Advice for Surviving the Downturn

The American Institute of Architects features several articles to help firms and practitioners make it through these sluggish times. See Navigating the Economy.

Roger Margerum presents “Modernist Impressions” - Students Welcome

NOMAD cordially invites all students interested in the architecture profession and practicing professionals to attend a Detroit Community Outreach event with NOMAD’s Lifetime Achievement recipient, Detroit architect, Roger Margerum. Mr. Margerum will present the lecture "Modernist Impressions."

Who: All interested high school students and practicing professionals

When: Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Where: Kettering High School DPS, 6101 Van Dyke, Detroit, MI 48213

Agenda:

12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. - "Modernist Impressions" lecture

1:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. - 30 min. Tour + Design discussion

1:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Students + Architects "One on One" - Lunch provided

An African-American Architect who graduated from the University of Illinois in 1955 with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Roger started his career working with some of the most prestigious architectural firms in the country designing modern community centers, churches, businesses and schools. He has also played an instrumental role in spearheading joint venture projects with other minority architects in Detroit.

Mr. Margerum later decided to start his own firm with locations in Detroit and Chicago where he continued to have a long successful career spanning half a century, receiving numerous honors for his work within the profession.

At an early age Roger developed an interest in art and drawing and was enrolled in weekend classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. It was at the Institute were he practiced and developed his skills and passion for his craft. During this time he was exposed to various influences, particularly painter Georges-Pierre Seurat and his masterpiece "Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte." Another influence was African-American football player Buddy Young. Both influences served as an inspiration that has guided Roger throughout his life to challenge the boundaries of the ordinary and strive for excellence under adversity.

The lecture, facilty tour, and lunch are co-sponsored by the Detroit Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, the Board of Education of the City of Detroit, Hamilton Anderson Associates Architects, and the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System.

NOMA Conference Begins Today in D.C.

The National Organization of Minority Architects begins its 36th International Conference and Exposition today. The Conference runs through October 4th. There will be workshops and seminars for professionals and students, a jury of professional designs, a student design competition, and an exhibit entitled "2% Women of Color," highlighting that population of the architecture profession.

Architect Roger Margerum featured in Detroit Home & at NOMA Events

Pioneering Detroit Architect Roger Margerum's 45-degree polygonal residence is featured in the Fall 2008 issue of Detroit Home magazine, which is on newsstands now. The structure, completed in 2005, is located on Detroit's east side.

Margerum attended the University of Illinois and received his architecture degree in 1955. Formerly employed with Skidmore, Owings and Merrill and Smith, Hinchman and Grylls (SmithGroup), he went on to open his own firm with offices in Detroit and Chicago.

Mr. Margerum will be featured at two of NOMA Detroit's events this fall:

"Roger Margerum's Modernist Impressions" Lecture
Tuesday, October 21, 2008, 12:00 noon- 2:00pm
Location: Kettering High School (addition designed by Roger Margerum)
AIA Continuing Education Units available
More: This is an opportunity for interaction and dialogue between college and high school students and professionals.

NOMA Detroit Lifetime Achievement Award Presentation to Roger Margerum
Tuesday, November 25, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Location: MOCAD (Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit)
4454 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201

More on Roger Margerum:

• See the University of Illinois African American Architecture Alumni Project interview
• Detroit Free Press article on ModelD (2007)

DR. CRAIG WILKINS DISCUSSES WHY THERE ARE SO FEW AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARCHITECTS

Registered architect, Dr. Craig Wilkins, to discuss his recent publication The Aesthetics of Equity: Notes on Race, Space, Architecture and Music.

There are fewer than 1,500 African American architects licensed in the United States. Yet, there are 40,000 physicians. Why has the discipline of architecture been resistant?

Dr. Craig Wilkins, University of Michigan College of Architecture and Urban Planning lecturer, addresses this and other issues in his provocative, award-winning book. The Aesthetics of Equity He examines the discipline of architecture and it’s resistance to African Americans at all levels.

Dr. Wilkins observes, “how race, space, music and architecture are tied to the larger concerns of our society and how we, as citizens, can use that connectedness to make a difference.” He asks the question “who or what is responsible for the decisions that keep both the profession of architecture and the built environment itself, the exclusive property of a particular ethnicity?”

Winner of the 2008 Montaigne Medal, The Aesthetics of Equity was recognized for its potential to illuminate, progress and redirect thought. Each year, the Eric Hoffer Award for books presents the Montaigne Medal to the most thought-provoking titles. The medal is given in honor of the great philosopher Michel de Montaigne, who influenced people such as Shakespeare, Descartes, Emerson, Nietzsche, Rousseau, and Eric Hoffer.

The National Organization of Minority Architects, Detroit chapter, is hosting a discussion and book signing with Dr. Wilkins on August 1 at 4:30 PM at Borders Book & Music, Compuware Building, 1012 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226.

General Meeting - Tuesday, June, 24, 2008

The next General meeting will be June 24, 2008 at 6:00p.m. at the Detroit Historical Museum. Join us for a private tour of the exhibit "1920s: Detroit's Building Boom". See http://www.detroithistorical.org/exhibits/index.asp?MID=1&EID=502&Page=first

Members $8
Non-members $10