Progressive Preservation Talks Book Edition: What a Building Does

Join authors Phillip Cox and Niall Cronin to explore their new publication What a Building Does: The Hoosier Modernisms of Evans Woollen, published by the Indiana University Press.

Phillip Cox is a writer and native Hoosier. He now lives in New York City where he previously worked for the design firm Pentagram.

Niall Cronin is a photographer in New York City. Born in Indianapolis, his work has been shown at the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art (iMOCA) and Edington Gallery. He's been published in the Financial Times, Fast Company, and Time Out.

Hoosier architect Evans Woollen (1927-2016) made a profound contribution to the built identity of Indianapolis, Indiana. Most recognized for introducing concrete Brutalism to the city, his practice was in fact surprisingly diverse, ranging from significant public buildings that are today some of the city's most iconic structures to humble churches, single-family homes, and historic renovations. Some loved his emphatic, proudly modern buildings, while others found them challenging, severe, or even ugly, but all agreed they were boundary pushing, the handiwork of an iconoclastic architect on the cutting edge of contemporary design.

Surveying the full breadth of Woollen's six-decade career, What a Building Does tells the complete story of this essential Midwestern practitioner for the first time: from his early years as a student of Philip Johnson and Louis Kahn; to his decision to open his practice in Indianapolis; to his later professional successes across Indiana and beyond. With a focus on ten of Woollen's most important built works, this book explores the dynamic ideas which shaped his architecture and the complex relationship he held with Indianapolis, his hometown. Most significantly, it also discovers a multi-decade practice of empathetic, human-centered design conducted long before such ideas were mainstream.

The event is produced in partnership with the and will take place at the CAVC's Gallery 506 (506 5th Street). The evening will begin with a reception at 6:15 p.m. with light refreshments from Bespoke Events + Experiences. The talk will begin at 6:30 p.m. and will include time for feedback from those in attendance.

Info: Light refreshments and drinks provided by Bespoke Events + Experiences.

Info: Join authors Phillip Cox and Niall Cronin to explore their new publication What a Building Does: The Hoosier Modernisms of Evans Woollen, published by the Indiana University Press.

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