Montreal, Canada

Already done with the first leg of the flight. It's a bit different now, knowing that not only is it here but it is currently going on around me. In related news, I'm still working out the details of the actual research portion of this trip. I've got the first day figured out, which consists of learning the neighborhood, finding internet access, laundry, and a decent falafel. My first order of business will be to head down to the Arsenal, which may or may not end up being the base of my operations, depending on how friendly the people are. I've also been having pipe dreams of getting into Maison de Verre, Fondation LeCorbusier, Fondation Cartier, and possibly an interview with the man himself, Jean Nouvel. Though I haven't been proactive enough at this point, so how much actually happens, I won't know.

The map, however, worked out (85 miles and $75 later) and will hopefully be the cornerstone of my actual in-trip deliverables. I'm still looking for a good competition to adopt, which is why the trip to the Arsenal is early on my list.

Chicago, Il

I picked up the maps from the UW-Milwaukee Library last weekend and now I'm heading to the printer to get one of them transferred to Arches paper, which will be a bit of a timeline of my work and travels while in Paris. Theoretically the information will layer on this map over the next 5 weeks until it is a rich tapestry of information about where I've gone and what I've done.

Chicago, Il

I've got just over a week left before I leave. I've been sending emails to contacts at various ecoles to see if anyone is interested in helping out with the project. I'm also sending out feelers for architecture competitions going on in Paris. In talking with Ed Ford about how I can turn this research into a thesis, he suggested looking for actual competitions going on in Paris. The only one is for a new courthouse, which I think is going to be too much program for what I'm looking for.

I've also been working on tracking down a few maps. I have some historic maps being scanned for me, such as the Turgot Plan and various other maps from the 1750's.

My topic is being clearly re-defined. I'm going to be looking at contemporary architecture, and how it relates to the historicity and density of the Parisien fabric. I'll be looking through multiple lenses, such as materiality, quality of light, acess to the street, etc. I also want to look at a few early-20th century examples (early modernism, such as Corbusier and Prouve) to get a better feel for how design sensibilities have changed in the last 100 years. If anyone has suggestions for buildings old or new to look at, I'm all ears until July 11.