Cultural Identity in Architecture: An Armenian Case Study

Maymester 2012 School of Architecture Jane Britt Greenwood AIA Associate Professor and Fulbright Scholar Associate Professor

The objective of this three-credit elective is to have students experience and study the architecture, customs, and history of the Republic of Armenia in order to understand ways in which architecture can embody cultural identity. Students will spend 8 days in Gyumri, Armenia documenting and analyzing the vernacular architecture of the Kumayri Historic District. This in situ case study will enable students to identify those factors (economic, cultural, historical, social, political, etc.) that influence the development of a culturally specific language of architecture. Students will also interact with local families, businesses, and related professionals (architects, builders, craftspeople, students, etc.) in order to better understand how intangible aspects of culture manifest themselves in tangible artifacts. The remaining 16 days will be spent in the capital city of Yerevan, where students will collaborate with architecture students from Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction to select an existing structure (commercial, residential, governmental, etc.) and design building facades that are both culturally sensitive and environmentally specific to Armenia. In addition to analyzing and documenting the architecture of Gyumri and Yerevan, students will tour Armenia and visit archaeological sites, monasteries, and museums; will produce an individual journal or group blog where they document their experiences and observations through text and graphics; and participate in readings and discussions. Estimated cost of $2955 includes air-fare from Atlanta to Paris to Yerevan, visa, hostel in Gyumri and Yerevan, translator in Gyumri, in-country transportation, and three group meals featuring the regional cuisine of Armenia and the Transcaucasus.

NOTE: Professor Greenwood is currently in Armenia concluding her Fulbright Scholarship and will return to MSU in January 2012. She will hold an information meeting at that time and invite students to enroll in the course. For questions prior to her return, please contact her via email at [email protected]. She is also available to skype upon request.