Recent Articles in the "Publications" Category:

I recently ran across an old Detroit Free Press (October 27, 1991) article about unbuilt architecture projects in downtown Detroit.  Written by John Gallagher (still writing about architecture) and illustrated by Dick Rochon (later known as Richard), who has produced many architectural renderings over the years.  If you can find one, take a look at a hand drawn rendering of Detroit architecture the next time you see one.  Chances are it's one if Rochon's.View image View image

Two new books were recently released that cover Detroit art and architecture.

Great Architecture of Michigan contains 150 photographs by Balthazar Korab for what the MAF feels are architecturally significant buildings from around the state.  John Gallagher, Architecture Critic from the Detroit Free Press, wrote the accompanying text.  Korab's photographs are wonderful as usual.  AIA Michigan has put together a nice site where you can browse the photos. 

Art in Detroit Public Places details the locations and story behind 150 of Detroit's vast collection of public art.

Both books are available at Wayne State Press (Even though I'm not an affiliate, I've provided easy links for you!)

If you're really excited about these books and would like to get them autographed, consider traveling to The Book Beat in Oak Park this Sunday.  The authors will be available from 2:00 - 3:30 to autograph and discuss their books.

Even though this event happened in April 2008, I hesitate to publish this for a variety of reasons which I'll get to later.

First, a little background about the event.  The AIA Committee on Design was founded to "promote design excellence among members of the AIA, the broader design community, and the public at large, both nationally and internationally."  In keeping with their goals, the committee held a debate in Detroit from April 3rd thru April 6th to debate parallels between architecture and other forms of design including automotive, landscape, furniture, and crafts.

John Gallagher put together a nice little article which amounts to a daily journal of the days events.