In this conversation, Kenneth Frampton (Columbia University) discusses approaches to architectural history today with Esra Akcan (Cornell University) and Mark Jarzombek (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). What does it mean to write a global history of architecture now? What is the relationship between such a history and urgent contemporary concerns? During a discussion moderated by Kim Förster, CCA Associate Director, Research, each presenter will offer his or her own understanding of how global architecture might be defined, as well as address questions of periodization, key terms, and the purpose of developing a global history (or histories).

Frampton’s archive arrived at the CCA in 2017. This conversation is a first step in providing access to this body of work, as well as beginning to think about how architectural archives generated outside of design practice can inform our understanding of the field today. An exhibition on Frampton’s teaching, curated by Kim Förster, opened at the CCA on 31 May 2017. Anchored by the syllabi from four core courses in history, theory, and design, the exhibition highlights Frampton’s role in the changing landscape of architectural education over several generations.