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Bronx Community College, University Heights, Bronx

Completed in 1961, Begrisch Hall stands in the southwest section of the campus of Bronx Community College, located in University Heights. This remarkable trapezoidal structure was designed by Marcel Breuer, one of the mid-twentieth century's leading architects. Breuer, who emigrated to the United States to join the faculty at Harvard University in 1937, began his career at the Bauhaus in Germany, studying design and serving as head of the carpentry workshop. During the late 1940s, New York University embarked on a major building campaign. Many prominent architects participated, including Breuer who relocated his practice to New York City in 1946 and was commissioned in 1956 to design a comprehensive master plan for the University Heights campus. Among the five structures built, Begrisch Hall was the most daring. Executed in exposed reinforced concrete, it features a pair of sloping cantilevers that spring from side-wall trusses and appear to defy gravity. These bold sculptural forms reflect specific programmatic requirements, enclosing a pair of steep-floored lecture halls, seating a combined two hundred-and-fifty students. These elevated rooms are reached by a staircase that rises from ground level and by an enclosed concrete bridge connected to the Gould Technology Building. The principal facades, at east and west, are decorated with intersecting channels that divide the textured walls into triangles, trapezoids and rectangles. An important work by this noted architect, Begrisch Hall exemplifies his later career, a period when Breuer frequently investigated the expressive qualities of reinforced concrete, anticipating such notable structures as the Whitney Museum of American Art.

Begrisch Hall is located in the southwest comer of the campus of Bronx Community College in University Heights, the Bronx. To the south is West 180th Street, to the west is Colston Hall, Community Hall and Sedgwick Avenue, and to the northwest is Butler Hall and Language Hall, as well as the Mall.

Made almost entirely of concrete, the building rises from two faceted sculpted sidewall trusses, and is connected to the Gould Technology Building by an enclosed bridge. The shape of the building reflects the general size and shape of the classrooms and other spaces contained within. Non-historic metal flashing has been installed where the walls meet the roof. The east and west facades are nearly identical. They are simply treated*, intersecting channels divide the concrete surface, forming triangles, trapezoids, and rectangles. The lines emphasize the facade's almost triangular shape, and in three instances, intersect with window openings. Between the lines, distinct formboard patterns are visible, generally paralleling the edges that frame each section. Overall, the concrete is in good condition. Some stains and repairs are visible, mostly on the east and west facades, near the base.

The west facade has four historic silver metal-framed rectangular windows, each a different size and shape. Each opening has a different number of panes (from north to south: 3, 1, 2, 2), one of which can be opened. Close to the ground, on the west side of the truss, is an inverted triangular form. A non-historic lighting fixture has been installed immediately below the upper-most window. It is connected to a thin metal conduit.

The east facade has three historic silver metal-framed windows, each a different size and shape, two on the north side of the bridge, and one to the south. Each opening has a different number of panes (from north to south: 3, 2, 2). Directly above where the concrete bridge meets the facade is a rectangular ventilation grate. Close to the ground, on the east side of the truss and below the bridge, is an inverted triangular form. The north and south facades have no windows. At the center of the south facade a rectangular shape projects out from the center of the wall.

The raised entrance faces north and is located below the cantilevered structure. A vestibule and interior staircase is reached by six granite risers flanked by metal hand rails. Non-historic cement has
been inserted between the risers and metal rails. The entrance consists of a pair of silver metal-framed doors with a glazed transom that may be original, set between a pair of concrete trusses. Attached to the east truss is a non-historic sign identifying the building as Begrisch Hall. Directly above the entrance and pressed into the lower section of the north facade are the words "BEGRISCH HALL.',' The letters consist of light-colored stones embedded in concrete.

The building's underside exhibits a pattern that is distinct from the other facades. It steps down toward the center from the north and south, expressing the floors of the two classrooms. On most surfaces underneath the formboard patterns follow a vertical orientation, while near the bottom they are horizontal, laid east to west. Rust marks, mostly

This lovely necklace features red silver leaf jasper beads and a pendant that has been carefully hand-wrapped in reclaimed sterling silver wire. It is finished with an authentic Bali silver toggle clasp.

Reminiscent of silvery leaves in a forest, this finely colored and patterned jasper contains shades of cream and black, bits of brown and, occasionally, hints of red. Its patterns tend to be in lines and bands.

Bali silver is handcrafted by talented silversmiths throughout the the island of Bali, a small island in the Indonesian archipelago, which is renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage.

For centuries, Balinese artists have perfected their skills. Communities specialize in specific artistic traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. As a result, these silversmiths display superb technique and immense patience. Each bead is carefully made with exquisite detail. Every silver dot is individually placed, every surface patterned by hand. Each bead is a work of art, and no two are exactly alike.

{Measurements}
Please be sure to take note of the sizes that are carefully listed here as items will appear larger on your computer monitor than they actually are.

* The silver leaf jasper puff coins are 12mm in diameter, and the entire necklace is approximately 17 inches (43.18cm) in length.
* The Owyhee picture jasper piece is about 25mm, or 1 inch in diameter, making the entire pendant hang just over an inch from the Bali silver toggle clasp.

{Shipping & Delivery}
As these are custom made, please allow 3-5 days from order to shipment. All items will arrive in a black organza gift bag.

PK3714

These pieces are available in our Etsy store:

pointykitty.etsy.com