Heritage and Historical Studies

In her research, writing, consulting, and design practice, Michele Lamprakos approaches heritage as a dynamic process: the ongoing adaptation and interpretation of existing environments. As Technical Reviewer for the Aga Khan Award for Architecture (2010 and 2013 cycles), Professor Lamprakos reviewed projects on sensitive historic sites. One was a new museum at Madinat al-Zahra, an important archeological site near Cordoba, Spain, by the Madrid firm Nieto Sobejano. She also reviewed several conservation projects: the revitalization of Birzeit historic center; the conservation of fortified oasis settlements in southern Morocco; and the old town of Gjirokastra, Albania. These are highly complex projects, involving conservation, infill architecture, urban upgrading, public space design, economic development and revitalization. The museum at Madinat al-Zahra and the revitalization of Birzeit were recipients of the Aga Khan Award in 2010 and 2013, respectively. 

Architecture Emeritus Professor Isabelle Gournay is interested in the cross-currents present in European and American housing. Ongoing research is concerned with Levitt communities and the shared architectural influences between France and the United States

Planning Emeritus Professor Howell Baum has completed a historical study of Baltimore school desegregation entitled Brown in Baltimore: School Desegregation and the Limits of Liberalism. The book analyzes how liberalism hinders knowing and talking about race and limits possibilities of racial integration.