P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center: P.S.1 Newspaper 2009 Fall: Q&A with the YAP Jury: Klaus Biesenbach

2009 Fall

Q&A with the YAP Jury: Klaus Biesenbach

This article refers to the P.S.1 exhibition YAP 10th Anniversary Review

Part of the criteria for the Young Architects Program is a consideration of sun, shade, water, dancing and seating for P.S.1’s blockbuster summer music program, WarmUp. The jury committee comprised of both P.S.1 and MoMA staff, was asked five questions about their insights, experiences, and observations from the past ten years.

P.S.1: What do you find to be the most particular characteristics of the young architects of the past ten years?

Klaus Biesenbach, Chief Curatorial Advisor, P.S.1 and Chief Curator, Department of Media and Performace Art, MoMA: When we, as curators, cannot think of any more surprising and new ideas, the architects always come up with one more great proposal. It is a unique chance to build an experimental temporary structure that is visible, functional, and used by an artist-driven crowd.

P.S.1: When do you think an installation has been/is most successful?

KB: Some of the most successful installations created a very strong, memorable, photographic image.

P.S.1: Have you seen a change in the field of architecture due to the influence of the YAP program? How have you seen it evolve?

KB: YAP is definitely a much discussed and critically acclaimed venue for new architecture in N.Y.

P.S.1: How has the competition affected both P.S.1 and MoMA?

KB: YAP is a prime example of the synergy MoMA and P.S.1 can set free through collaboration between the knowledge and the resources of a museum with the cutting edge opportunities of an experimental laboratory. Risk is possible.

P.S.1: Where do you hope the competition will go in the next ten years? In your opinion, how should it move forward and grow?

KB: I’m waiting for the young architects to surprise us and lead the way. This is the role of the competition: to deliver and test new ideas and forms.

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