
Nicholas Boarsky Professor, Architect, Department of Architecture, Royal Polytechnic University of Melbourne
Former Chair Professor, National Chiao Tung University
Associate Professor, Department of Architectural Design, Chak Chi Kong University
Winsing Art Place (No. 6, Lane 10, Lane 180, Section 6, Section 6, Minquan East Road, Neihu District, Taipei City)
$300 (one drink included)
A “school” is not a skyscraper or an ivory tower of a building, but a starting point for experimentation and creation, pursuing design methods and graphic reproduction, strategic thinking and action, gathering thought and criticism, and promoting publishing and education. In an era of architectural “college education” ebbs and connections to society, London's AA School of Architecture and the Cooper Union in New York have formed an epochal example. The Taiwan School of Architecture also opened a new page in architectural design education under this influence.
The lecture was specially invited by Professor Zeng Shedd and Professor Nicholas Boyarsky—who is also the son of former AA Dean Alvin Boyarsjy, who was presented at this exhibition, Housing the Friendship Architecture and the Friendship of Books, to review the creative story and discuss Be it from today's feedback.
Nicholas Boyarsky connects to Taipei remotely from London to share the journey of his father, Alvin Boyarsky, in developing architectural theory and education across the United States and the United Kingdom. The presentation began with two classic books on media and information dissemination, depicting the era’s shift from Modernism to Postmodernism and the impending establishment of the global communication network. Alvin Boyarsky, well-versed in the power of imagery in architecture, his extensive postcard collection related to cities, culture, and his correspondence with other architects are shared in the presentation. Nicholas Boyarsk also mentions the alternative promotion methods applied by the International Institute of Design, which his father founded in 1970, through stamps, posters, and graphic design.
The discussion extends to the evolution of classic publications like Folio, Box, and Mega after Alvin Boyarsky took charge of AA School of Architecture in 1972. These works, considered art pieces due to their high integration of printing and binding techniques, are filled with fascinating stories. They further highlight the ambiance within the school, where communication and confrontations through drawings, exhibitions, and paper flourished. In such an environment, outstanding architectural drawings were published and spread globally, attracting numerous young aspiring architects. Prof. David Tseng presents his personal collection of related books, quoting them in the online conversation with Nicholas Boyarsky, further elucidating the bold and generous provision of resources and platforms under Alvin Boyarsky's leadership at AA School of Architecture, which cultivated many renowned architects. Nicholas Boyarsky also shares interesting anecdotes about drawing plans for John Hejduk's works displayed in the square in front of the school.