The Center for Architecture frequently offers programs inspired by books and their authors, including Book Talks on topics ranging from community-based organizations to the significance of urban sea pools. Renowned authors, architects, and thinkers have shared their insights through panels and roundtables. Book signings often follow the panels, creating opportunities for attendees to personally engage with the speakers. Join the Center for Architecture at the next Book Talk, Shigeru Ban: Timber in Architecture on February 15!

The following tomes have been discussed recently at the Center for Architecture—we recommend a browse!

Pedagogy of a Beloved Commons

Dr. Sharon Egretta Sutton, FAIA, Distinguished Visiting Professor of Architecture, Parsons School of Design, and Andrew Bernheimer, FAIA, Principal at Bernheimer Architecture, visited the Center for Architecture on November 29, 2023 for a discussion of Pedagogy of a Beloved Commons: Pursuing Democracy's Promise through Placed-Based Activism (Fordham University Press, 2023). A book about how low-income youth of color work within justice-oriented, community-based organizations to transform their surroundings, it draws from hundreds of pages of data to present verbatim quotes that describe their efforts to improve their disinvested neighborhoods, whether through political or place-based activism. The book posits that the disinvested neighborhoods where youth experience abandonment and marginality in fact can serve as a call to action, given appropriate organizational support. Sutton and Bernheimer, both AIANY Medal of Honor Awardees, discussed how architects can lend their support to what young people are doing as the “architects” of their communities. Learn more.

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Frida Escobedo: The Book of Hours

Author and architect Frida Escobedo, founder of Taller Frida Escobedo, joined us December 4, 2023 with Isabel Zumtobel, head of Arts &Culture for Zumtobel Group, to present the Zumtobel Group’s 2022/2023 Artistic Annual Report, The Book of Hours (Lars Müller Publishers, 2023). The creative team behind the publication included Escobedo’s sisters Ana Gómez de León López (Editor) and María Gómez de León López (Photographer), as well as Maricris Herrera (Graphic Designer). José Esparza Chong Chuy, Executive Director and Chief Curator of Storefront for Art and Architecture, also joined the panel, which was moderated by Leela Shanker, Associate at Borealis Lighting Studio. The group explored the ideas of perception, contemplation, time, and space in the fields of lighting design and architecture, and discussed how their photography, graphics, and poetry explored these themes. Learn more.

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Sea Pools: 66 Saltwater Sanctuaries from Around the World

Author Chris Romer-Lee visited the Center for Architecture on January 18, 204 to discuss his book Sea Pools: 66 Saltwater Sanctuaries from Around the World (Batsford 2023). In conversation with President of Therme US Robert Hammond and Managing Director of +POOL Kara Meyer, the program explored the architectural and social significance of urban sea pools. Designed to provide a safe space for swimmers to enjoy the benefits of seawater, sea pools offer us the opportunity to connect with nature and one another. Particularly as cities globally invest in urban wellbeing infrastructure, this topic is especially currently relevant. The panel unpacked how the access to water is key to health and wellness, and what organizations like +POOL are doing to drive free and safe swimming around New York City—stay tuned for Therme US bringing a reimagined Roman Bath to the city! Learn more.

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Shigeru Ban: Timber in Architecture

Our next Book Talk is February 15, spotlighting Shigeru Ban: Timber in Architecture (Rizzoli, 2022) with Editor Laura Britton, AIA, and Project Editor Vittorio Lovato, AIA, both Associates at Shigeru Ban Architects. They will be joined by Hayley Eber, AIA, Acting Dean of The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture of The Cooper Union. Don't miss it! Register here.