Not What, But Why: In Conversation with Tod Williams and Billie Tsien

Tuesday, October 11, 2016, 12 - 2pm

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"We see architecture as an act of profound optimism, its foundation lies in believing that it is possible to make place on the earth that can give a sense of grace to life -and believing that this matters. It is what we have to give and it is what we leave behind. We wrote these words a number of years ago and believe in them even more deeply today. We measure the value of our work by the quiet pleasure of the lives lived in our buildings. We want to solve the problems and we want to transcend solutions. We try to work with a thoughtful integrity to make buildings that will last and be loved. We want to leave good marks upon this earth. This work comes from two voices and many voices." 

Lunch will follow in the School of Architecture lobby. This event is open only to current Cooper Union students, faculty and staff. Room 315F. 

Located at 7 East 7th Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues

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  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

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  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.