Greening Modernism

Last Thursday, December 9th, Elemental hosted the launch party for principal founder Carl Stein’s new book “Greening Modernism”. Tom Stoelker of the Architect’s Newspaper writes:

Bodacious bourbon pours complimented savory vittles at the yet-to-be-opened Hudson Clearwater in Greenwich Village last night. The restaurant’s first event launched Carl Stein’s new book, Greening Modernism: preservation, sustainability and the modern movement (W.W. Norton, $60.00). The affair had a decidedly down to earth flavor, though the elegant crowd resembled intermission at The Met. The venue seemed a natural fit for Stein of Elemental Architecture, since Elemental’s John Barboni designed the space using salvaged material culled from the 180-year-old carriage house.

“From my perspective, it fits into all the themes of the book,” Barboni said from behind a kitchen counter made of the structure’s former floorboards. “Green is not a newfound subject for Carl.”

From atop a small flight of stairs Stein thanked his family and colleagues, then settled in with the band to play banjo.

In his statement to the crowd of well over 100 in attendance, Stein offered:

“My thanks to Norton for publishing Greening Modernism, to Kristen Holt-Browning who initiated this project, to editor Nancy Green who gave invaluable support as the book developed, and to Guenet Abraham for the book design.  In particular, I’d like to note the tremendous patience that they all displayed in dealing with a total pain in the ass author.  And to all of the people at Elemental who made the space, both literally and figuratively for Greening Modernism to happen, especially my partners, Tom Abraham and John Barboni and to Michelle Black, the backbone of Elemental.  And to the three people to whom the book is dedicated, my mother Ethel Stein who unfortunately could not be here tonight, my wife Nancy Stein and my daughter and recently colleague, Jesse Denning. Continue reading →