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.

This class will not meet April 18, 2025.

COURSE LEADER
Alan Chimacoff, a Princeton-based architect, and photographer, taught at Cornell and Princeton for thirty years. He's known for designing buildings at top institutions, receiving the New Jersey AIA Michael Graves Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. His photos have been exhibited nationwide, and his work is part of Cornell's collection and displayed at Princeton's Maclean House. Chimacoff holds architecture degrees from Cornell and Harvard.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Please note: There will be no class on 4/18.

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by calling 609-751-9699.

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS are available. Please contact Johanna Peters, Director of Social Services at 609.751.9699, ext. 111 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to 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