainable feel of the rest of the office.

Design of Spaces: A View from the Big Apple by Brad Roy

Senior, Human Development & Family Studies

This year, I had the pleasure to participate in the CHS International Quality of Life Awards in New York. Upon looking through my numerous photos once I returned home, I noticed many were that of public spaces – spaces that allot for simplicity, functionality, and efficiency. Aesthetic characteristics were also an integral part of these spaces. Aesthetic, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “artistic” and “pleasing in appearance”. It is interesting to note the impact spaces have on us in our function and productivity, as well as our visual and aesthetic cravings. New York offers an amazing variety of public spaces that promote these characteristics, which I will like to share with you below:

New York Stock Exchange, 15 Broad Street, trading floor. Notice if you will, the high ceiling, abundant light, and large space:

Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street. Lobby.

Audubon Society, 225 Varick Street. Although not unusual, pictures suspended on cable proves a great way to fill a vacant wall.

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. Featuring the lobby, notice the contemporary layout. Everything is simple in design, yet also innovative – the round suspended spheres are actually audio speakers!

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. Below is a close-up of the simple, yet beautiful lobby walls.

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. I instantly noticed the unique bathroom hardware of the hotel, which presents novel stimuli.

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. Featured below is a sample bed of the hotel. Notice the suspended lamp on the left, and the level of the bed.

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. The lower two photos are a soon-to-come terrace, featuring an outdoor pool, wet bar and grill. Other than design, the terrace was unique with its in-floor lighting and glass siding.

Hotel Americano, 518 West 27th Street. Outdoor dining offered beautiful light and greenery.

Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue. Below, the beautiful lobby.

Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue. A close-up of the detailed wood of the lobby columns.

Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue. Spacious Penthouse.

Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue. Below, an entrance onto the beautiful terrace, atop the hotel.

Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue. Our tour guide was very certain to point out that most hotels you visit around the states are chain hotels – in which there is a duplicated standard from hotel to hotel within the chain. At this hotel, like many other boutique hotels – the design represents that of the interests of the owner(s).

Crosby Street Hotel, 79 Crosby Street. Below, the lobby, looking into the courtyard.

Crosby Street Hotel, 79 Crosby Street. Below, the beautiful courtyard.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue. Among one of my most favored photos from the trip, is that of one of the stairwells within the MET. Simple, with much symmetry. Beautiful.

Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Avenue. Pictured below is “Office in a Small City”, by Edward Hopper (as displayed within the MET). This oil on canvas is very appealing – but why? Perhaps it is through the simple symmetry and the room’s openness to the outdoors.

Pictured below is a restaurant in Harlem, featuring beautiful interiors with ample light.

United Nations Headquarters.

The Setai Fifth Avenue, Bar & Lounge.

The New York Way of Life by Laurin Sanders

By Laurin Sanders

Senior, Interior Design, College of Human Sciences

As a student on the IQLA Study Tour my eyes were opened to a realm of New York that I’ve never experienced before. We were provided with many opportunities rare to the common tourist that would have never been possible without the generous contributions from donors and the College of Human Sciences. Although this was my 4th visit to the “Big Apple”, the exposure we were given made this visit unlike any other.

I tried to discern what the difference was between this experience and all the others, and I think that it truly lies behind the phrase “quality of life.” You can travel to New York and ride to the top of the Empire State Building, buy a hotdog on the corner, or take a walk through Central Park. Sure. However, until you meet the people dedicated to the quality of life in the city and how they make a difference, you haven’t seen the heart of New York City.

Throughout my time there I tried to capture (in photographs) how the people we met and places we visited influence the quality of life in the city.

Our first adventure began on Wall Street.

 9:00 a.m. Friday. Business men and women hurrying to their offices. Wall Street is known for being a large financial district in New York City. It is the host of the New York Stock Exchange, the largest and most important stock exchange in the world. The NYSE is dedicated the responsible trade and committed to ethical and fair transactions.

We were given the opportunity to watch the opening bell at the NYSE thanks to our wonderful tour guide (and Auburn Alum) Tara Dzeidzic.

Later that evening we we toured the Audubon Society and were able to speak with a lovely women who is an advocate for rescuing birds in the city. We also met Olivia Bouler, ASPCA’s Kid of the Year and one of our IQLA award recipients. Olivia was disheartened at the sight of wildlife smothered in oil during the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. To raise support for the birds she began drawing and painting. Olivia has now raised over $200,000.00 for the Audubon Society and the oil spill. It was a pleasure meeting Olivia and learning more about the Audubon Society.

We were sponsored tickets to go see the Lion King after we left Audubon. I am so thankful we were given this opportunity. Broadway is the mecca of performing arts on the East Coast, and it was exciting to see some of the world’s most talented individuals on stage. I was inspired by the show and how musicals attract people from all walks of life from many different places.

The next morning we went on a tour of 3 boutique hotels with Katy Law, an Auburn grad who works for Design Hotels. Her passion for providing unique and memorable hotel experiences was inspiring. We toured the Americano, the Grammercy Park Hotel, and the Crosby Street Hotel. We had brunch at the Crosby and it was definitely a treat. My favorite part of the meal was the appetizer: heirloom tomatoes and barrata cheese. Ok- enough about food. The hotels were beautiful. Each exemplified a completely different personality, so it was interesting to see which people were attracted to which hotel. The boutique hotels are a good alternative from the “cookie-cutter” hotels we are used to, and truly utilize good design techniques.

Top: Hotel Americano. It opened 3 months ago and its design style is modern/minimalist.

Middle: The Crosby Street Hotel. It is a LEED Gold building and utilizes vibrant, whimsical colors in its design. Its environmental design promotes quality of living in the built environment.

Bottom: Grammercy Park Hotel. It is one of the most prestigious areas of New York and is known for hosting many celebrities. The design reflects 1930s style and places influence on art and detail.

Since I love food… I can’t NOT mention it in this article. New Yorkers pay special attention to food. Good food. Each restaurant we visited provided us with the best quality of service and the best food presentation I have ever experienced.

Next up: The Metropolitan Museum of Art. It is home to many famous pieces of art and art exhibits. My favorite was a tour of vignettes from the French Neoclassical era. It portrayed furniture in spaces that looked similar than they would in the time of Marie Antoinette. The MET has been dedicated to preserving art and providing an opportunity for the common public to enjoy it. It has truly an enjoyable and educational experience. The photograph below is the front facade of the Gallery of American Art. It currently features Frank Lloyd Wright’s furniture exhibit.

The next morning we toured Harlem. Contrary to the common belief, Harlem is a thriving community that takes pride in its “Renaissance.” This community faced much adversity but has proven its ability to overcome.  It is known for the Apollo theatre, Brownstone buildings, and historic churches.Here’s our tour guide. Her passion for the people and history of Harlem was truly inspiring.

 This man has made it his mission to add style and interest to building facades and storefronts in downtown Harlem. He is well known by the locals and his paintings can be seen throughout the entire community.

There are many churches in Harlem with many different denominations. The common factor of all the different churches is their quality of service to the community. We were able to attend a service at the Memorial Baptist Church. It was certainly an uplifting and joyous occasion. This photograph above is actually a funny story. It is located next door to a church that has different opinions than it does, so they wanted made it evident that they are a separate entity through this sign.

Our last day on the study tour was in the United Nations building. The United Nations believes that we are all citizens of the world and they promote peace amongst nations. Our tour guide was from Kenya and we had a speaker from the Middle East. It was exciting to see the many different people with one common goal: peace.
 Human Rights
 UN’s exhibit to show efforts in promoting a better living standard in underdeveloped countries including education, healthcare, and shelter.

Above: The General Assembly. Ambassadors from many different nations meet here for meetings and to vote on decisions concerning the United Nations.

Later that evening was the Internaional Quality of Life Awards ceremony. It honored Frederick Smith (founder and CEO of FedEx) and Olivia Bouler (ASPCA’s Kid of the Year).  Other guests included Contessa Bruer from MSNBC, several Board of Trustees members, the Honorable Mike Hubbard, and Dr. June Henton. It was inspiring to hear Fred and Olivia speak passionately about their efforts in promoting quality of life. We certainly enjoyed an evening of fellowship, fine dining, and motivating speakers.

Below:

1. Interior Design students at the IQLA event.

2. The College of Human Science’s friends from Italy

3. The Hubbards, Dr. Henton, Dr. Giles, and Dr. Warfield. We are thankful for their contributions to the College of Human Sciences!

Overall, this experience has exceeded the expectations of every student on the trip. I am so thankful for the preparation and for those who provided us with the hotel, tours, dining, and the entire New York Experience. I am so honored to be a part of the College of Human Sciences, and this experience has shown me how unique and rewarding my academic experience has been because of the faculty. This is an experience I will never forget and has certainly challenged me to use my talents and gifts to make even a small difference in my community. I will certainly encourage students to apply in the future.

P.S.

On a side note, since we’re talking about QUALITY… check out our hotel, the Setai. Each night the covers were turned down, cookies were on our pillow, and jazz music was playing. There was even a television in the bathroom mirror. We were definitely pampered with our hotel accommodations!

The End!

Laurin Sanders

lms0011@auburn.edu

Big Apple Christmas by Brittany Brennan

By: Brittany Brennan

The first week of December is a magical time in New York City. Christmas decorations, holiday music and enthusiastic shoppers are prevalent in the city during this time. Each year the atmosphere gives local New Yorkers and tourists the warm holiday feeling and certain traditions are something New York City is famous for. Millions of visitors come to the city to see the famous Rockefeller tree and ice skating rink, the Macy’s tree, windows at Bergdorf Goodman and the Radio City Music Hall. December is the best time of the year to visit New York City and the Christmas traditions and decorations create a unique and warm holiday atmosphere.

The world famous Rockefeller Plaza Christmas tree is a long standing holiday tradition that began in the era of the Depression. The official tree lighting began in 1933 and has only attracted more popularity over the years. This year, NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Show featured performances by Justin Bieber, Faith Hill and Michael Buble. In 2007, the tree began using LED efficient light and after the first week in January the tree is recycled for its wood for various purposes. Thousands of people love to come and see the hundred foot tall tree and ice skate in this world famous plaza.

Another holiday tradition is shopping at Macy’s off Fifth Avenue in the world’s largest department store. The lighted tree is something that attracts tourists and local New Yorkers to begin their shopping and checking off items on their Christmas list. We shopped in the six levels of this world famous Macy’s store and found many great deals on Christmas presents for our friends and family.

These illuminated stars were located right outside Macy’s and is their symbol of their slogan “the magic of Macy’s.” Their special promotion for this holiday season is “a million reasons to believe” and Macy’s will donate a dollar for every letter to Santa they receive.

This four story Christmas tree was located inside the Trump Tower. It was exquisitely decorated and was adorned with large red bows and floral arrangements. We did not expect to see such a regal and beautiful tree when we took a small detour to see the inside of the Trump Tower.

Simple and small decorations such as this snowflake were found around the city. It is a small reminder of the holiday season and puts a smile on any Christmas lover’s face.

This Christmas tree was located at The Crosby Street Hotel and the ornaments and decoration fit in with the theme of artwork throughout the hotel. I love the songbird ornaments balanced out with the large gold balls. This was one of my favorite Christmas trees we saw in New York.

This table setting was located in The Crosby Street Hotel and the antique looking Christmas trees blend in to the eclectic feel of the décor in the hotel.

This Christmas Tree was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It was adorned with beautiful angels and lights. This tree was a magnificent portrayal of the holiday spirit and a central attraction for the Metropolitan Museum.

Radio City Music Hall is the world famous venue for the Rockettes. Their Christmas spectacular show is a main attraction in New York and a wonderful show with great choreography and costumes. This tradition began in 1933 and has been a sell out success for eight weeks out of every year since its debut. It is a MUST SEE to get into the holiday spirit.

F.A.O. Schwarz is a world famous toy store and we were able to shop and feel like a five year old again. A nutcracker doorman welcomed us into the store and we looked at all types of toys from life size lego’s of Captain Jack Sparrow to the Grace Kelley Barbie doll. We also loved the F.A.O. Schweets and all types and sizes of candy.

The New York windows at Christmastime are a beautiful portrayal of the holidays that feature incredible detail and design. The windows at Bergdorf Goodman were stunning and adorned with beautiful jewels, materials and great detail. I loved the mono-colored theme and different textures used in each window. They were spectacular to see and would be a MUST SEE when visiting New York in Christmastime.

This tree was on the roof of the store booths in Bryant Park. Bryant Park is an outdoor shopping market that has many Christmas themed stores and many gift shops to find the perfect holiday presents. It also has an outdoor skating rink to enjoy the winter festivities.

On the streets of New York, you can find fresh Christmas trees to buy for the locals’ apartments. This brings a wonderful wintergreen scent to the streets and serves as a holiday season reminder.

Harlem was also decorated for Christmastime and I loved the random decorations that were off the beaten path. This light post adorned with red and white streamers created a candy cane imitation and I loved the simplicity. It is the small decorations that are so special and unique to see in the big city.

A makeshift Christmas shop was located alongside a busy road in Harlem. You could buy Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and gifts in this outdoor seasonal shop.

And last but not least, even the NYC hotdog stands were decorated with tinsel and a cheery hotdog salesman. New York in Christmas time was incredible and the best time of year to go. From the annual holiday traditions to the small details of holiday spirit in the city, Christmas brings a warm and giving feeling to local New Yorkers and tourists alike.

Art in the Big Apple by Kelli Hoggle

Topic: I chose the topic of art. Being in NYC there is art in different forms everywhere you look. It was interesting to me because I was able to see where artists, fashion designers, interior designers, architects, graphic designers, etc. receive their inspiration. Most of the time they just have to walk outside their front door and they are able to experience multiple cultures, arts, colors, ethnicities, music, etc. It’s no wonder why hoards of actresses, artists, designers, and people of the like flock to the Big Apple with hopes of expanding their creativity. Art is relatable to the quality of life in that it stimulates creativity in people, gives mankind an outlet to express their emotions, stories, and ideas.

Gentleman practices his skills with inspiration from another work of art.

[Metropolitan Museum of Art]

African American style graffiti mural.

[Harlem]

Artisanal talent in ancient jewelry making. Pattern, metalworking.

[The Metropolitan Museum of Art]

This piece used real butterfly wings.

[Gramercy Park Hotel]

Beautiful window design.

[Bergdorf Goodman window display]

Harlem history publicly portrayed on the streets.

[Franco the Great]

Architectural art. Very intricate designs and figures in cement medium.

[Trinity Church]

Painting by local NYC artist and friend of Kay Unger/

[Kay Unger design house]

Graphic design.

[Audubon Society magazine room]

More street art with graffiti and print media.

[Crosby Street]

Art used in hotels to create a mood and inspiration for guests.

[Gramercy Park Hotel-Andy Warhol]

Self-expressive graffiti on side of a building, and worn, yet beautiful coloring over brick.

[Outside Crosby Street Hotel]

Ancient wood carved doors from the Middle East.

[The Metropolitan Museum]

Creative display of clothes, incorporating art with luxury clothing design.

[Fendi window display]

Artisan pattern on an armoire.

[Crosby Street Hotel]

Brands pay attention to ever detail, even the exterior of the store, for hopes of attracting more customers and expressing the brand image.

[Exterior wall of a store called Desigual]

General graphic media/graffiti mix.

This was a digital video played on the wall in front of the Rockefellar Christmas tree. This type of art is out of the ordinary.

This form of art was more subtle, though still very impressive and intricate.

[Lego store]

Shoe wreath in tune with the Christmas season and in line with the brand’s image.

[Nine West window display]

Interior Spaces of NYC by Savannah Roberts

This post illustrates how the design of interior spaces enhances the quality of life of its users. I spent an incredible week in New York City with fellow students and we discovered many parts of the city that most of us had never seen. We visited the broker floor of the New York Stock Exchange, the fashion studio of Kay Unger, Hotel Americano, the Gramercy Park Hotel, Crosby Street Hotel, Grand Central Terminal, and the headquarters of the United Nations. In all of these buildings, I witnessed beautiful and functional design. My favorite visits were to the hotels. I loved the dissimilarity in the spaces and the stark contrast in design principles as our tour progressed. Thank you for veiwing, and please enjoy the photographs!

The pictures above are of the New York Stock Exchange. It was such a treat to visit this very private area in the operation of the Stock Exchange. An Auburn Alumni named Tara gave us a tour of the broker floor. We heard the opening bell ring in honor of a J.P. Morgan merger. The room was incredibly busy and crowded, and our group of 18 had to stay in a tight pack to keep out of everyone’s way.

The photo above was taken at Kay Unger’s fashion design studio. Another Auburn graduate named Erin gave us access into their office. We got to take a peek into the back rooms of the studio, where all of the preliminary designs are imagined. We even got to meet Kay Unger herself! She has a beautiful story of trial and error, which eventually led her into success.

These images were taken inside of a brand new hotel in Chelsea called Hotel Americano. This hotel has been open for a short time of 3 months. It is, without a doubt, the most minimalist hotel that I have ever had the pleasure of visiting. It was evident from the clientele that the hotel attracts a young demographic with trendy and creative personalities. I loved the VIP lounge in the basement of the hotel, and the calm vibe that resonates within it.

These photos were taken inside the historic Gramercy Park Hotel. This hotel is basically a museum that you are allowed to stay inside. The hotel is home to the owner’s art collection that is worth over 5 million dollars. The vibrant decor and plush materials are extravagant, yet welcoming. The hotel has been visited with esteemed guests such as Lady Gaga, Tom Cruise, and Al Pacino. My favorite room is shown in the last image in the list above. How cool is the light bulb installation in the small lounge?!

This image was taken at the Crosby Street Hotel. This hotel was my favorite in our tour of New York City boutique hotels. I love the bold patterns and exciting colors that are distributed throughout the space. We got to eat lunch at the Crosby Street Hotel with our host for the day, Katy. I took the photo above because I love the painting of the dog, paired with the lovely textiles that covers the arm chairs.

I loved seeing Grand Central Terminal! The two images above were taken in the gallery of this New York landmark. It is such a gorgeous space. I like the dramatic lighting and the immense volume of the space. I think that it must be one of the most beautiful interiors in the whole city.

The images above were taken in the headquarters of the United Nations in New York City. These rooms provide the setting for some very important decisions and conversations that happen between the nations of the world. I cannot believe that I was given the privilege of seeing these very private spaces. I was told that the larger space was at one point an ice-skating rink, which lends insight into why the shape of the space is so interesting. I hope to someday visit the UN again, and I think that it would be so neat to view a meeting from the back of one of these rooms.

Harlem: Quality of Life

By: Carl

As we began our journey through the neighborhood of Harlem, our guide informed us that the local economy was on the rise. After decades of decline up until around 1990, and a series of false starts since then, the neighborhood finally seems to be experiencing real upward momentum. Old businesses like the Lenox Lounge are flourishing, and Starbucks opened a cafe. Local restaurants are profitable, just like the haircutting and Christmas tree businesses. Sylvia’s recently had to add a third dining room to accommodate the growing tourism industry. As the economy in Harlem gains ground, quality of life will keep improving.

Harlem’s children appear to be in good hands. Whether they win the lottery and go to private Charter School’s, or attend historically prestigious schools like Rice High School, they’ll get an education that will serve to increase their quality of life. They’ll also get to take advantage of the neighborhood’s parks like Mount Morris Park.

Real estate is presumed to have a causal role in the improvements seen in Harlem’s economy, and quality of life. This is due largely to a governmental program that sold property rights of the many Brownstones in the neighborhood to anyone who pledged to improve them. Brownstone prices have since skyrocketed, some of the nicest ones being valued at over 3 million dollars.

There is no question that recycling leads to increased sustainability and quality of life.

In a neighborhood that is historically prone to domestic violence, community programs and initiatives aimed at preventing these disturbances have been effective in improving the quality of life of the neighborhood.

Harlem is a historically religious community, home to many churches of various religions. On our tour, we were able to attend a church service. It was a motivating experience in itself, and during the sermon the pastor asked that we give so that those who don’t have, can have. With all the churches in Harlem providing such an uplifting environment for its residents, and spreading wealth to those who don’t have it, quality of life is sure to keep going up.

Manhattan Metropolis! By Susanna Foster

Design and Architecture influence everyone whether they realize it or not. Everywhere we look, there is a building, with an interior and exterior that tells a story and has a story of it’s own. As an Interior Design major at Auburn, the Architecture and Design in New York City amazed me. However, surprising to most people is the drive behind design and it’s actual definition of creating a space for the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Design must be functional, accessible, up to code, innovative, as well as ashtectically pleasing. Being in New York City, I got to see even more implementation of design and how it not only realtes to the culture surrouding it, but is a safe and healthy environment for the public to enhance overall quality of life. The Platinum Leed certification of the Audubon Society office is a great example of enhancing quality of life by reusing materials, using safe non-toxic adhesives and materials, which helps the environment as well as the health of the employees using the space. In my photos below, I have illustrated the vast array of architecture throughout the city that appealed to me. While each space is designed using different aesthetics, the most important part of a building is how it addresses the people using it, catering to their needs and improving overall efficiency.

Hotel Americano Cafe

Hotel Americano Club/Lounge

Gramercy Park Hotel

Gramercy Hotel Park Lobby

Gramercy Park Hotel Lounge

Gramercy Park Hotel Pent House

Gramercy Park Hotel Terrace

Crosby Street Hotel Interior

Exterior of the Crosby Street Hotel

Crosby Street Hotel interior

Old Teresa Hotel in Harlem

Brownstones in Harlem

St. Patrick’s Cathedral!

Sleek Modern Hotel Room at the Setai

Interior Lobby of the Setai Hotel

Embellished Ceiling of the NYSE

NYSE building

Lobby of the Audubon Society

Audubon Society Office

Facade of NYC Apartment Building

People and the quality of life by Anna Campbell

When we begin to discuss topics revolving around the enhancement of the quality of life, topics such as philanthropy, giving, and service deeds are brought up.  Topics such as art, food, and culture can also be part of enhancing one’s quality of life.  At the basis of all of these things are people.  People in your life and the people dedicated to the enhancement and advancement of others lives make all of it possible.  Without people, nothing would be possible.  I feel that without friends and family to enjoy life with, we would not have the quality of life that is possible.  My blog entry surrounds people and their role in enhancing my quality of life as well as others quality of life.

1. I first must say that the success of the trip had much to do with the wonderful people in the New York Study Tour trip.  The first day when we went to our hotel, The Setai, we were greeted with so much hospitality.  It was so wonderful to be in a place where the people were always there to lend a hand.  This showed how little task, such as holding a door or helping to hail a cab, can always encourage and cheer others up.

2. Does this picture even need a caption?  Diamonds are a girls best friend.  Even though nice and fancy things are wonderful, it only matters if you have people to share it with.

3. This picture goes along with #2.  In this picture we are shopping on 5th Avenue.  I know personally I can’t afford to shop at most of these stores on the best shopping street in the USA, but I still enjoy going there and looking and seeing.  It is not about the things that you can buy on 5th Avenue but the experience you share with others when you go there.

4.  Here we are pointing at a large snow flake in the middle of the street on 5th Avenue.  This picture reminds me that something so simple, such as an over sized snow flake, can always make people smile.

5.  FAO Schwarz is the most famous toy store in the world and walking in I know exactly why.  This store puts a smile on everyone’s face. From the life size Lego statues, to the “big piano”, to the barbie foosball table, this store is bursting with fun and it makes people happy.

6. Christmas, Christmas, Christmas.  The tree at the Rockefeller Center may be the most famous Christmas tree in the world.  This one tree transforms a whole city into a Christmas center.  For me, this tree reminds me to enjoy the simple things in life, such as a Christmas tree.

7.  The New York Stock Exchange was one of my favorite parts of the trip because it was something I had little prior knowledge of before.  The stock market world is something that I can little grasp on how all of it works so I am thankful that there are people out there who get it.  Going here made me realize how different people are and how different everyone’s brains works. It was really cool to see an inside look at an aspect of our world I have never seen before.

8. Character’s on the street were so fun to see (even if they were wearing backpacks and asked for a dollar after the picture)! It was especially fun to see how excited little kids got when they say these characters.  It is always fun to go back to your childhood years and take a picture with loved cartoon characters.

9. Look past the people and to the building: Radio City Music Hall.  I think that the best enhancement for the quality of life is the arts.  Inside radio city beautiful dancing and singing take place year round.  Because of other people and their talent, we are given the opportunity to experience art at anytime.

10.  This is a picture in the lobby of the building where the Clinton Global Initiative is located.   The Clinton Global Initiative is all about the humanities and helping other people.  This organization would not be possible with out the help of other people.  People who have a lot and give to those who not are a perfect example of how we can personally enhance the quality of life for those who are less fortunate.

11. I love Broadway.  Everything about it, from the lights to the songs.  To me, it is so much fun to go and watch talented people preform.  A show like The Lion King is so fun because it reminds us of a classic from our childhood.  Being able to share the experience of the bright lights on broadway with others is really what makes it so great.

12.  Times Square is unbelievable to see.  The displays and lights are one thing, but the thousands of people packed into one street intersection is crazy.  All of the people all wanting to see the infamous times square.  The people are what make the experience of times square great.

13.  This picture is in the Gramercy Park Hotel pent house with the Interior Design students.  Going through these hotels the design was breathtaking.  The wide variety of designs were unique to each hotel.  All three of the hotels visited, the interior design is what defined each space.  Interior design, and interior designers, have the ability to shape and enhance spaces people live in for the better.

14. I think we all can agree that the lunch at the Crosby Street Hotel was definitely a highlight of the trip!  I think we also can all agree that the company we ate with is what made it so great!

15.  I loved being able to take a break from the hustle of the city and see central park.  In my mind, nature has the greatest impact on ones quality of life.  Having a nature oasis is the perfect place for people in the city to enjoy the outdoors.  It was refreshing to see people enjoying nature in the mists of the great big city.

16. St. Partick’s cathedral is the biggest in the world.  Again, the common theme of how important people are to places and events arise.  The part of what makes Christianity so great is the friends you make.

17.  I loved this trip because we got to experience once in a life time events, such as cocktail parties at 5-star hotels, with great friends!

18. The International Quality of Life Awards is honoring people who make other people’s (or animal’s) lives better.  This trip has really shown me that the people you are around make every event in your life better.

19.  Inside the International Quality of Life Awards we got to see many of the people who made our trip possible.  The generosity of others definitely can increase everyone’s quality of life!

20.  Lastly, a little humor never hurts anything.  Joking about “hotdog quotas” or having a “farewell hotdog” always makes me laugh! And laughter can definitely make a person happy!

My post was about the people that make others lives better.  In life, friends and family are really the most important thing.  This trip was fabulous but it was the people that I was able to share it with made it better!

-Anna Campbell