Faculty Notes

The Nautilus, Fall 2003

Julie Kim (photo right), associate professor, had two project proposals chosen by the ACSA to be funded with the East Central Collaborative Project Grant. The proposals, developed in collaboration with architects from other universities from around the country, focus on “building and strengthening the east central school network by encouraging joint projects across schools in the region.”

Kim’s first project, “Studies in Vehicular Culture,” is a joint course between UDM and Lawrence Technological University that focuses on ways that texture in Detroit’s landscape has been impacted by the placement of the John C. Lodge expressway. The course will examine the roadway as a barrier both physically and perceptually. The project will result in an exhibition to be shown at both schools with an accompanying publication.

The second project, “Mediations: A Traveling Exhibition,” involves developing an exhibition of work by faculty and student teams within the ACSA East Central region. The individual projects will examine the role digital media and technology play in architectural education and practice. The exhibition will travel to UDM, the University of Michigan, Ball State University, Ohio State University and the University of Kentucky.

Kim also presented the paper “If You Could See the World Through My Eyes: Investigations of Electronic Teaching and Learning” at the ACSA East Central Regional Conference at Ball State University and the paper “Down the Rabbit Hole and Out Again: Reflections on the Master’s Studio” at the University of Florida at the ACSA Southeast Regional meeting.

Steve LaGrassa, associate dean, met with alumni in the Chicago area at a reception in October. The reception, hosted through the generosity of Michael Szkatulski ’76, was held at the offices of Miserow Financial. The group discussed the Vision 2020 proposals for the McNichols and downtown campuses and the continual improvements to the Loranger Architecture building. Attendees included Timothy Desmond ’75, Nicholas Juhasz ’01, and Eric Stackhouse ’88.

Lagrassa was also recognized by UDM in November at the Colleague Recognition Program for having reached his 30th anniversary of service to the University.

Dan Pitera (photo right), associate professor and director, Detroit Collaborative Design Center, and Andrew Sturm, Design Center project manager, were invited to be keynote panelists at the New York City satellite of the 53rd Annual International Design Contest in Aspen, Colo. Sturm and other Design Center staff members also made presentations at the Association for Community Design in Baltimore, Md.

Steve Vogel, dean, was recognized by the University in November at the Colleague Recognition Program for having reached his 10th anniversary of service to the University.