ARCH 421P - Marina City: Bertrand Goldberg and The Aura of Chicago Modernism

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

This seminar explores the mid-century architectural modernism and its relationship to visual imagery, finance, and labor. It focuses on Bertrand Goldberg's Marina City, a pioneering mixed-use housing complex completed in 1964 in Chicago. With its unique circular form, Marina City quickly became a popular icon of modern lifestyle and was often represented in film, magazines, and on record covers. A study of Marina City's design, construction, promotion, and reception extend into a detailed study of Goldberg's entire opus, contextualizing his work within the larger trajectory of the Chicago School(s) of Architecture. The course draws comparisons to the work of Goldberg's educators, such as Mies van der Rohe and Josef Albers, as well as the work of other Chicago architects such as Walter Netsch and Harry Weese. Goldberg's work is conceptualized within a broader socioeconomic context, illuminating his buildings with a selection of primary theoretical texts relevant to architectural modernism. Course requirements include weekly reading summaries, in-class discussions, presentations, and a substantial research project. There is an opportunity for an optional class field trip to Chicago to visit some of Goldberg's most significant buildings, as well as buildings by other notable architects. Open to graduate and upper-level undergraduate students. Fulfills history/theory elective requirement for M.Arch. students.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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