SU mourns Joel Bostick, associate professor of architecture

SU mourns Joel Bostick, associate professor of architectureNovember 16, 2004Amy Schmitzaemehrin@syr.edu

Joel Bostick, 57, passed away Nov. 8, after a short battle with cancer. Bostick was born on Jan. 6, 1947 in Nashua, N.H. A long time resident of Ithaca, he graduated first in his class from Cornell University’s Department of Architecture within the College of Art, Architecture and Planning, with a B.Arch. (1970). He later studied under the distinguished professor Colin Rowe, receiving an M.Arch. in urban design, also from Cornell (1974). He joined the Syracuse University School of Architecture’s faculty as an assistant professor in 1974, and was later promoted to associate professor. At the time of his death, he was under consideration for promotion to full professor.

Among his honors, Bostick received an Eidlitz Fellowship for urban studies research and was awarded a travel grant from the Graham Foundation in 1968. He gained professional experience as a job captain and designer with Wells/Koetter/Dennis of Ithaca and with Werner Seligmann Associates of Cortland. His work at Wells/Koetter/Dennis included the award winning Brighton Beach Housing Project in Brooklyn; with Seligmann Associates he served as a consultant on urban planning for the city of Binghamton and was instrumental in the design and development of Center Ithaca, a published project. Other Bostick projects include a house on Tupper Lake and participation in several international competitions with his colleagues at SU.

Bostick was instrumental in developing a capstone course for the School of Architecture that has been cited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board as an outstanding component to the curriculum. The course, Advanced Building Systems, uses a case-study approach to research and analyze distinguished buildings using original construction documents. In support of the course, he developed a unique archive of construction documents known as “The Working Drawings Collection.” The course is widely known for its rigor and the exceptional quality of the students’ work.

Additionally, Bostick taught architectural design, most often serving as coordinator for third-year design studio. Bostick taught the first students to participate in the School’s Florence program in 1975, and over the years, he left an indelible mark on the Florence Architecture Program as an instructor and director. The work of his Florence studio was published in “Parametro” (November/December, 1988). His extracurricular service to the School of Architecture was exemplary and included participation in two dean searches (1989 and 2003) and on the School’s committee to plan the renovation of Slocum Hall.

Apart from academics, Bostick was equally passionate about athletics. He served as head coach of the Cornell University ski team from 1971-80. Bostick was also an avid sailor and instilled in his children a love for sport. His brother Kent achieved Olympic status on the 1996 American cycling team, having been introduced to the sport by Joel.

A memorial service is scheduled for Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. in SU’s Maxwell Auditorium. For more information, please call (315) 443-5078.