Westbeth Artists Housing
It’s My Party Wall: A Space-Sharing Chronicle
By Brian Holland and Andrew Bruno and John Vogt
"In the building you live in: go and call on your neighbors; look at what there is on the party wall, for example; confirm, or belie, the homotopology of the accommodation. See what use they have made of it; […] try to imagine on what a collective existence might be based, within the confines of this same building."
– Georges Perec
Prologue: An apartment at Westbeth Artists Housing
“Dammit, I’m out of cadmium red again,” Mel thought to himself, realizing he wouldn’t be able to finish the new painting until he ordered more online. His daughter used to resupply him in these situations, but it’d been six years since she fled New York in search of cheaper rent, and longer still since there were any artist supply stores in the Village. Mel raised his daughter in this maisonette apartment, which he’d occupied since 1979, and never missed an opportunity to point out that it was designed by two of the city’s most distinguished architects (Richard Meier and Tod Williams). He’d always been grateful for his affordable life as an artist in Manhattan, but these days the space felt rather gloomy; he wished there was someone to share it with... (figure 1)
1: An adjoining apartment
Dee and Mel both laughed at the memory. Ethan, Dee’s artistic partner-in-crime had convinced her the rigging was secure. “It’s a tough building—it once housed Bell Labs!” But as she feared, the anchor came loose, and the sculpture collapsed in dramatic fashion, punching through the side wall. Dee and Mel had always been friendly but never realized their spaces were adjoining until that moment (Westbeth is notoriously labyrinthine). It proved to be a creative match made in heaven; they widened the hole to join their studio spaces, and the first double-maisonette was secretly established. (figure 2)
2: A building inspection
Dee was sure the game was up when FDNY discovered their illegal modification, but surprisingly, officials determined the conjoined units improved code compliance by introducing a second means of egress. News of the innovation spread, and other residents followed suit. Each of these new apartment pairings was different, due to the spatial complexity of the maisonettes.
3: Elsewhere in the building
New and larger apartment aggregations are established throughout the building, connecting three, four, and sometimes five units. The intensity of social and artistic collaboration reaches its highest level in years, and Westbeth reopens its waiting list to support these new micro-collectives. Dee, Mel, and Ethan now live in a quad apartment with six other artists; they renovated to create shared kitchens, bathrooms, and common spaces, while devoting more space to studios and bedrooms. In the courtyard’s north wing, there is a three-floor apartment dedicated to theater and performance art; the south wing hosts a sprawling network of painting and sculpture studios; still others support eccentric lifestyle combinations. (figures 3, 4, 5 and 6)
Epilogue:
Disagreements, break-ups, deaths, and social discord. Blockades are put up, and apartments are subdivided again. These newly partitioned units often differ from Meier’s original plans, according to the circumstances of combination and separation. Dee and Mel still enjoy sharing their space, for now… (figure 7)
Figure 1. A single unit
Figure 2. A double unit
Figure 3. Unit aggregation diagram
Figure 4. Space-sharing diagram
Figure 5. Courtyard section showing unit aggregations
Figure 6. A triple unit
Figure 7. A unit undergoing subdivision
1791 Comments – Login to comment
heatheranderson · Mar 12, 25 9:59 pm
Thanks for sharing this wonderful information, visit my site for more information. https://sites.google.com/view/free-information-gt/owaiskhatri · Mar 13, 25 12:07 pm
souravtripathi · Mar 17, 25 4:20 am
Devi Palace Hotel and Resort in Udaipur is the perfect choice for those seeking the best resort in Udaipur. Ideal for weddings, this luxury hotel near Annanta Resort offers stunning venues and top-notch service. If you're looking for a hotel in Udaipur that blends elegance and tradition, Devi Palace is the one!
https://hoteldevipalace.com/
sumitguptill · Mar 17, 25 6:39 am
The Jenna Ortega suit showcases her sleek, modern style with a perfect blend of elegance and edge. A must-have look for fans who love bold and sophisticated fashion.https://www.celebsmoviejackets.com/jenna-ortega-mtv-awards-2023-suit
techmatrite · Mar 19, 25 8:10 pm
Love this concept—adding some spacing could enhance it further new zealand visa application process for israeli citizensowaiskhatri · Mar 20, 25 11:26 am
This article is a must-read for anyone interested in this topic. It's well-researched, well-written, and full of valuable insights. hair transplant turkeyowaiskhatri · Mar 20, 25 11:38 am
The structure of this post made it easy to follow along and understand the key points being made. Thank you for making the content so accessible! hair transplant istanbulyusufahmed · Mar 20, 25 11:50 pm
Comfy is a standout brand in Kuwait, offering a delightful range of Kids' and Ladies' wear. With a perfect blend of style, comfort, and quality, Comfy ensures that every piece meets the modern family's needs. Whether you're looking for trendy outfits for your little ones or elegant options for women, Comfy has something for everyone. A go-to destination for those who value fashion and comfort!
https://comfy-kw.com/
sxtpcnnhàmáy · Mar 22, 25 4:24 am
TAKEDA – NHÀ MÁY D??C PH?M HÀNG ??U V?I CHU?N M?C QU?C T?
???? Takeda – D?n ??u Công Ngh? D??c Ph?m Toàn C?u ????
https://takeda.vn/
V?i h?n 240 n?m kinh nghi?m, Takeda là m?t trong nh?ng t?p ?oàn d??c ph?m hàng ??u th? gi?i, tiên phong trong nghiên c?u và s?n xu?t d??c ph?m ch?t l??ng cao. Nhà máy d??c ph?m Takeda ???c xây d?ng theo tiêu chu?n GMP kh?t khe, ?ng d?ng công ngh? tiên ti?n ?? mang ??n nh?ng s?n ph?m an toàn, hi?u qu? và ??t phá cho s?c kh?e c?ng ??ng.
???? T?i sao Takeda ???c tin dùng?
? Công ngh? hi?n ??i: H? th?ng s?n xu?t t? ??ng, ki?m soát ch?t l??ng nghiêm ng?t.
? Nghiên c?u tiên ti?n: Phát tri?n d??c ph?m sáng t?o, ?áp ?ng nhu c?u ?i?u tr? ph?c t?p.
? An toàn tuy?t ??i: ??t tiêu chu?n qu?c t? nh? GMP, WHO, FDA, EU-GMP.
? B?n v?ng & Trách nhi?m: Cam k?t b?o v? môi tr??ng, nâng cao s?c kh?e toàn c?u.
???? Các l?nh v?c chính c?a Takeda:
?? D??c ph?m chuyên bi?t cho ung th?, tiêu hóa, th?n kinh, mi?n d?ch.
?? V?c-xin th? h? m?i, giúp b?o v? s?c kh?e c?ng ??ng.
?? Công ngh? sinh h?c tiên ti?n, t?o ra nh?ng gi?i pháp ?i?u tr? hi?u qu?.
Takeda không ch? là nhà s?n xu?t d??c ph?m, mà còn là ng??i b?n ??ng hành ?áng tin c?y trong hành trình ch?m sóc s?c kh?e toàn di?n.
???? Takeda – Cam K?t Vì S?c Kh?e, H??ng T?i T??ng Lai! ????
sxtpcnnhàmáy · Mar 22, 25 4:28 am
If you are looking for dried licorice extract to make functional foods, herbal teas or cough drops, please refer to this product: https://chietxuatduoclieu.com/cao-kho-cam-thao . The extract is extracted from pure licorice, rich in glycyrrhizin to help reduce inflammation, cool the body and aid digestion. In particular, this side provides standard products with clear testing!sxtpcnnhàmáy · Mar 22, 25 4:32 am
If you need natural medicinal herbs that meet GMP standards to produce functional foods, cosmetics or pharmaceuticals? Our factory specializes in extracting medicinal herbs, cooking dry extracts, liquid extracts, soft extracts from precious herbs such as ginseng, cordyceps, aloe vera, turmeric, phyllanthus urinaria... Committed to modern technology, strict quality control, in accordance with industrial production standards. See the product catalog now: https://chietxuatduoclieu.com/chiet-xuat-cao-duoc-lieu .sxtpcnnhàmáy · Mar 22, 25 4:34 am
Natural herbs are increasingly widely used in functional foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. If you need high-quality medicinal raw materials and herbal extracts, visit Chietxuatduoclieu.com. We specialize in providing standardized medicinal extracts, processing and manufacturing on demand, meeting GMP standards. Committed to clean products, stable active ingredients, support for registration and declaration. See solutions now at: https://chietxuatduoclieu.com/ .sxtpcnnhàmáy · Mar 22, 25 4:51 am
Are you looking for a source of natural active ingredients that meet GMP standards to produce functional foods, pharmaceuticals or cosmetics? Chietxuatduoclieu.com specializes in providing pure biological active ingredients such as curcumin (from turmeric), saponin (from ginseng), polyphenol (from green tea), flavonoid (from citrus)... with modern extraction technology, helping to preserve active ingredients and increase efficiency. See the product catalog now at: https://chietxuatduoclieu.com/hoat-chat-chiet-xuat .heatheranderson · Mar 22, 25 8:57 am
Thanks for sharing the most informational blogs, visit my blogs to get more help about it.heatheranderson · Mar 22, 25 8:59 am
If you need anything else then these are the best domains.https://upser.science.blog/
devanshjain · Mar 24, 25 1:19 am
Vibeevest offers a comprehensive range of services that highlight its strong foothold in India's textile and apparel industry. From manufacturing men’s, women’s, and kid’s apparel to providing high-quality textile solutions, it's clear that Vibeevest is committed to excellence in the apparel manufacturing sector. Their focus on innovation and quality control aligns well with the growing demand for sustainable and fashionable clothing. As a key player in the Indian textile industry, Vibeevest’s approach not only supports local craftsmanship but also contributes significantly to the global apparel market.
https://vibeevest.com/
ghulamshabeer · Mar 25, 25 6:27 am
The website Driving Lessons Manchester appears to be a well-organized platform for individuals seeking driving lessons in Manchester. It would be beneficial to highlight customer testimonials, pricing transparency, and instructor qualifications more prominently to build trust and engagement. Additionally, optimizing the site for mobile users and improving the call-to-action buttons could enhance user experience and conversion rates. Driving lessons near meowaiskhatri · Mar 26, 25 6:21 am
I appreciate the practical advice provided in this post. It's exactly what I needed to move forward with my own work. https://5starsstocks.com/lucastom · Mar 28, 25 1:34 pm
Thank you so much for your great blog post. I really appreciate your promise to give me useful information. https://mykohillscard.online/owaiskhatri · Apr 1, 25 2:13 pm
This post is a great example of quality content that is both informative and engaging. I’ll definitely be sharing this with others! hair transplant turkey
owaiskhatri · Apr 1, 25 2:24 pm
I appreciate how this article combines theory with practical advice seamlessly. hair transplant istanbul
johnyki79579551 · Apr 10, 25 2:24 am
I admire this article for the well-researched content and excellent wording. I got so involved in this material that I couldn’t stop reading. I am impressed with your work and skill. Thank you so much. ??? ??????? ?????johnyki79579551 · Apr 11, 25 1:02 am
Please continue this great work and I look forward to more of your awesome blog posts. Talaria E-Bike for Salejohnyki79579551 · Apr 14, 25 3:38 am
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. situs slot gacorowaiskhatri · Apr 15, 25 5:49 am
johnyki79579551 · Apr 16, 25 11:14 am
Took me time to read all the comments, but I really enjoyed the article. It proved to be Very helpful to me and I am sure to all the commenters here! It’s always nice when you can not only be informed, but also entertained! Sondors Metacyclejohnyki79579551 · Apr 17, 25 6:39 am
This is such a great resource that you are providing and you give it away for free. I love seeing blog that understand the value of providing a quality resource for free. UK FAKE DRIVING LICENCEjohnyki79579551 · Apr 19, 25 4:24 am
I appreciate everything you have added to my knowledge base.Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer.Thanks. situstotoowaiskhatri · Apr 21, 25 12:29 pm
I appreciate the balanced approach taken in this article. It provides a fair and unbiased view of the subject, which is refreshing to see. ????????????owaiskhatri · Apr 21, 25 12:40 pm
The way this article seamlessly integrates feedback and proactive advice is remarkable. juegos friv
hamzaali1 · Apr 23, 25 8:13 am
Very interesting blog. Alot of blogs I see these days don't really provide anything that I'm interested in, but I'm most definately interested in this one. Just thought that I would post and let you know. techsparejohnyki79579551 · Apr 23, 25 10:42 pm
Thanks for taking the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love learning more on this topic. If possible, as you gain expertise, would you mind updating your blog with extra information? It is extremely helpful for me. FHDTV IPTV UKowaiskhatri · Apr 25, 25 8:51 am
This artricle is packed with valuable insights and practical advice. It’s exactly what I needed to move forward with my project! brians clubowaiskhatri · Apr 25, 25 9:09 am
The insightssss shared in this article are both thought-provoking and practical. I'm excited to start implementing these ideas in my own projects. savastan loginowaiskhatri · Apr 25, 25 9:19 am
Your writing style is engaging and easy to follow. This article was a pleasure to read and very insightful!
bclub.cm
sophiacarpenter · Apr 25, 25 5:01 pm
LungExpand Pro is a cutting-edge respiratory supplement designed to support lung health and improve breathing. Unlike generic immune-boosting supplements, our formula specifically targets respiratory function with clinically proven ingredients that relax airways, reduce inflammation, and boost pulmonary performance.Each capsule contains a precise blend of traditional botanicals known for their lung-supporting properties, including extracts of Umckaloabo, Ivy, and Mullein. Manufactured in an FDA-registered, GMP-certified facility in the USA, LungExpand Pro ensures purity, potency, and quality. https://lungexpandpro-shop.com/
johnyki79579551 · Apr 26, 25 6:12 am
johnyki79579551 · Apr 27, 25 2:29 am
Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks alexistogeljohnyki79579551 · Apr 27, 25 6:37 am
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... https://www.digitekprinting.com/wallpapertechmatrite · Apr 28, 25 1:34 pm
This is the kind of content I signed up for egypt visa for norwegian citizensalishasilva · Apr 29, 25 8:15 am
I was looking for an easy way to send money to my family in Egypt, and https://eg-cashtransfercode.net/ gave me all the codes and steps I needed in one place. It’s super helpful for people who rely on mobile transfers every day!