The true importance of architecture lies in its ability to solve human problems, not stylistic ones. A building is too permanent and too influential on public life and personal comfort to be created primarily as “public art.” Modern abstractions or nostalgia cannot themselves generate ideas for structures of lasting value. Only buildings that serve broadly defined social, political or cultural objectives can achieve this.

James Stewart Polshek
Context and Responsibility, 1988

James S. Polshek Timeline

James Polshek’s narrative/story unfolds against the backdrop of dramatic social, political, economic, environmental, and technological developments and upheavals that profoundly shaped his world view and his approach to architecture.

 

 

2010-Present

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2019

JSP awarded the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Award

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2018

JSP wins the AIA Gold Medal

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2014

Build, Memory is published by Monacelli Press

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2010

The Jewish Museum opens

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2007

Newseum/Freedom Forum Foundation, World Headquaters

 

2000s

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2006

JSP appointed to the New York City Design Commission

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2004

Princeton Architectural Press publishes Polshek Partnership Archictects

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2004

Brooklyn Museum, Entry Pavilion and Plaza

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2003

JSP receives AIA New York Chapter President’s Award

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2000

American Museum of Natural History, Rose Center for Earth and Space

 

1990s

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1998

The Santa Fe Opera Master Plan and Theater

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1992

Brooklyn Museum Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing

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1992

AIA Architecture Firm Award to Polshek Partnership

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1995

National Inventors Hall of Fame

 

1980s

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1988

Context and Responsibility published

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1988

Seamen’s Church Institute

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1987

Carnegie Hall Renovation

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1987

Brooklyn Museum Master Plan Competition

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1985

500 Park Tower

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1985

Office moves to 320 West 13th St.

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1982

JSP founds Architects Designers Planners for Social Responsibility

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1980

Firm name changed to James Stewart Polshek and Partners

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1980

Carnegie Hall Master Plan

 

1970s

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1978

Office moves to 19 Union Square West

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1976

CUNY, Kingsbrough Community College Health and Physical Education Plant

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1972

New York State Bar Center

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1973

JSP appointed Dean, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation

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1972

AIA National Honor Award, New York State Bar Center

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1971

Quinco Regional Mental Health Center

 

1960s

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1965

Office moves to Madison Ave and 40th St.

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1965

Office of James Stewart Polshek is established 

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1964

Teijin Institute for Biomedical Research

1950s

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1956

Oster House I

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1952

JSP marries Ellyn

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1950

JSP enters Yale School of Architecture