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Columbia GSAPP: Visionaries in Design

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About GSAPP

An Esteemed Institution

The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) is the architecture school of Columbia University, a distinguished private research university situated in New York City. It is a hub for advanced studies, offering specialized Master of Science programs in fields such as Advanced Architectural Design, Computational Design Practice, Critical Curatorial & Conceptual Practices, Historic Preservation, Real Estate Development, Urban Design, and Urban Planning.

Rich Resources

GSAPP benefits immensely from its affiliation with the Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library. This library stands as the largest architectural library in the United States, housing seminal texts on architecture and serving as the origin point for the comprehensive Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals. These resources provide an unparalleled foundation for academic inquiry and research.

Urban Nexus

Located within the vibrant urban landscape of New York City, GSAPP's campus environment is inherently urban. This setting fosters a dynamic interplay between academic pursuits and the real-world application of architectural, planning, and preservation principles, offering students unique opportunities for engagement and learning.

Key Information

Type Private architecture school
Established 1881
Parent Institution Columbia University
Dean Andrรฉs Jaque
Academic Staff 195
Students 629 (total enrollment)
Location New York City, U.S.
Campus Urban
Website arch.columbia.edu

A Century of Architectural Evolution

Foundational Roots

The Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) traces its origins back over a century. It was formally established as a distinct school in 1881 by William Robert Ware, evolving from a department within the Columbia School of Mines. This foundational step positioned it as one of the earliest professional architecture programs in the United States.

Architecture as the Core

While GSAPP has expanded its offerings to include a diverse array of specialized programs over the years, architecture remains the central intellectual focus of the school. This enduring commitment ensures a deep and continuous engagement with the discipline's core principles and evolving practices.

Academic Acclaim

National Recognition

Columbia GSAPP consistently ranks among the top graduate architecture programs in the nation. For five out of the last ten years, it has been recognized as the #2 program in Design Intelligence's rankings, which assess programs accredited by the National Architectural Accrediting Board. This sustained high performance underscores the school's commitment to excellence in architectural education.

Distinguished Educators

Leading Minds

GSAPP boasts a faculty comprised of globally recognized architects, planners, and preservationists. Notable current faculty include Dean Andrรฉs Jaque, and prominent figures such as Kenneth Frampton and Steven Holl. The school has also been led by influential former deans including Bernard Tschumi, Mark Wigley, and Amale Andraos, each contributing significantly to its academic trajectory.

The faculty roster includes leading practitioners and theorists shaping contemporary discourse:

  • Andrรฉs Jaque: Dean of GSAPP, Director of its Advanced Architectural Design Program, Founder and Principal of Office for Political Innovation.
  • Amale Andraos: Founder of WORKac Architects and former Dean (2014โ€“2021).
  • Barry Bergdoll: Former Philip Johnson Chief Curator of Architecture and Design at MoMA.
  • Patrice Derrington: Director of GSAPP's Real Estate Development Program.
  • Andrew Dolkart: James Marston Fitch Professor of Historic Preservation.
  • Kenneth Frampton: Ware Professor of Architecture Emeritus.
  • Mario Gooden: Director of GSAPP's Master of Architecture Program.
  • Steven Holl: Founder and Principal of Steven Holl Architects.
  • Laura Kurgan: Director of GSAPP's Computational Design Program.
  • Kate Orff: Director of GSAPP's Architecture and Urban Design Program.
  • Jorge Otero-Pailos: Director of GSAPP's Historic Preservation Program.
  • Michael Rock: Founder of 2x4, Director of Graphical Arch Studies.
  • Felicity Scott: Co-director of GSAPP's Critical, Curatorial, and Conceptual Practices in Architecture Program.
  • Bernard Tschumi: Former Dean (1988โ€“2003).
  • Mark Wigley: Former Dean (2004โ€“2014).

A comprehensive list of current and former faculty is extensive, reflecting the school's deep engagement with the architectural community.

Impactful Graduates

Shaping the World

GSAPP alumni have made profound contributions to architecture, planning, and preservation globally. Their work spans iconic structures, influential urban developments, and critical contributions to the discourse of the built environment. The school's alumni network represents a significant force in the field.

Distinguished alumni include:

  • Max Abramovitz: Designer of Avery Fisher Hall and the United Nations complex.
  • Rosario Candela: Renowned architect of New York City apartment buildings.
  • Peter Eisenman: Designer of the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe in Berlin.
  • Frank Gehry: Pritzker Prize laureate.
  • Zaha Hadid: Pritzker Prize laureate.
  • John Russell Pope: Architect of the National Archives and Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C.
  • Robert A.M. Stern: Former Dean of Yale School of Architecture.
  • Norma Merrick Sklarek: Pioneer African American architect.
  • John Louis Wilson Jr.: First Black graduate of the architecture program.
  • SHoP Architects: Founding partners are GSAPP alumni, recipients of the National Design Award.

The breadth of alumni achievements highlights GSAPP's role in cultivating influential figures across diverse areas of practice and theory.

Centers of Inquiry

Advancing Knowledge

GSAPP hosts several key research centers dedicated to advancing knowledge in architecture, planning, and urbanism:

  • Center for Spatial Research: Focuses on urban research integrating design, data science, and mapping technologies.
  • Center for Urban Real Estate (CURE): Addresses urbanization challenges and real estate industry complexities, fostering dialogue and technological innovation.
  • Temple Hoyne Buell Center for the Study of American Architecture: Dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of American architecture, urbanism, and landscape, convening discussions on public concerns.
  • Columbia Laboratory for Architectural Broadcasting (C-Lab): An experimental unit investigating urban evolution and technological impacts on cities and architecture.

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References

References

  1.  Collections & History | Columbia University Libraries
  2.  Chewning, J. A. "William Robert Ware at MIT and Columbia."Journal of Architectural Education, v33 n2 p25-29 Nov 1979
  3.  Why Design Education Matters
  4.  New Leaders in Annual Design School Rankings รขย€ย“ DesignIntelligence
  5.  Top Architecture Schools of 2018 | 2017-09-01 | Architectural Record
  6.  Top Architecture Schools of 2019 | 2018-09-04 | Architectural Record
  7.  Top Architecture Schools of 2020 | 2019-10-01 | Architectural Record
A full list of references for this article are available at the Columbia Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional architectural, planning, or preservation consultation. Always refer to official university resources and consult with qualified professionals for specific academic or professional needs.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.