Has your holiday shopping taken a backseat to deadlines, exams or pandemic inertia? MAPP faculty and staff have got you covered with last-minute gift suggestions that will surely make the holidays merry and bright for the designer, planner, preservationist or developer in your life:
A New Book: MAPP faculty have been busy this year, offering great reads for every taste: pick up a copy of Michael Abram’s new book The Art of City Sketching to brush up on your sketching. Want a deep-dive into architectural history? Juan’s Burke’s book, Architecture and Urbanism in Viceregal Mexico will fit the bill. Or if today’s housing landscape is your jam, Casey Dawkins has thoughts. His book, Just Housing, can be found here.
Well-designed Face Masks (that you can feel good about): Now the new normal, face masks—even K95 versions—don’t have to be boring, or uncomfortable. Check out the large selection of colors and styles from VIDA in a variety of protections, including comfy cotton for low-risk situations. Plus, all purchases support donations to VIDA Global Education Scholarship Fund.
A Leg Up: Help students and emerging professionals put their best foot forward in the job hustle with a copy of Portfolio Design, by Harold Linton. “It will be particularly helpful for students preparing for the Career Fair on February 25th,” said Director of Career Services Kristen Stack, who recommends one of these neat portable hard drives to back up your cherished renderings.
Wall Art: If there is one thing architects, planners, preservationists and developers have, it’s an eye for amazing images. “These aerial prints are mind blowing—especially those that show the juxtaposition of built and natural environments,” says Brittany Williams, who also loves this chart of American architecture.
Pens: Because a designer’s pens disappear as quickly as socks in a dryer, Marques King and Peter Noonan suggest hard-working pens as the perfect stocking stuffer. Two tried-and-true brands are the Pentel Sign Pen (Peter’s go-to) and the Paper Mate Flair (Marques’ favorite). “If you got me some of these, I’d be your best friend,” said King. Pair them with the lux LEUCHTTURM1917 sketchbook, another favorite of Williams.
Functional Fidgets: When it comes to desk bling, Dean Dawn Jourdan veers towards something tangible, like Thinking Putty or Legos, both excellent “tools” for coaxing creative solutions during meetings.
Planning Merch: Nothing says, “yeah, I’m a planner,” like a transit themed water bottle or DC Rowhouse enamel pin. Want to really show the love—and on a budget? This free urban planning coupon book is the gift that truly gives.