How do I...?

Research a Contemporary Architect or Building

Introduction

Contemporary architects or buildings can be difficult to research. Most buildings do not have a book devoted to them which leaves the researcher to search for articles.

Choosing Keywords or Search Terms

When researching an architect or building, always start with the name of the architect as your first keyword. Your search should begin with a broad term. You can then narrow your search by adding the name of the building or the city in which the building is located. It is helpful to create a chart to write out all of the information you have on the building.

Example:

Architect's Name : Daniel Libeskind
Building Name : Denver Art Museum or Frederic C. Hamilton Building
Location : Denver, Colorado
Associated Architects : Brit Probst, Davis Partnership Architects

Search for Information on the Architect or Building

In order to guarantee that you have done a comprehensive search follow these four steps:

1. Search WorldCat, the online catalog for over 9000 libraries in the US and world wide, for any publications that may include your architect. It is not wise to include the name of the building at this point in your search. Searching WorldCat will let you know if CU-Boulder owns any of these materials while ensuring a thorough search of published monographs. For help with finding a book see How do I...Find Books?
   

 

2. Search the Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals for articles, images, ex etc. The Avery Index is the most comprehensive database for researching the modern and contemporary built and planned world and includes citations and abstracts from books, journal and magazine articles, essays, exhibition catalogs, dissertations, and websites. It is often the best place to find photos, plans, elevations, sections, etc. Tip: Click on the title of the article and read the 'Physical Description' to see what kinds of images are included in the articles.
   

 

3. Search LexisNexis Academic for information in newspapers. Often you can locate information on the architect or building in the press. Articles do not contain image but may provide information on public opinion or policy.
   

 

4. Search the Internet. The Internet is often the best place to find information on contemporary architecture. Look for a website maintained by the architect or architectural firm for biographies and bibliographies. Remember to place the name of the architect/building in “quotations” to ensure the best results. If you have found a personal website for an architect that contains contact information, you may consider sending him/her an email of 3-4 carefully constructed questions. This may or may not provide fantastic leads for continuing research.

N.B. This is not a comprehensive resource for researching contemporary architecture and should be considered only a place to start.

Need Additional Help?