Cdes header

College of Design

Monday, July 29, 2013

Christopher J. Monson

University of Minnesota - B.Arch '87
Harvard University - M.Arch '93

What was the most important thing/skill/concept you learned at the School of Architecture?
The process of iteration is the basis for creating good design. 

Who made the most lasting impression (most influenced you) and why?
Milo Thompson always represented to students the best that an architect can be; thoughtful, smart, reflective, and curious.

What is your favorite memory from your studio days?
Having classmates care enough about you and your work to call you out of bed at 3am to get you back working in the studio.

Please identify one (or more) memorable design project that you worked on while a student at the School of Architecture.
Thesis project.

What major forces (such as individual architects, design philosophies, rendering styles, research methods, etc.) do you remember influencing you significantly as a student?
Post-modernism was big in the mid '80s and all the modernists on the faculty were rethinking their styles. Unfortunately, there were a lot mixed messages to students during that period. I will never forget James Stageberg frustrated and telling a student at a project jury, "Just look at some magazines!"

Cite an example (be specific) that illustrates how you used the education you received at the School of Architecture to positively impact (or better) your community, city, nation or the world.
The number of adjunct instructors at the School of Architecture influenced my understanding of how vital architectural practice was to society.



No comments :

Post a Comment