Architecture and Planning during World War II Symposium organized by the Institute of Fine Arts, New York University and the Canadian Center for Architecture, with Princeton University’s School of Architecture Institute of Fine Arts, New York University March 6 and 7, 2009 Scholarly direction: Jean-Louis Cohen Considered by most historians of 20th century architecture as a void between peaceful periods of active architectural production, the Second World War remains an unwritten chapter in most textbooks. It corresponds however to an intense body of experience, which can be observed from Japan to the United States, passing through Russia, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and England. WWII was a key moment in the process of modernization, and manifold issues are raised by the preparation of war, the total mobilization of territories and cities and their eventual occupation, destruction and reconstruction. The purpose of this conference is to bring together research investigating a wide range of architectural activities, taking place in diverse geographical locations between the bombings of Guernica in 1937 and Hiroshima in 1945. Papers are expected to explore architects’ contributions in the preparation for the war, both in terms of offensive and defensive operations/tactics, such as camouflage, as well as those that address how architecture was used to aid the armed conflict, be it on the front lines, within occupied territories, or on the home front. Submissions that suggest connections between architectural practice and wartime technology and production are welcomed. Wartime preparation for peacetime reconstruction, commemoration and memorial architecture can also be discussed. Please send proposals of no longer than 500 words to: Susan E. Schafer, ses337@nyu.edu and Anna Jozefacka, aj352@nyu.edu Deadline for submissions: September 15, 2008