USI Center for Communal Studies Lecture Series presents The Lives of a (Modern) Building April 14

The University of Southern Indiana Center for Communal Studies is excited to offer a presentation by Chicago-based architectural historian Michelangelo Sabatino, Professor at IIT College of Architecture, and landscape architect Ron Henderson, Professor at IIT College of Architecture, discussing their new book, The Lives of a (Modern) Building: The Edith Farnsworth House in Chicago: Architecture, Landscape, Preservation and Community. This presentation will be at 1 p.m. Monday, April 14 in Kleymeyer Hall (LA 0101), located in the lower level of the Liberal Arts Center. This event is open to the public at no charge and offered online via Zoom and in-person. 

Sabatino’s new book reveals the three different “lives” of the famous modern house in Chicago beginning with its commissioning by client/patron Dr. Edith Farnsworth with famed German architect Mies van der Rohe followed by two additional “lives” centered around the period of ownership by Lord Peter and Hayat Palumbo, concluding with its current stewardship by the National Trust for Historic Preservation/Landmarks Illinois. Ron Henderson was a contributing author to the book and will discuss the “Lives of a Tree.” 

“Ron Henderson and Michelangelo Sabatino’s book is a thoughtful interplay on nature, cultivation, aesthetics and space.” says Dr. Silvia Rode, Director of the Center for Communal Studies. 

The new book will be on sale, and authors will be available for signing. Registration is required for Zoom. 

For more information about this event, contact Rode at sarode@usi.edu.