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Learn From Buildings

Built environment education, architectural history and preservation consultancy

Magazines and Writing

Writing probably gives me the chance to reach the broadest audience.  I have written general-interest articles as well as historical research documents for landmarking purposes.  Additionally, I’ve done a little writing about my favorite topic (old buildings!) for kids.

Some examples:

  • For The New York Landmarks Conservancy’s magazine, Common Bond, I have written many articles.  In Common Bond Volume 16 number 3, I wrote two articles: Cobblestone Masonry (page 2) and Case Study: Researching Building History at St. Thomas’ Church (page 6)
  • Oculus, the magazine of the New York Chapter of the American Institute of Architects published Visual Literacy – It’s elementary!, an article I wrote about one of my school programs.
  • Young Friends was a newsletter supplement aimed at children which I wrote. It was published by Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts, a preservation group.
  • Addisleigh Park is a little-known enclave with a fascinating history in Queens. I researched the history of this neighborhood and wrote a report for the Historic Districts Council. I’m happy to say that today, the area has been designated as a New York City landmark!

Testimonials

We would like to thank you for presenting to both of our classes about the history of major urban planners and also the tour of the Jane Jacobs exhibition. Your presentation was an inspiration for our own projects and developments.

- 12th grade architecture class, High School of Art and Design

It was fun to learn about something in a fun and awesome way. I loved creating a building with you and my group. It really made the Old Ship Meeting House come to life for me.

- 5th grade student, PS 150

Jane was a natural with students. She listens to their thinking and responds with warmth and knowledge. Jane is a natural educator who has a love for her community and clearly enjoys passing on her knowledge to others.”

- 1st and 2nd grade teacher, Village Community School

Thank you so much for coming in to teach architecture to the class (and me!). It’s so great to be able to expose the kids to something outside the mandated curriculum that is apparent in their everyday lives... they will never look at buildings without also thinking about them.

- 4th grade teacher, PS 196

It's amazing to see how the children work together... they are able to express themselves in ways that they sometimes struggle to find in words.

- 2nd grade teacher, PS 212

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