Buildings of the City

In this urban studies course, we will explore Burlington, Vermont using the sensibilities of geography and architecture. Each participant will choose a building in the city, represent it graphically, then characterize its surroundings. How has the building “learned” over time? What social and economic histories are inscribed in its landscape? Along with field visits and novel research, we will produce multimedia studies of local context (e.g., site plans, circulation, topography) and structure (e.g., plans, sections, elevations) in a portfolio presentation. We will then compile our building “portraits” in a digital atlas. Experience with architecture or GIS is optional.