Iterative assemblies, constructed and deconstructed realities, activist demonstrations… JAE’s special focus session, “The Project of Projecting,” held at the 106th ACSA Annual Meeting in Colorado, The Ethical Imperative, discussed the role of projects through a rich array of approaches. From things and processes, to ethics and political engagement, the panel gathered five distinct voices that critically position their work and research in the field of projections. Heather Flood (Woodbury University) traces the parallel tracks that intertwine the project as a design proposal and the project within an intellectual framework. Kevin Hirth (University of Colorado) reflects on his design practice through the reading and construction of actual and fictional realities that result in collages and drawings. Marc Neveu (Woodbury University) unfolds Douglas Darden’s architectural narratives by diving into the architect’s rich archive of unpublished work. Pari Riahi (University of Massachusetts Amherst) investigates the pedagogical framework of a design studio that focuses on cabinets of curiosities and their inherently projective representational qualities. Finally, Peggy Deamer (Yale University) concludes the session by asking, what is the value of architects’ projects? which is followed by her research on labor and critique to institutions representing architectural practices. This special focus session was an extension of the most recent JAE’s all-design issue, A/To Project.

Heather Flood
Woodbury University

Kevin Hirth
University of Colorado

Marc Neveu
Woodbury University

Pari Riahi
University of Massachusetts Amherst

Peggy Deamer
Yale University