History of American Architecture | Week 3 | 2020

Join Kevin Adkisson for this five-week lecture series surveying the history of American architecture through the lens of Cranbrook’s distinct and impressive architectural history. Each week, the 75-minute, image-based lecture will start with a close study of one of Cranbrook's buildings, and then expand to use the campus as a way of seeing the development of modern architecture from the late 19th century to the present day. By tracing the evolution of architecture at Cranbrook and its design and social context, attendees will come to more fully understand and analyze the built landscape we live in every day. All levels of architecture knowledge are welcome. Lectures will introduce major themes and theories that have shaped American architecture, along with significant individual projects and their architects. The course will both analyze the architecture of Cranbrook and introduce you to less familiar people and places who have shaped the history of architecture. WEEK THREE STRIPPED CLASSICISM AND AMERICAN MODERNISM, 1932—1950 Cranbrook Academy of Art Museum & Library, Eliel Saarinen, architect, 1942 Cranbrook Institute of Science Church School Wing at Christ Church Cranbrook Thornlea Studio