ARCH 531, Section 1

This seminar explores the phenomenon of the district in counterpoint to the dominance of network infrastructures. Whether in food, water, energy, or data, the difference between one place and another still matters, and the local has increased appeal. This is all the more true of architecture, especially in the types and configurations of similar buildings. What makes typology such a vital, in ex-haustible way to understand architecture? Thus an architect does well to under-stand districts. As a phenomenon, a district is emergent, resilient, participatory, usually unofficial, and often rich in architectural character. A district may serve as a major node on a network, for example in food, or it may cluster an activity better than remote media can do, for example in the arts. This seminar explores these phenomenon by means of shared weekly focus on a particular locale, plus an ongoing individual journal on a chosen resource network, such as water, food, energy, mobility, or media. This work might sample street views, historic photos or drawings, and satellite photography. The result is a small thematic atlas on your chosen theme. With an increased focus on building types, this is a new version of a course that has run for nearly 20 years under previous names “Net-worked Cities” and “American Space.” Although with a 500 number, the course is also open to undergraduates. The skillset is mainly descriptive: this course should help you see, describe, protect, and enhance local difference in architec-ture. For the difference between one place and another still matters.