Mellon Collaborative Studies in Architecture, Urbanism, and the Humanities

At the Intersection of Architecture, Urbanism, and the Humanities

Mellon Collaborative Studies seminars bring together faculty and students from the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning and the College of Arts & Sciences to think deeply about the city and its many representations, and to share and explore methodologies, technologies, and pedagogies in the study of the urban condition.

Urbanism is rapidly becoming the dominant context and content for cultural production, and humanists and designers alike are increasingly confronted with interpreting and theorizing the complex, multi-layered condition of the global city. In 2013, Cornell University received support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation for the Mellon Collaborative Studies in Architecture, Urbanism, and the Humanities. In 2021, with continued funding from the foundation, the previously established Mellon Collaborative Studies seminar series shifted focus to address social justice in American urban environments.

The seminars — Design Justice and Urban Justice — are distinct yet complementary approaches to integrating humanist studies and design methodologies. They may take the form of a seminar, a lab, a studio, or a workshop. These courses yield important lessons for participants and inform future pedagogical approaches to studying cities.

Seminars are open to selected graduate students in the humanities and design disciplines. Fellowship stipends and travel support are available to enrolled students. 

Applications to teach a seminar are closed.