Cultural Identity in Architecture: An Armenian Case Study
Maymester 2012
School of Architecture
Jane Britt Greenwood AIA
Associate Professor and
Fulbright Scholar
The objective of this three-credit elective is to have students experience and study the architecture,
customs, and history of the Republic of Armenia in order to understand ways in which architecture can
embody cultural identity.
Students will spend 8 days in Gyumri, Armenia documenting and analyzing the vernacular
architecture of the Kumayri Historic District. This in situ case study will enable students to identify
those factors (economic, cultural, historical, social, political, etc.) that influence the development of a
culturally specific language of architecture. Students will also interact with local families, businesses,
and related professionals (architects, builders, craftspeople, students, etc.) in order to better understand
how intangible aspects of culture manifest themselves in tangible artifacts.
The remaining 16 days will be spent in the capital city of Yerevan, where students will collaborate
with architecture students from Yerevan State University of Architecture and Construction to select an
existing structure (commercial, residential, governmental, etc.) and design building facades that are both
culturally sensitive and environmentally specific to Armenia.
In addition to analyzing and documenting the architecture of Gyumri and Yerevan, students will
tour Armenia and visit archaeological sites, monasteries, and museums; will produce an individual
journal or group blog where they document their experiences and observations through text and
graphics; and participate in readings and discussions.
Estimated cost of $2955 includes air-fare from Atlanta to Paris to Yerevan, visa, hostel in Gyumri
and Yerevan, translator in Gyumri, in-country transportation, and three group meals featuring the
regional cuisine of Armenia and the Transcaucasus.
NOTE: Professor Greenwood is currently in
Armenia concluding her Fulbright Scholarship
and will return to MSU in January 2012. She will
hold an information meeting at that time and
invite students to enroll in the course. For
questions prior to her return, please contact her
via email at [email protected].
She is also available to skype upon request.