The development of a research methodology might be understood as a complex editing process; methods are unstable and adaptive, evolving in response to changing conditions and findings. Tools and techniques that were formerly reliable and productive may suddenly seem ill-fitting or obsolete. Unexpected results may challenge assumptions and force the construction of new regimes for gathering knowledge. Any particular methodology, therefore, is defined both for and by the research.

In well-known cases such as the physical experiments of Frei Otto or Antoni Gaudi, the field studies of Venturi, Scott-Brown, and Izenour, or the computational analysis of MVRDV or Mark Burry – among many other examples – methods appear crucial to the performance of the research. But what is their role? How are they constructed and used?

This symposium invites a diverse group of influential researchers to open their methodology to critical examination and discussion. By focusing on the how rather than the what of their particular research practices, we hope to better understand the agency of research in architecture as well as its impact on other fields of knowledge.


Orit Halpern
New School for Social Research and Lang College

Hod Lipson
Cornell University Creative Machines Lab

Leah Meisterlin (moderator)
Barnard+Columbia Architecture; Office:MG

Andres Jaque
GSAPP; Office for Political Innovation

Michael Sorkin
CCNY Urban Design; Michael Sorkin Studio

Susanne Schindler (moderator)
GSAPP; Buell Center

Organized by the Applied Research Practices in Architecture (ARPA) Initiative at GSAPP:
Janette Kim (Director), Diana Martinez (Instructor), Esteban de Backer, David I. Hecht, Alejandro Stein and Mike Che-Wei Yeh.

Program

4:00 PM

Opening remarks by Dean Amale Andraos

4:10 PM

Introduction of event and ARPA by Janette Kim

4:20 PM

Panel 1: Practice in Research

Presenters: Orit Halpern and Hod Lipson

Roundtable conversation moderated by Leah Meisterlin.

5:45 PM
Coffee Break

6:00 PM

Panel 2: Research in Practice

Presenters: Andres Jaque and Michael Sorkin

Roundtable conversation moderated by Susanne Schindler.

7:25 PM

Summary discussion moderated by Diana Martinez

7:45 PM
Reception

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