British architect James F. Stirling (1924-1992) is one of the few architects whose work begins in Late modernism but travels firmly through Postmodernism as well. Stirling's work thus facilitates a systematic reconsideration of these two phases of recent history, one that provides valuable clues about the current direction of contemporary architecture. It is necessary to go back into the fractured period of the shift from Late modern to Postmodern (ca. 1960-1980) to recover the circumstances of a schism that was very heavily advertised, but whose terms have become increasingly unclear since the mid 1990s. Thus we launch a reconsideration of contemporary conditions of production from this historical study of the recent past.

This seminar-workshop will examine the built and unbuilt architecture of Stirling in multiple contexts, but through the analytical tools provided by close reading of individual projects. Part of a larger research effort in partnership with faculty at the Yale School of Architecture, and meant to culminate in an exhibition, the seminar will produce detailed models and textual analyses of Stirling's buildings. Students will work in teams of two to combine historical research with a variety of tools that recent innovations in digital modeling and computer software make available. Particular emphasis will be placed on unbuilt and demolished projects. Students in the History of Art will work with students at the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning to produce comprehensive analyses (written and modeled) of selected buildings. Student efforts will be clearly divided between textual and visual, but carefully coordinated to complement one another. A limited number of paid apprenticeships may follow the seminar during summer 2008, pending grant funding. (IV, 4)

Requirements (HA):

            -Final research paper (10-15 pages) with complete bibliography

            -Minimum of two oral presentations of work in progress

            -Focused reading (designed on an individual basis)

            -Attendance and lively participation in class

Trip to the United Kingdom (tentative) : Pending final funding, we will visit the buildings and consult with Michael Wilford (formerly, Stirling + Wilford), visit the office of Richard Rogers, and meet with Patrick Bellew (Bellew and Auer) to discuss the results of our analyses, during summer 2008.

Field Trip co-pay: $150.00

Permission of the instructor required for registration.


Instructor(s): Claire Zimmerman
email: zimclair@umich.edu
Wednesday
10:30am - 1:30pm
2210 A&AB
3 Credit Seminar Meets w/ ARCH 603.002