Students have an opportunity to learn from past faculty research in the “Printed Matter” exhibit at the College of Architecture & Environmental Design until Sept. 6.  

Nick Fagan, one of two curators for the exhibit, said the showing highlights the depth of work across different areas of the college. 

“There’s everything from more theoretical writings, to more typical research papers and journals documenting projects that various faculty have worked on,” said Fagan, assistant professor and head of Joseph F. Morbito Architecture Library. “We have representation from architecture, our urban design programs, landscape designs and construction management.” 

The importance of printed research across various disciplines is explored in “Printed Matter.”

Brett Tippey, associate professor of Architecture and program coordinator for Architectural Studies, has contributed to the gallery’s print collection. Tippey’s research, Richard Neutra’s Search for the Southland: California, Latin America and Spain, sits aside fellow faculty writing. 

Across the exhibit is associate professor Nick Safley’s work “Huflor,” where written inside a beige-colored book is information and research on a past project of his. 

These works help illustrate the tangibility of print, which the curators highlighted during this exhibit’s creation. 

“Print rate remains very important within the design professions,” Fagan said. “The quality of the paper and the images that get represented can’t get duplicated on the screen often, so we really wanted to focus on that.”  

This particular exhibit stands out from past ones in multiple ways, as it was created with the intent to have students explore research and draw inspiration from the written works on display, Fagan said. 

“Sometimes they’re kind of interactive, sometimes not,” Fagan said. “Here we’re encouraging the students to actually come in and sit down.” 

Six chairs, named “boomerang chairs,” are placed around the gallery for interested visitors to sit and take in the exhibit.

The chairs hold a special meaning to faculty as well, as they have a direct connection to the college. Tippey built the chairs, along with his written work, that accompany the rest of the exhibit, Fagan said. 

Among the faculty members who have their written work displayed is Elwin Robison, a professor in the College of Architecture & Environmental Design. 

Robison has written three works that are currently being displayed, including one he co-authored with a professor from Princeton University. The book, “Architectural Technology Up to the Scientific Revolution,” explores innovative structures designed by pre-Enlightenment builders. 

During this time, Robison employed a Kent student to help with research for a summer, and the experience helped her find employment afterward. 

“It was one of those connections that works out for people,” Robison said. 

Robison’s three works sit on display with around 70 other faculty-authored publications. He said the most important part of research is writing about the findings for others to see, which contributes to why the exhibit hosts a vast collection. 

“If a piece of research happened in the forest and nobody heard it, it never exists,” Robison said. “That’s the system. You get your research out there, other people read it and then they build on it.”  

Taking place in the Armstrong Gallery, “Printed Matter” will be on display until Sept. 6. Several new exhibits are scheduled for the gallery this fall semester, including another highlighting faculty works. 

Kayla Gleason is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].