Edgar J. Kaufmann Conference Center, Conference hall in Turtle Bay, Manhattan, United States.
The Edgar J. Kaufmann Conference Center is a conference facility located on the 12th floor of 809 United Nations Plaza in Midtown Manhattan, featuring birch wood walls and a sloping ceiling design. The main reception hall connects to two smaller conference rooms via folding partitions, while large east-facing windows overlook the nearby United Nations headquarters.
Finnish architect Alvar Aalto designed this conference center in the early 1960s for educator Edgar Kaufmann Jr, and it opened to the public in 1964. This project represents one of only four American commissions completed by the renowned architect during his career.
The space embodies the architectural language that defines Aalto's approach to conference design, blending form with function in a way visitors can immediately sense. The birch wood and sloping geometry create an environment that feels both purposeful and thoughtfully composed.
The space is generally accessible during weekday business hours, with flexible configurations allowing the room to be divided or opened up as needed for different event sizes. It is best to confirm in advance whether visits are possible, as the facility primarily hosts private conferences and meetings.
The architect playfully described the vertical birch rods covering the walls as resembling spaghetti, revealing his whimsical approach to design. This unexpected comparison captures how personal and spontaneous his creative choices felt when bringing the space to life.
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