Ari Burling Photography | Architectural Photographer

Philip Johnson & The Lipstick Building

By Ari | Published: 2 May 2012

Yesterday I was on the 17th floor at 3rd ave and 51st street, looking north- east at perfect tableau of Philip Johnson’s Lipstick Building, and supremely enjoying myself. I was on assignment- photographing a recently finished project for New York Green Roofs, and as I mentioned last week, the location just so happened to have a perfect perspective from which to view this iconic midtown address.

It was Johnson’s 2nd postmodern building in New York City (after the AT&T building a few blocks away), and was designed to stand out on the then “Less than fashionable Third Avenue.”

There are certain times as an Architectural Photographer (ok, there are a lot of them)- when you must photograph a building or space that has been photographed countless times already, both by seasoned professionals and the vast multitude of camera wielding masses. Such is the case here, but rather than subscribe to the “it has already been done” school, I am more inclined to take a few interior moments to consider the lives and careers of the Architects responsible.

I would also recommend a great biography on Johnson I read last year:

http://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/P/bo3640523.html

Posted in Architecture | Tagged New York City, Philip Johnson, The Lipstick Building | Leave a comment

Green Roof Installation, 3rd Ave in the 50′s

By Ari | Published: 25 Apr 2012

Now that I have a greater degree of access to green roof project sites, I’m broadening the scope of my photo essay to include both process and portraiture. I think it is important to not only show how a green roof is installed, but also the people that work on them. As an Architectural Photographer, most of my images focus on finished projects- everything perfect, everything pristine. In contrast, here we see a work site just after the installers are wrapping it up for the day. I found the potted plantings to be somewhat whimsical- By now they are all purposefully put in place and this roof is scheduled to be completed by next Tuesday. Tuesday I’ll be shooting the completed roof and also some portraits of the project team. As a huge bonus, if one goes to the northeast edge of this roof, there is a full top to bottom view of Phillip Johnson’s Lipstick Building, which I have never photographed before.

Posted in Green Roofs | Tagged Green Roof, New York City, New York Green Roofs | Leave a comment

Roofs, Year 2/ Bronx County Courthouse

By Ari | Published: 18 Apr 2012

I’m glad to begin year two of my project documenting green roofs. Whats that you say? Beginning year two in April? How can that be? Well, a few reasons for sure- but none more true than massive procrastination on my part. Things were rolling along- then the holidays came- then a large assignment that took up most of February- I moved in March- and then here we are in April, just after tax time. Whew. Where was I?

The great news is that the project has evolved and now is (hopefully) smarter and better organized. I am pleased to announce that I am partnering with a few major Green Roof firms here in the city which will make the issue of access a lot easier to overcome.

Pictured above is the Bronx County Courthouse, a notoriously difficult roof to get a camera on. Working with New York Green Roofs were were able to document the project, seen here just before the growing season begins. Coincidentally, baseball season has also just begun- I hope to return later in the year towards the evening when the lights of the stadium are on.