Rosen Johnson Architects was established by property mogul Aby Rosen, known for his affinity for modernist classics. Their portfolio includes landmark projects like Gramercy Park Hotel in Manhattan, W Tel Aviv in Israel, and Eurotower in Rosen's native Frankfurt, Germany.
Rosen isn't afraid to break away from tradition and commission an architect to design something remarkable. That is how he came up with the design for 300 East 77th Street in 2000 - now a landmark on New York City's Upper East Side.
He also owns the Mies van der Rohe and Philip Johnson-designed Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan's Seagram Building, where he recently faced criticism for taking down a Picasso tapestry that had been chosen to hang in the Pool Room. According to New York Landmarks Conservancy and others, Rosen's decision violates New York City's historic landmark laws and could harm the artwork.
Though the new Four Seasons in the building may not be exactly what its original was, Rosen is determined to restore it back to its original condition. He's enlisted the help of friend Georgis, an interior and furniture designer whom he's collaborated with on other projects.
His renovation plan is straightforward: to recreate the atmosphere of when Four Seasons first opened its doors in 1959, he'll install new lighting and make the space more accessible with a ramp that allows guests to move from side to side throughout the dining room.
In addition to the Four Seasons Hotel, Rosen is renovating the Brasserie restaurant that Diller + Scofidio redone in 2000. He's inviting a designer who will add warmth to wood and stone details and update some of the fixtures so they can accommodate different decorating styles.
He strives to do quality work for clients who appreciate beauty as well as environmental sustainability. Not only is his work visually appealing, but it's often environmentally sound too.
Work can be a lot of fun, but the end results always prove worthwhile. He strongly believes in the power of architecture to effect positive change - even for those who may not deserve it.
He's an adept listener, as evidenced by his conversations with preservationists and art collectors. That is why he and the other architects on his team are so knowledgeable about postwar architecture and its cultural impact.
Although he may not be the most popular architect among architecture enthusiasts, his clear and straightforward style of presenting complex issues has earned him a place of honor when it comes to settling disputes between architects and the public. That has made him something of an expert when it comes to communicating complex ideas effectively.
