Contemporary Design in Historic Settings

Contemporary design can contribute value and meaning to historic settings of any age or scale, from individual landmarks to landscapes and neighborhoods. In turn, engaging in a rigorous dialogue with history and context enriches contemporary design. This seminar immerses designers, planners and preservationists in the challenges of designing amid existing structures and sites of varying size and significance. Readings of source materials, lectures and discussions explore how design and preservation theory, physical and intangible conditions, and time have all shaped the particular realm of design response to historic context, as well as the political, cultural, and aesthetic environments that influence its regulation. Through sketch analytical exercises set in Philadelphia and outstanding case studies from around the world, students will learn to communicate their understanding of historic places, critique propositions for design intervention, and conceptualize a range of potential design responses. No prerequisites.