The Autobiographical House

Architects and artists have long built dwellings for themselves (and for surrogate clients) as showcases of their art, sites of collecting and teaching, and as retreats from professional life. From Thomas Jeffereson to Philip Johnson, from John Soane to Eileen Gray and Frank Gehry, building a house of one's own often harks back to Renaissance and Baroque models while experimenting with new manifestations of the architect's evolving role. This seminar examines such buildings as well as wide-ranging readings in artistic autobiography. Limited enrollment.