January 15, 2010

Architecture students, together with students from the Dance department, constructed an installation inspired by the bamboo structures of Asia and a 300-year-old Chinese house during a three-week winter term course. During the week of February 8, a series of public events at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (CSPAC) will culminate this work.

The course was led by Ronit Eisenbach, associate professor of architecture; Harold Burgess II, director of the College Park Scholars Arts Program; and Sharon Mansur, assistant professor of dance. In this class students explored themes of home, place and being through interrelated aspects of exhibition design, architectural structure, ritual and performance.

The structure was created with bamboo harvested locally and enhanced by creative work from students in the College Park Art Scholars program. This project is a wonderful example of the magic that can take shape when diverse units on campus collaborate. The project is featured in the latest issue of the UM publication, Between the Columns.

In China, "desire houses" are ritually burned to honor and thank one's ancestors. During the week of the installation (February 8-12), an exhibition of student-constructed desire houses will be on display in the lobby, housed in the bamboo structure. The work will culminate in a pre-performance procession and ritual burning of a contemporary desire house in the courtyard.

More Information

Click here for Desire House photos. 

Read the Between the Columns article.

Upcoming Public Events at CSPAC

Monday, February 8, 7pm
Creative Dialogue: The Essence of Home
Liz Lerman moderates a discussion featuring David Harrington of Kronos Quartet, Ronit Eisenbach from the UM School of Architecture and Nancy Berliner, curator of the Yin Yu Tang exhibit.

Thursday, February 11, 7pm
Yin Yu Tang: The Architecture and Daily Life of a Chinese Home
Wu Man joins Nancy Berliner, curator of the Yin Yu Tang exhibit, in a virtual exploration of the architecture and culture reflected in Yin Yu Tang.

Friday, February 12-27, 7:15pm
Desire House Performance
In ancient China, "desire houses" were ritually burned to send deceased spirits into the afterlife with their belongings. During the week of the show, an exhibition of student-constructed desire houses will be on display in the lobby, culminating in a pre-performance procession and ritual burning of a desire house in the courtyard.
Followed by Kronos Quartet performance, A Chinese Home

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