LESSONS FROM MODERNISM: Environmental Design Considerations in 20th Century Architecture, 1925-1970

Open Air School - Johannes Duiker, 1930

Presented by The Cooper Union Institute for Sustainable Design and The Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture Lessons From Modernism examines selected works of architecture completed between 1925-70 through the lens of sustainability. This analysis of the use of environmental strategies — long before they were commonly used in 21st century buildings — opens at The Cooper Union’s Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Gallery on January 29th. Through an analysis of the influence of nature and the environment in architectural design, Lessons From Modernism provides new insights into works achieved by a diverse selection of architects, including Le Corbusier, Paul Rudolph, Jean Prouvé and Oscar Niemeyer. The exhibition demonstrates how these architects integrated environmental concerns into their designs and explores the extent to which these practices have produced environmentally performative and distinctive architecture. The 25 examples shown in the exhibition demonstrate the importance of the aesthetic of clarity and utility that characterizes 20th century modern architecture. This aesthetic, or really, these values, inform the contemporary green building movement today. This exhibition was made possible by generous support from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation. It is free and open to the public, on view from January 29 through March 16, 2013. Opening Reception: Tuesday, January 29 at 6:30pm Gallery Hours: Tuesday–Saturday 12-7pm (closed Sunday and Monday) Arthur A. Houghton Jr. Gallery 7 East 7 E. 7th St. (b/w 3rd and 4th Aves.) NY, NY 10003 Subways: Astor Place (6), 8th Street (N, R) http://cooper.edu/events-and-exhibitions/events/exhibit-opening-reception-lessons-modernism