On June 4, The Wall Street Journal published a significant article in print and online about the beauty of Pratt’s Brooklyn campus with a focus on the redesign of the Engineering Quadrangle, which was envisioned and supported by Pratt alumnus and Trustee Emeritus Bruce M. Newman (B.F.A. Interior Design ’53). The feature also highlights the overall beautification of the campus and its evolution into a sculpture park, which has been an ongoing effort led by Pratt Institute President Thomas F. Schutte since his arrival at Pratt in 1993. “Pratt is regarded as a beautiful urban oasis,” wrote reporter Kaya Laterman in the article.
Commenting on the impact of the campus changes, Newman is quoted as saying, “When you landscape, the buildings surrounding it come to life.” The article also includes quotes from Industrial Design Professor Martin Skalski, who led the Engineering Quadrangle redesign, and Pratt graduates who worked on the project as well as a current student who speaks about the increased use of the renovated space.
The feature also highlights recent accolades Pratt has received for its campus, including the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce’s Landscape and Open Space Award and the Municipal Art Society of New York’s MASterworks Award for Best Urban Landscape, both of which recognized the Engineering Quadrangle. Public Art Review also has ranked the Pratt Sculpture Park among the top 10 campus art collections in the country, and Architectural Digest ranks Pratt among the top 10 college campuses with the best architecture. Pratt’s campus also was recognized earlier this year by College Magazine, which ranked it number eight on its list of “Top 10 Most Beautiful College Campuses.”