The desire to build vertically, against the will of gravity, has permeated all geographic regions, historic eras and cultural movements. But the reasons behind this desire have been varied. Towers have been built for observation, religious homage, defensive protection, imprisonment, military tribute, a desire for dense urban living or simply overt competition. From ancient narratives—Tower of Babel—to historical complexes—Ankor Wat—to modern constructions—Burj Khalifa—examples of architecture building upward have consistently proliferated our cultural landscape. The collection of proposals found here seeks to engage with and expand upon the abundant history of this typology through the design and fabrication of a new Tower.
Each Tower is designed by a team of three to four students under the guidance of one of the six studio critics. Each critic presents their unique approach to the project, exploring a specific material research, digital fabrication technique and formal methodology as it relates to the Tower theme.
Leadership
WEITZMAN SCHOOL
Frederick Steiner
Weitzman School of Design Dean
Andrew Saunders
Chair of Architecture
Daniel Markiewicz
501 Studio Coordinator
Nate Hume
Visual Studies Coordinator
Towers Review
Date: October 11, 2023
Time: 1:45-5:45 pm
501 Studio Section Critics:
Anthony Gagliardi, Daniel Markiewicz, Ryan Palider, Eduardo Rega, Laia Mogas Soldevila, Danielle Willems and Ezio Blasetti
Invited Critics:
Larry Mitnick, Richard Farley, Philip Ryan, Joan Ockman, Masoud Akbarzadeh, Scott Erdy, Jonas Coersmeier, Annette Fierro, Richard Garber, Brian Phillips, Ben Krone, Mohammad Alker, Gisela Bauermann, Hina Jamelle, Michael Toste, Jean Jaminet, Chris Kupski, Fernando Lara, Dorian Booth.
