On April 3, University of Detroit Mercy's School of Architecture Alumni Council hosted the presentation, "Architecture in 'The News,'" by Detroit Free Press business writer John Gallagher. A discussion and reception followed the talk, attended by current and former students, faculty and alumni.

From left, Architecture Alumni Board President Wayne E. Chubb '00, '02, Dean Steve Vogel and UDM President Gerard L. Stockhausen, S.J., welcome Detroit Free Press business writer John Gallagher to the School of Architecture for his presentation, "Architecture in 'The News,'" April 3. 

The event, sponsored by Genesee Ceramic Tile, D'Angelo Construction, and KAS Estimating Services, took place in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building. This year, the Alumni Council also presented an award to the first recipient of the Architecture Alumni Endowed Scholarship, fourth-year Architecture student Edmond Bardhi.

An award-winning journalist and architecture critic, Gallagher has covered Detroit's building and urban development since 1987. In addition, Gallagher co-authored AIA Detroit: The American Institute of Architects Guide to Detroit Architecture. Currently, Gallagher is writing another book about Michigan architects, slated for publication later in 2008.

A large crowd of Architecture alumni, faculty and students attended the April presentation and reception in the Warren Loranger Architecture Building.

Gallagher spoke on two new projects in Detroit: the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) renovations and the proposed Cadillac Centre project. According to Gallagher, the DIA renovation is "really a rethinking of the whole museum complex" by architect Michael Graves.

At the end, Gallagher showed slides of the modernistic Cadillac Centre project, proposed to be built downtown east of Woodward and Campus Martius Park. Gallagher contends that Detroit needs the architectural shot of adrenaline that such a radical project would give the city.

According to Architecture Alumni Board President Wayne E. Chubb '00, '02, "The event drew a large crowd who, together with past and present faculty, enjoyed catching up on old times. These events offer networking opportunities, as well as an opportunity to share news of employment and current projects."