Apply to the School of Architecture

In-Class Lectures | (Uncertain) Foundations

Kandinsky, Bauhaus Exercise

(Uncertain) Foundations seminar, conceived by the Cooper Union professor Anna Bokov, focuses on methods, underpinnings, and objectives of foundational training in architecture. Structured as a forum that brings together scholars, practitioners, and the student community, it aims to evaluate inherited models, discuss the current state of knowledge, and speculate about future challenges of what is, arguably, the most formative moment in one’s education. Each session presents a conversation on foundational pedagogy with invited protagonists.

Sessions are on Wednesdays at 6:30-7:30 pm.

Zoom https://cooper.zoom.us/j/4530150279

Hybrid session will take place in Room 315 and on Zoom

SPEAKERS & DATES 

02.02.22         Joan Ockman                (zoom)

02.09.22         Anthony Vidler              (zoom)

02.16.22         Mersiha Veledar          (hybrid)

02.23.22         Eva Franch i Gilabert   (zoom)

03.09.22          Diana Agrest               (hybrid)

03.23.22         Jean-Louis Cohen       (hybrid)

03.30.22.       James Lowder & Kayla Montes de Oca (hybrid)

04.06.22        Scott Ruff                       (Zoom)

04.13.22.      Peter Eisenman              (Zoom)

04.20.22       Nader Tehrani                (hybrid)

04.27.22        Hayley Eber & Elizabeth O'Donnell  (hybrid)

These lectures are open to current Cooper Union students, faculty, and staff in person and through Zoom. 

  • 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.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • 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.