This course focuses on exposing students to the field of architecture by experiencing it in person. The course will be conducted one day in the classroom in Arbor (or remotely) and one day in the greater metro Detroit area, exploring in person the celebrated works of renowned architects. Students will visit buildings and when possible offices of architects such as: Frank Loyd Wright, Eero and Eliel Saarinen, Minoru Yamasaki, Albert Kahn and many more. Students in the class are not required to have any experience in architecture, instead will learn to read architectural drawings, understand construction practices, get exposed to materials and methods of craft. They will ponder on notions such as: regionalism versus internationalism, the catalytic role of the arts and crafts movement, the struggle between classicism and modernism and what does that mean in today’s context Travelling through the metro territory students will experience in person how the region has changed over time and what have been some of the driving forces behind the architecture we experience today. The class should be appealing to non-majoring students interested in learning about building and re-development, discovering how to see architecture and experiencing old and new Detroit. Architecture students new to Michigan might find this course interesting as it would give them the opportunity to experience our regional territory through the gems of masters might have studied elsewhere. Students interested in real estate have the chance to examine past development as a way of speculating on a future one. Course deliverables will revolve around photographing, working on presentations, envisioning futures, expressing thoughts and responding to what students see through a travel journal. Spring in Michigan is lovely. I expect this course offering will be appealing to students that enjoy spending time outdoors. There is a minimum enrollment number required for this class to be offered, but also a limited number of students allowed, so please sign up soon so you can secure a spot.
*Meets with Arch 409-105
