Fall 2016, Pulitzer Arts Foundation
This multi-week class explored the history of power structures that seek to contain the elements of American cities – real estate parcels, neighborhoods, buildings, and even people – that have been perceived as disorderly or otherwise unruly. Readings and discussions presented a counter-narrative suggesting that change, emergence of alternative economies, and community autonomy are often mistaken for disorder — and that the quest for order often destabilizes urban systems.
Based on the input of registered participants, the course focused on the practical interaction of key themes with the histories and realities of St. Louis. The course engaged raumlaborberlin’s concurrent 4562 Enright Avenue installation through accessible but deep critical analysis of the context of the changing city.