Dr. James Cooper

Biography

James Cooper's research focuses on Michelangelo’s architecture, particularly the use of drawing in the precedent design process. His research interests include ancient Roman architecture, urbanism, and the architecture and urbanism of fin-de-siècle Vienna, as well as late works of Mies van der Rohe in North America. Cooper's combination of interests, education, and experience has led him to develop a unique methodology and philosophy for research and teaching. His approaches to architectural history integrate the perspectives of an experienced designer with those of an architectural historian, employing analytical drawing, sketching, diagramming, and computer modeling as primary investigative tools. His distinctive methodology was developed during his Ph.D. dissertation on Michelangelo's architecture, particularly the designs for the Campidoglio in Rome, which led to the publication of articles on the Laurentian Library and the Palazzo dei Conservatori. Analytical sketching and drawing are central to his investigations into the history of architecture, including studies of the ancient Forum at Pompeii.

Research Interests