Unbuilt Sert

3 units

This design research seminar will focus on the digital simulation of the unbuilt architectural design projects of Josep Lluís Sert (1901-83). This spring we will document and analyze Sert's drawings for St. Botolph's Chapel (1963) designed for the Boston Government Center complex with the goal of virtually 'building' it. Sert practiced in Barcelona in the 1930s during the era of the Spanish Republic and later in the U.S. as both architect and planner. He was the President of CIAM (International Congresses of Modern Architecture) from 1947-56, and Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Design from 1953-69 where he developed urban design as a discipline and academic program. The chapel was an effort to combine elements of Catalan modern architecture with his concept of a modern New Monumentality suitable to the postwar world. The seminar will also visit several of Sert's major built projects in the Boston area, and will include presentations by Dean Emeritus Edward Baum, who was job captain on the St. Bololph's chapel project with the Sert, Jackson firm. Students will work in teams to produce detailed digital models of the project to simulate the 'built' chapel inside and out. Publication of the work is anticipated.