Building Philadelphia lecture series returns March 11- May 20

Ever wished for a comprehensive crash course in Philly’s development and design history? The Center for Architecture’s annual “Building Philadelphia: Architecture, History & Politics” 10-part lecture series, starting Tuesday, has you covered.

Each week a scholar, historian, planner, or architect will trace a portion of Philadelphia’s built heritage, from William Penn to Ed Bacon. Individuals who attend at least eight of the lectures are invited to additional sessions to become a certified tour guide for the Center of Architecture and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia.

Building Philadelphia: Architecture, History & Politics – March 11- May 20:

• March 11: Penn’s Plan and the Founding of the City, John Andrew Gallery, Former Director, Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia
• March 18: From Colonial Capitol to the Athens of America: Georgian, Federal, Greek Revival, Richard Webster, West Chester University
• March 25: Romantic Philadelphia: Eclecticism of Style Richard Webster, West Chester University
• April 1: Digging in the City of Brotherly Love, Rebecca Yamin, PhD
• April 8: Immigration to the City, Caroline Golab, Thomas Jefferson University
• April 22: The Victorian City, Jeffrey Cohen, Bryn Mawr College
• April 29: Going on Stilts: The Tall Building in 19th Century Philadelphia, Paula Spilner, Drexel University
• May 6: Planning the Modern City: The Parkway and Society Hill David Brownlee, University of Pennsylvania)
• May 13: Misfits and Heroes: Modernism in the Delaware Valley, William Whitaker, Architectural Archives, University of Pennsylvania
• May 20: Ed Bacon and the Future of Philadelphia Scott Gabriel Knowles, Drexel University
• June 3, 10, 17: Optional tour guide training

Building Philadelphia lectures will take place at the Center for Architecture (1218 Arch St.) on Tuesdays from March 11 through May 20, 2013, from 6-8pm. For all 10 lectures the series costs $150, $100 for AIA/CFA/Preservation Alliance members, $50 for students and AIA Associates. Individual lectures cost $20, $15 for members, $10 for students/AIA Associates. Advance registration is required. You may register online for any or all of the sessions.