AIA Pittsburgh | The Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute of Architects’ Post

This fall semester, the Chair of History and Theory of Urban Design will offer a new version of the core theory course for master's students, History and Theory in Architecture IV. The course is taught by Dr. Cathelijne Nuijsink and subtitled “1990s Theories that Inspired Architecture.” Plunging back in time to the 1990s—a decade characterized by grunge, hip-hop, cell phones, Netscape Navigator, Altavista, Amazon, and famous sitcoms—students will examine how architectural theory opened up to other disciplines in response to a remarkable convergence of technological advancements alongside political and cultural shifts. We will use some of the most thought-provoking thematic issues from the 27 instalments of the journal "ANY: Architecture New York (1993–2000)" as a jumping off point for discussions in order to introduce the non-architectural theories that began to influence architecture in the 1990s. Beyond contextualizing the theories within historical frameworks and analyzing different cultural and disciplinary perspectives that have been applied to them, the course aims to foster an understanding that theories are open to interpretation and reinterpretation across time. We will, of course, also examine a plethora of architectural projects that drew inspiration from these non-architectural theories. Image credits: ANY: Architecture New York Issue 4 'Architecture and the Feminine: Mop-Up Work’ (Jan/Feb.1994) © Anyone Corporation #newtheorycourse #architecture #ethz #darch #1990stheoriesthatinspiredarchitecture #avermaete #urbandesign

Minimal Grammar CHAPTER 1.3: ARCHITECTURE AND PSYCHOLOGY The effect of space on the human psychological state is de facto evident. Depending on specific needs, space can stimulate productivity, relaxation, interaction, etc. For example, a space with plenty of natural light and open vistas often evokes a sense of expansiveness and freedom, while well-designed enclosed spaces can provide a feeling of security and intimacy. Both fulfil the task of a “study”, but depending on the preferences and character of the user, the choice is radically different. The psychology of space deals with the concepts of privacy and social interaction. Like private and public personas, the balance between openness and closedness is a significant factor in creating thoughtful environments. The balance between opposing sides of the same set is a relationship that the architect strives for. Architecture becomes a formative medium that responds to our mental needs, inviting us to connect with space on a level that transcends physical dimensions and seeks overlaps with metaphysical laws. Architecture and the psychology of space are closely intertwined, making our homes, workplaces, and public spaces reflect our emotional contents, our historicity, our tendencies, human creativity, and ultimately divine principles. As Jung also says, “Consciousness is historical.” Through a versatile approach that takes into account psychological aspects, architects become concept-builders of spaces that not only meet functional requirements but also establish reference frameworks through which the psyche moves and individualizes daily. #ArchitecturalGrammar #MinimalDesign #SymbolismInArchitecture #ArchitecturalTheory #ArchitectureAndPsychology #EideticDictionary #NarrativeDesign #PhilosophicalArchitecture #ArchitecturalArchetypes #CreativeArchitecture

Exciting News! 🎓 Having just submitted my final year project titled 'The Canvas Collective Hub' I now prepare for my final presentation at the end of this month. My work will also be exhibited at our Grad Show event at Birmingham City University, and I am thrilled to share my journey and the work I've produced over the past nine months. Leading up to the grad show, I’ll be posting highlights of my work, starting with my Semester 1 project, "The Blank Canvas." #Architecture #GradShow #BCU #urbandesign #architecturaldesign Below is a sneak peak into what's to come!

One of the most salient features of architecture is that it reflects culture and cultural identity. The architectural style represents the characteristics of a place, region, and country; it is said to be the representation of people and societies. Architecture suggestively is strongly associated with the culture, values, and behavior patterns of the society. The architectural style of a particular period is a reflection of the culture of that time ... 5000 views on the article of my blog - "Psychological Aspects of Architecture" https://lnkd.in/e4kZd96 #Psychology #Architecture #Culture #Society #Identity #Meaning #Health #MentalHealth #Environment #blog #5000views

To what degree do places enable our behavior? We look at affordances, a key term in design and architectural psychology. #architecture #urbandesign #cities #psychology #interiordesign #design

Antje Steinmuller, Chair and Professor of Architecture at Taubman College, is featured in a November 20 interview with Metropolis Magazine, a top architecture and design publication. The interview, titled “Antje Steinmuller Wants to Get the Housing Question Right,” focuses on her transition to Ann Arbor from California, how the housing crisis affects different parts of the country, and how Steinmuller’s research addresses innovative housing typologies. Steinmuller started at Taubman College in July 2024, previously serving as chair of undergraduate architecture at California College of the Arts in San Francisco. Steinmuller is quoted saying,"It is our responsibility to promote things that are beneficial to the climate, to create housing that caters to people's needs, and to look at how AI technologies can really serve us. I’m really hoping to intensify the collaborations that we have, and should have, right in Ann Arbor and Detroit and other areas. Detroit especially is a place where we can learn a lot, from the struggles that have happened and the strategies that have worked." Read the full story: https://myumi.ch/Rm4dy

Spitzer School of Architecture's Dean Marta Gutman is featured in Notes on Progress: Sixteen Women Discuss What It Means To Be Female in Architecture School in Archinect. ⁠ The article highlights the changing landscape for women in architecture schools, with female deans leading prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and CCNY. Despite challenges, their impact resonates in architectural education worldwide. Archinect explores what has changed and what still needs improvement for women in architecture, shedding light on disparities in academia and the profession. It's clear there's much work ahead, but voices like Dean Marta Gutman's are paving the way for progress.⁠ ⁠ Please find the full article here: https://lnkd.in/e3g_PeSv ⁠ Image: (top row, from left) Peggy Deamer, Elizabeth Christoforetti, Marta Gutman, Catherine Chattergoon, Rychiee Espinosa, Lori Brown, Angela Lufkin, Samantha Agostinelli, (bottom row) Eva Franch i Gilabert, Miray Celikkol, Gabrielle Esperdy, Tanvi Singh, Catherine Moreno, Erin Kasimow, Kriti Malik, and Anne Nixon. Image from Archinect. ⁠ ⁠ #SpitzerSchoolOfArchitecture #SpitzerSchool #Architecture #StudyArchitecture #ArchitectureStudents #ArchiStudents #CCNY #LandscapeArchitecture #NYC #NewYork #StudyInNYC #Design #Education⁠ ⁠

An emerging field of ‘neuroarchitectural’ research is revealing how building facades and urban design impact the human brain and body. (And I bet plants would make people even happier.) https://lnkd.in/dmNFEyRn

My dissertation research inquiry looks at vacant urban spaces as opportunities for undoing historically infused urban sprawl principles. I take on railway line inefficient space as an entry point to form taxi rank space as a code to socio-psychologically help the spatially vulnerable homeless people. My interest stems from the cellular potential of creation. I’ve loved building blocks from a young age and I have channeled my research inquiry into using cellular models of housing potential to rehabilitate transport precincts into neighbourhoods. I’m looking forward to iterative design insertions into site. #architecture #socialarchitecture #urbanfabric #humanagentdesign