Lego Model Brings Art To P.S. 122

(L.) Philip Kantz, art teacher at P.S. 122, (rear, c.) Richard T. Grimes, trustee of architect Guy Rothenstein's estate, (far r.) P.S. 122 Assistant Principal Ana Aprea and P.S. 122 students with two paintings by Rothenstein presented by Grimes to the school.

A project by P.S. 122 fifth-grade student George Tom Dellis brought Richard T. Grimes, trustee of the estate of architect Guy Rothenstein to the school at 21st Street and Ditmars Boulevard recently. Grimes, also Rothenstein's stepson, presented the school with two original paintings by Rothenstein after Dellis constructed a model of Rothenstein's summer home on Fire Island, Grimes praised Dellis' use of the same principles as Rothenstein to create a cantilevered secondstory room that floats out from the main structure and gives volume to the building without adding bulk. The style is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright, widely considered to be America's foremost architect.

Rothenstein designed the Hall of Education for the 1964-65 World's Fair, which was built using the same reinforced concrete slab construction technique as his Fire Island retreat and the family home he also designed at 14-22 Astoria Park South. Dellis' father, Tom Dellis of Royal George Realty Inc., handled the sale of the "glass house" on Astoria Park South in 2005, sparking his son's interest in Rothenstein's architectural style and building techniques.

Lego block model of architect Guy Rothenstein's Fire Island summer home constructed by P.S. 122 student George Dellis. Interior of the Lego block model of Rothenstein's summer home.