Reading Buildings: A Primer
This Course Runs From
Friday, March 6, 2026 - Friday, May 1, 2026 Friday, 1:30PM - 3:30PM EST 9 weeks
Where
Virtually on Zoom
Zoom
Program Details
COURSE DESCRIPTION
What does it mean to "understand" buildings? From the outside, as we first confront them? From the inside as we experience them? We can understand buildings in simple, pragmatic terms — how they work for what they are supposed to do — and we can understand them as architecture. This is a brief introduction to the logic of architectural form and space — the phenomena,principles, characteristics, geometries, and themes at the basis of making and understanding architecture — irrespective of time.
It is not a history though it examines examples from all ages and architectural styles. It will seek to define the "define-able" while acknowledging that much of the soul-stirring power of architecture eludes definition.
Please note: This course will not meet on 4/3.
COURSE LEADER
Alan Chimacoff, a Princeton-based architect and photographer, taught architecture at Cornell and Princeton for thirty years. He's known for designing buildings at top institutions, receiving the NJ AIA Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement award in 2019. Exhibited nationwide, his photographs are in the collections of the Cornell and Princeton University art museums. He holds architecture degrees from Cornell and Harvard.
GENERAL INFORMATION
This Evergreen Forum course will take place virtually via Zoom. Zoom links are sent 24 hours before each class. Any general questions or concerns about this event should be directed to CMAP at
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or by calling 609-751-9699.
SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Please submit a request form by following the link here to apply.
REFUND INFORMATION
· We invite you to donate your refund to CMAP. Call us for more information
· Refund checks will be issued for cash, check, and credit card payments
· Payments made electronically will be refunded electronically
· Refund processing time is approximately 2 weeks
· Up to the start of the second week of an Evergreen Forum Course — refunds will be issued minus a $25 processing fee
· No refund will be offered after the second week of class.
· There will be a $25 processing fee for refunds to those who register for the same program more than once

