Architecture is often viewed as a balance between form and function. But as an architect, educator, administrator and author, Alan Balfour has shown there is more to the field; his work views architecture as the physical manifestation of a culture’s ideas. Balfour recently announced that he will step down as dean of Tech’s College of Architecture at the end of June 2013 but will continue in his role as a professor.
How did you know it was time to step down?
We have done more than I would ever have thought possible. In truth I came to the end of my rolling agenda and knew it was time to pass the torch.
Of all that was accomplished in your tenure, what are you most proud of?
First, the reformation of all the programs of the College into five strong, independent schools … each with a distinct faculty and each either with or in the process of developing doctoral programs. Second is the creation of the Hinman studio … a brilliant reconceptualization of the interior by the architect Nadir Tehrani and an ambitious stage for our students to imagine and shape the future.
What are your hopes for the future of the College?
Each [school] has the potential to emerge as preeminent in their respective fields for one reason above all: They exist within one of the world’s great engineering schools. If each continues to enhance their respective disciplines by building on the strengths of Georgia Tech, they will succeed.
Your writing often focuses on what buildings represent in a larger cultural sense. What do you hope the Hinman building represents within the Georgia Tech campus?
What I hope it can represent in the future is the emergence of a culture of creativity across all disciplines at Georgia Tech. This year we are celebrating the 60th anniversaries of three events—the opening of the Architecture Building (now called the East Architecture Building), and with it the formal establishment of programs of study in industrial design and planning. The new building and these new programs were formed to prepare students to build a progressive future—and it succeeded. The graduates from these programs changed the face of Atlanta and beyond. I hope the Hinman Building will be an equally effective instrument for the next 60 years.
Now that you’ll be focusing more on teaching, what should students expect from your classes?
With my freshman class, they should expect enthusiasm, even passion for creative thinking. I have a strong desire to make them highly conscious of the power of imagining. With my graduate class, which I am now preparing, they should expect some insights into finding a place in the confused though fertile field of architecture in these times.
Your new book, Solomon’s Temple, is coming out this fall. What drew you to that subject?
I write cultural history from the evidence of building and cities, and some of my past writing has focused on settings of significant conflict examining the underlying causes. Temple Mount, on which Solomon’s Temple once stood, is in many ways a most dangerous place and at the heart of the Middle East conflict.
You’ve written on a wide variety of topics. Is there anything that you haven’t tackled yet but have plans to write about?
There are several ideas I am now exploring around the theme of the failure of idealized reality.
What are you reading now?
W. G. Sebald, The Rings of Saturn; Patrick Michael Leigh Fermor, A Time of Gifts: On Foot to Constantinople: From the Hook of Holland to the Middle Danube; Scarp by Nick Papadimitriou. They’re all in some way related to the theme above.
Are there any ongoing architectural projects that you find particularly compelling?
Staying local, I believe the Atlanta Beltline will be a marvelous compliment to the city.
What do you think the current trends in architecture and construction say about where the world is headed?
In many different directions, some good, some troubling. What is generally true is that we no longer seem to be able to look 50 or a hundred years into the future, and our responses to major problems like resource depletion, poverty, increasing urbanization, are vague at best, but mostly absent.
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