Test Sites: Experiments in the History of Space

Saturday, October 12, 10:00 am–5:00 pm A symposium hosted by the Division of Architecture Test Sites: Experiments in the History of Space, organized by Irene Cheng and David Gissen, gathers leading scholars and critics for a one-day conference to investigate what lies outside these dominant modes of architectural and urban history, exploring alternative practices such as reconstructions, counterfactual histories, new media, critical conservation, and even destruction. Speakers will present specific projects as examples or "test sites" for experimental historical practice. Lucia Allais Amy Balkin Keller Easterling Nicholas de Monchaux Jorge Otero-Pailos Marcos Sánchez Mark Wasiuta Beyond mere novelty, the conference will raise questions how such alternative practices might enable architectural historians to explore overlooked terrains and populations, address wider audiences, and play a more central role in urban life. The conference aims to reposition contemporary architectural and urban history as a critical, dynamic, and expanding field. The Test Sites Symposium is funded by CCA's Division of Architecture with support from the Visual and Critical Studies Program. Related Exhibition In conjunction with the symposium, the Architecture Division will stage An Olfactory Archive: 1738-1851, the first exhibition devoted exclusively to the recent works of artisans and historians who harness scents, essences, and fragrances in the reconstruction and preservation of historical spaces. For more info, click here. - RELATED EVENT: An Olfactory Archive: 1738-1969 (Test Sites Symposium exhibition)