Syracuse Architecture launches NYC program

Syracuse Architecture launches NYC programFebruary 25, 2009Elaine Wackerowedwacker@syr.edu

The Syracuse University School of Architecture has launched a New York City-based program-modeled on its successful study abroad programs in Florence and London-that allows students to pursue studies in the history of the metropolis, urban morphology, planning and real estate development, as well as urban theory.

Designed for upper-level undergraduate and graduate students, the majority of whom spend at least one semester studying outside of Syracuse, this new program complements the current off-campus options offered during the academic year and in the summer.

Studio, classroom and office space in Manhattan serves as home base for the program, which is taught by Syracuse Architecture faculty and New York City-based critics and will feature guest lecturers and extensive field trips. The inaugural spring 2009 studio began in January and is led by world-renowned Norwegian architect Craig Dykers of Sn?hetta.

“With the launch of this program,” says Syracuse Architecture Dean Mark Robbins, “we are able to tap into the resources of one of the great design centers of the world and provide our students with a compelling home base for the study of architecture.”

As part of the program’s semester-long course of study, students take a design studio focusing on contemporary architectural and urban design issues unique to New York, as well as a history and theory course. Students explore the city and surrounding area, including the city’s first suburbs, islands, skyscrapers, parks, monuments, bridges, public spaces and housing.

Located at facilities on Madison Avenue at 33rd Street, Syracuse Architecture NYC is ideally situated, allowing students to easily attend reviews, lectures and exhibitions at nearby architecture schools and cultural institutions.

The program is made possible through the generous support of Newmark Knight Frank Global Real Estate Advisors, Steelcase, SU trustees Judith Greenberg Seinfeld and James D. Kuhn, and Stephen Killcoyne of Allen + Killcoyne Architects.

In summer 2009, Syracuse Architecture NYC will offer a six-week course titled “From the Ground Up: New Approaches in Affordable Sustainable House Design,” based on the “From the Ground Up” housing competition recently held in Syracuse. The course will be offered to undergraduate and graduate architecture students for credit and to practitioners for continuing education credit. Principals from the winning architecture firms-ARO, Cook + Fox, Della Valle Bernheimer, and Onion Flats (Andropogon Associates, Rivera Structural Design, and MaGrann Associates)-will explain how they synthesize sustainable techniques with affordability and cutting-edge design.

Syracuse University School of Architecture is the fourth-oldest program in the United States and is consistently rated among the country’s top architecture schools. The school’s undergraduate program was recently ranked fourth in the nation by DesignIntelligence.

For more information, visit http://soa.syr.edu.