Institute for Public Architecture
The IPA, based in the historic Block House on Governors Island, uses design to address social, physical and environmental inequities in the city through our signature Selected Topic Fellowship and Independent Project Residency programs, and related public lectures, exhibits, and publications.
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2025: A YEAR IN NUMBERS
In 2025, we had over 2,000 Block House visitors, 1,200 Brooklyn-Queens Expressway [BQE] Documentary screening attendees, and welcomed 300 new friends to our Friends House Party (a new record)! We connected with 175 BQE workshop participants, held over 40 free public events, built a 16-ft long model of the urban fabric along the BQE at 3rd Avenue, and held 10 events engaging with its future in our city. We broadcast over 9 local dj’s, held 8 public film screenings, and threw 5 communal dinner parties in public space. We celebrated 2 amazing civic leaders at our 12th Annual Fall Fête Benefactors Dinner, and hosted 1 Radio-in-Residence.
Support the IPA as we build on our biggest year yet!
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Fall Exhibition - LIVING LABORATORY
Thank you for joining us on Saturday, November 8th for the culminating exhibition of the Fall Independept Project Residency at the Block House.
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Open Call - Deadline Extension!
Join the 2026 Independent Project Residency at the Block House! Applications will be accepted until January 9th at 11:59pm EST.
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We are the Dreamers!
Our Brooklyn-Queens Expressway work, including The Story of the BQE documentary, was highlighted in Winnie Hu’s recent article for the New York Times: A Highway Is Crumbling. New York Can’t Agree on How to Fix It.
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Projects
Programs
Learn about our Programs
Learn more about our Independent Project Residency and Selected Topic Fellowship programs, and related public lectures, exhibits and publications.
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