Historically, research and creative practice have been constructed as “opposites.” This is not an unusual struggle in architecture schools, particularly in the context of a research university. This perceived tension between design and research is indicative of age-old anxieties within the architecture field to understand its nature as an “applied art.” Design can be a purely creative activity not unlike creative practices in music and art. In other cases, design can be a purely problem solving activity, not unlike research in engineering and industrial production. Initiated by Dean Ponce de Leon in 2009, the Research Through Making (RTM) program at the University of Michigan, Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning provides funding for faculty research worked on by faculty, students, and interdisciplinary experts. Five grants of $20,000 are competitively awarded for the production of a research or creative project that is predicated on making. Funds can be used for project materials, student assistance, and other expenses. Entries to the 2011–2012 competition were anonymously evaluated by a distinguished jury from outside Taubman College. Judges included Eva Franch i Gilabert, Director, Storefront for Art and Architecture; Michael Meredith, Principal, MOS; Assistant Professor, Princeton School of Architecture; Joe Valerio, Principal, Valerio Dewalt Train Associates Featured Projects Geoffrey Thün, Kathy Velikov, and Wes McGee Resonant Chamber Wes McGee and Catie Newell Glass Cast and Specimen 2011–2012 Grant Recipients Catie Newell and Wes McGee Mary-Ann Ray and Robert Mangurian Neal Robinson Steven Mankouche, Josh Bard, and Matthew Schulte Geoff Thün, Kathy Velikov, and Wes McGee
111
Research Through Making