WHAT’S YOUR NAME?
Chris Mancia
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO CHOOSE THE FIELD OF ARCHITECTURE?
Architecture has been a passion of mine since I was a child. Growing up in Brooklyn and seeing the changes in building types and styles from neighborhood to neighborhood allowed me to recognize the opportunity for creativity in Architecture.
WHAT TYPE OF WORK ARE YOU MOST INTERESTED IN?
Mixed-Use Residential / Commercial. I believe it is a balance between the streetscape and housing needs in the city.
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGES SINCE OBTAINING YOUR ARCHITECTURE DEGREE?
Finding the opportunity to complete thorough investigations into materials and building science.
WHAT DID YOU LIKE ABOUT ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL?
Architecture school allows you to find a balance between the theoretical and practical. It forces you to analyze each situation and come up with the best solution, while allowing you to place your own design language at the forefront.
ANY CRITICISMS OF THE ARCHITECTURE EDUCATION EXPERIENCE?
I believe in Architecture school, there should be more collaboration with Engineers, Interior and Industrial Designers, when a student graduates it is often their first experience working with the other fields.
WHAT ARE YOUR PROFESSIONAL GOALS?
I wish to obtain my license and begin my own practice here in New York, working on both local and international projects.
WHO DO YOU CONSIDER TO BE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE ARCHITECTS?
Mies Van der Rohe, Renzo Piano and Rem Koolhaas.
Photo: Pauline Bernard
Photo: Pauline Bernard
Photo: Akira Hojo
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BUILDING OR CITY?
Copenhagen, visiting last year allowed me to get a better sense of the connection between public space, infrastructure and personal well-being.
WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO GET OUT OF YOUR AIA BROOKLYN CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP?
I hope to be connected with and learn from Architects in my community while also using the organization lectures and meetings to educate myself about the field.
