Graduate School of Architecture, Preservation & Planning, Columbia University
Professor Erieta Attali
TA's: Kimon Veneris, Mario Marchant, Lori Apfel, Steven Mueller, Sang Hwa Lee, Daniella Zalcman
2003 - 2009

The scope of this course focuses on using the medium of architectural photography as a critical tool for analyzing and representing buildings. By contextualizing and framing the relationship between an architect and his or her work, it becomes easier to understand the intent behind the design process. Architectural photography helps us to understand the creator's ideas and intentions, and can provide us with insights into a building's meaning. It provides us not only with documentary evidence but also serves as a stimulant for the critical mind. On a practical level, the class teaches soon-to-be architects what to expect and what to desire from documentation of buildings they might design in the future.

Professor Erieta Attali leads each class as an open critique tailored to individual strengths and interests. Students are expected to produce work for every class for review. By the end of the semester, students will ideally build up a portfolio of work centered around an individualized project. The class also incorporates the work of past and contemporary landscape and architectural photographers, drawing from their example and talent for inspiration. Photo I is largely an introductory course, while Photo II delves more thoroughly into the discipline and also begins to explore night photography.