S18 Positions Series : Culture
Wednesday, April 4th, 4:00pm @ Greene Gallery
“Culture”_
On Wednesday, April 4th, 2018, the student-coordinated discussions series at Rensselaer, Positions Series, will host “Culture,” with guest speaker Chris Cornelius, leader of research and idea-driven practice, studio:indigenous, in Milwaukee. He will be presenting along with faculty Michael Oatman.
The heavily- concentrated work of Cornelius is based around the architectural translation of Native American culture. In projects such as Wiikiaami in Columbus or Oneida Visitor’s Center in Wisconsin, there is a correlation between Native American (especially the Oneida Tribe) mythology and cultural practices to inform the design of his projects. Chris Cornelius will give a presentation entitled, “On Indigeneity”, and Michael Oatman will also present. The presentation will be followed by a discussion and snacks and drinks will be provided.
This discussion poses the following:
How can design not only reflect the cultural context in which it exists, but also inform a better understanding and appreciation of this culture? How can an understanding of the human intellect, ethics, and behavior be used as a driving force for innovating and creating work that is transformative and uplifting?
About the Speaker
Associate Professor Chris Cornelius, an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin, focuses his research and practice on the architectural translation of culture; in particular, American Indian culture. He is the founding principal of studio:indigenous, a design and consulting practice serving American Indian clients. He served as a cultural consultant and design collaborator with Antoine Predock on the Indian Community School of Milwaukee (ICS). ICS won the AIA Design Excellence award from the Committee on Architecture for Education. Cornelius holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He has previously taught at the University of Virginia.