Source: Larry Bowne, 785-532-1174, lbowne@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Diane Potts, 785-532-1090, potts@k-state.edu
Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2007
K-STATE'S GARY COATES TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR LATEST WORK
MANHATTAN -- Gary J. Coates, a Kansas State University professor of architecture and Victor L. Regnier Distinguished Faculty Chair in K-State's College of Architecture, Planning and Design, will be recognized for his latest architectural monograph, "The Architecture of Carl Nyren," from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 26, in the Pierce Atrium at K-State's Seaton Hall.
Copies of Coates' publication will be available for signing at the event.
Nyren, the subject of Coates' book, is an exemplar of Scandinavian design excellence. The Swedish architect and planner, born in 1917, embodies the egalitarian Nordic values of solidarity and compassion. According to Coates, even as Nyren's work echoes themes prevailing in the international architectural community, it also transcends such universalizing tendencies in favor of a particular Swedish localism, deeply rooted in that country's unique building traditions.
"The Architecture of Carl Nyren" is the first volume in English to document the achievements of Nyren and his office. The book brings to fruition years of research, carried out both in Europe and America, in which Coates proceeded from a fascination with the architect's built work to an intensive series of site visits, interviews and explorations in the work and life of Nyren, including multiple interviews with the architect and many of his associates. The illustrated volume includes numerous images prepared over the last 40 years by many of Sweden's leading architectural photographers.
Coates has long provided leadership in educating emerging architects and the general public in the pressing need to create sustainable buildings, communities, and regions. In his teaching and research, Coates emphasizes climatically adapted and culturally situated architectures of place.
A frequent lecturer both domestically and abroad, Coates has published extensively on sustainability and related issues in leading scholarly and professional journals. His writings include the books "Resettling America: Energy, Ecology and Community" and "Erik Asmussen, Architect," as well as numerous articles and essays on design, sustainability and the study of place.