Teaching architecture students how to be active citizens of their communities can help them connect better with their future clients and design more meaningful buildings—and, in the case of historic preservation, more appropriate interventions.
Part of that often means standing up for what you believe in. On April 23, Angel Ayón gave a now annual guest lecture to students at Yale University entitled “Citizen Architect: Preservation Advocacy as Professional Practice.”
Sharing his unique personal perspective on this topic, Angel delved into his architectural schooling and early professional life as well as running his own architecture firm today.
The presentation also followed Angel's 20-year-long neighborhood advocacy campaign to save the 1857 Mount Morris Fire Watchtower in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park. As a result of Angel’s influence and leadership, this designated NYC landmark, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was rehabilitated and received numerous awards .
Part of the School’s “Historic Preservation in the 21st Century” seminar taught by Norma Barbacci, Angel delivered his lecture in Rudolph Hall, the famed Brutalist building by its namesake, architect Paul Rudolph.