Here are texts that are relevant to our work in the studio. We may use Miwon Kwon's One Place after Another early in the course to get oriented to the complex of issues around doing work in public. It is also a good pre-overview for any of you who may want to work ahead. We might not do the whole book formally in the course. I'm doing lots of other readings and may put together a collection of diverse texts for our official text.
Before Studio
Outside Lies Magic: Regaining History and Awareness in Everyday Places, by John Stilgoe This book is stongly suggested as a read before the project starts. It is great for orienting you to a particular kind of looking that is key to seeing what is materially there and beginning to know how to comprehend it. Very enjoyable and pleasant, but take note of the significance of what he says. The Soul and the City: Art, Literature and Urban Life These are 8 mp3 lectures on the city by Arnold L. Weinstein. These are also recommended for listening prior to the course.