The course focuses on working empathetically by studying examples of qualitative and quantitative analysis, seeking out everyday phenomena, and making students step outside of architecture. The course is looking to re-write our ways of working and thinking by making hybrid tools of measure and intervention.  

In conjunction with the course lectures and ongoing student field work, Bernbaum organized a series of micro-symposiums with invited guests to reflect on their own practices in the field and the ethics of their methods. 

The guests were organized by module theme and brought various studies of diverse contexts to the discussion. The presentations spoke to reflections on their practice, offered advice to future field workers, and culminated in a group discussion. 

The goals of these symposiums were: 

– to encourage better practices in architecture; 

– more empathy and respect when defining our working methods; 

– innovative thinking and working methods; and 

– continued practice of respect when studying histories of sites and communities, as well as the everyday experiences of our contexts. 

Although guests were organized by module and discipline, most guests’ work spans many disciplines and takes on many considerations of site, community, and context.  The micro-symposiums were a wonderful addition to the course. Bernbaum, along with the students, are grateful for the opportunity to speak with and learn from so many amazing researchers and to celebrate their work.