The Sorkin Reading Room at the Spitzer School of Architecture is dedicated to its namesake, Michael Sorkin, the late distinguished professor of architecture, author, activist, architecture critic, urbanist, and the head of Michael Sorkin Studios and Terreform Center for Advanced Urban Research. The generously donated collection of close to 4,000 items includes syllabi, various published writings, lectures, books, studio information, journals, catalogs, numerous bound files from select architects, and many other items.

“The reading room will be used by researchers interested in Michael Sorkin’s criticism, pedagogy, and design practice,” said Joan Copjec, Sorkin’s wife and main proponent of the project. There will be a tour every half-hour. The tour will be led by Michael’s colleague Professor of Architecture Elisabetta Terragni, who designed the room.

Located close to St. Nicholas Park, the space is light-filled with a long seminar table to engender conversation and debate. Lining shelves he designed for his office, Sorkin’s books are organized according to his personal system, introducing readers to his way of thinking about urbanism, architecture, and cities.

From Urban Omnibus: In March 2020, the formidable architect, critic, and educator Michael Sorkin became one of the early victims of COVID-19 in New York. A small group of faculty from the Spitzer School of Architecture at CCNY | CUNY brought his extensive and eclectic library to the school, where he was a distinguished professor and had led the urban design program since 2000. Architect Elisabetta Terragni rehoused the original powder-coated aluminum shelves from Sorkin’s office and 2,359 books on topics from green architecture to food to war and disaster in a new stand-alone reading room. Urban Omnibus explored the Michael Sorkin Book Collection in “Unpacking His Library.” 

See also: Treasures from the Avery Drawings and Archives in “Architecture in the Basement.”A new “Learning Environment” at the Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center. 

For ASL interpretation or access requests, please contact [email protected] by Friday, October 11th.

The Spitzer School of Architecture has an accessible front entrance with automatic doors. Elevators are available. Government-issued photo ID is required for all guests upon entry.

Looking for a place to grab a bite or a drink while you’re exploring? Check out The Infatuation’s top Harlem picks.