Michigan has always been known for its contributions to twentieth-century manufacturing, but it’s only beginning to receive attention for its contributions to Modern design and architecture. Nationally recognized architects Eliel and Eero Saarinen, Albert Kahn, Minoru Yamasaki, Alden Dow, and Gunnar Birkerts were all based in Michigan. Other important American Modern architects who built there include Mies van der Rohe, Marcel Breuer, John Portman, Kevin Roche, SOM, Paul Rudolph, Victor Gruen, and Frank Lloyd Wright.
Brian D. Conway, Michigan State Historic Preservation Officer, will provide an overview of the state’s rich heritage of Modern architecture and its preservation and the Michigan Modern project, an effort led by the State Historic Preservation Office to raise awareness about Michigan’s important role in the development of Modernism.
Conway will also discuss his forthcoming book, co-authored with Amy L. Arnold, project manager for the Michigan Modern project. Michigan Modern: Design That Shaped America is a collection of important essays touching on all aspects of Michigan’s architecture and design heritage.
Copies of Michigan Modern: Design That Shaped America will be available for purchase and signing.
Organized by: AIANY Historic Buildings Committee
Co-sponsored by: DOCOMOMO New York | Tri-State
