Erin Besler - Portrait

Erin Besler

Founders Rome Prize
February 18–July 26, 2019
Profession
Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Princeton University
Project title
The Problem with the Corner Problem
Project description

Architecture is preoccupied by problems. The corner problem, the most exemplary of all of architecture’s problems, was born in Rome. While it is in fact the presence of a problem that foregrounds the discipline of architecture, architectural practice requires that problems are resolutely solved. Because architectural problems tend to be one of two kinds and this distinction decouples architecture and building, and theory and practice, it is imperative that we develop a way to work within this divide. My proposal is to document and retroactively fabricate model corners in Rome to track the appearance of their problems as the conflation of representational and construction conventions in architecture with an aim to developing a way of working between conceptual and practical problems. The result will be full scale mockups and interactive modeling apps using the perennial problem of the corner to level the playing field and engage new audiences in otherwise esoteric disciplinary concerns.