Monuments convey the aspirations of one generation to the next, serving as vessels for architectural agency. This folly - a tectonic fragment of the monument, explores the potential of a spatial intervention to serve as a call for action.

Students were encouraged to develop a position on Monumentality. Their programmatic agenda was concerned with climate change. Through a design-build process, they speculated on the future of masonry while negotiating contemporary digital fabrication techniques alongside timeless elements. Their exploration culminated in a folly that will remain built on campus for one year.

Thanks to the students and to the Masonry Contractors of New Jersey for a rich and rewarding semester.

Year: 2017

Location: Newark, NJ

Faculty Coordinators: Michael Mostoller and Alessandro Orsini

Type: Teaching

Student Team: Shesi A., Nicholas G., Abdullah H., Sholan K., Serge L., Michelle L., Alexander L., Nicole M., Mathew M., Brunie P., Sean R., Keith S., Shail S., Evelin T., Brian W., Tamara Z.

We learn from teaching and we thrive when practice is balanced with academic speculation.

This second-year architecture studio speculated on the future of masonry, mixing digital fabrication techniques with the traditions and conventions of the trade. Throughout the semester, students were encouraged to explore a programmatic agenda that culminated in a masonry build. The build will remain built on campus for one year. Thanks to the students and to the Masonry Contractors of New Jersey for a rich and rewarding semester.

Year: 2016

Location: Newark, NJ

Faculty Coordinators: Michael Mostoller and Henry Grosman

Type: Teaching

Student Team: Martin A., Hiroel B., Bridgette B., Kaleb B., Angelo C., Cameron C., Ernessa F., Kristin G., Naymah H., Sebastian L., Bobbi M., Hao P., Adiel Q., Daniel R., Travis S., David W., Mirian Z.