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
2019
JSP awarded the Fulbright Lifetime Achievement Award
2018
JSP wins the AIA Gold Medal
2014
Build, Memory is published by Monacelli Press
2010
The Jewish Museum opens
2007
Newseum/Freedom Forum Foundation, World Headquaters
2000s
2006
JSP appointed to the New York City Design Commission
2004
Princeton Architectural Press publishes Polshek Partnership Archictects
2004
Brooklyn Museum, Entry Pavilion and Plaza
2003
JSP receives AIA New York Chapter President’s Award
2000
American Museum of Natural History, Rose Center for Earth and Space
1990s
1998
The Santa Fe Opera Master Plan and Theater
1992
Brooklyn Museum Morris A. and Meyer Schapiro Wing
1992
AIA Architecture Firm Award to Polshek Partnership
1995
National Inventors Hall of Fame
1980s
1988
Context and Responsibility published
1988
Seamen’s Church Institute
1987
Carnegie Hall Renovation
1987
Brooklyn Museum Master Plan Competition
1985
500 Park Tower
1985
Office moves to 320 West 13th St.
1982
JSP founds Architects Designers Planners for Social Responsibility
1980
Firm name changed to James Stewart Polshek and Partners
1980
Carnegie Hall Master Plan
1970s
1978
Office moves to 19 Union Square West
1976
CUNY, Kingsbrough Community College Health and Physical Education Plant
1972
New York State Bar Center
1973
JSP appointed Dean, Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation
1972
AIA National Honor Award, New York State Bar Center
1971
Quinco Regional Mental Health Center
1960s
1965
Office moves to Madison Ave and 40th St.
1965
Office of James Stewart Polshek is established
1964
Teijin Institute for Biomedical Research
1950s
1956
Oster House I
1952
JSP marries Ellyn
1950
JSP enters Yale School of Architecture