Alexander Eisenschmidt

Clinical Assistant Professor

aeisensc@uic.edu

PhD, University of Pennsylvania
MArch, Pratt Institute, New York
Dipl-Arch, HTWK, Leipzig

Alexander Eisenschmidt is an architect and writer who teaches design and courses in history and theory. Before joining UIC, Eisenschmidt taught at Syracuse University and Pratt Institute in New York. His research investigates architectural visions of the city, from the emergence of the metropolis to the contemporary city of bits. Particular focus is drawn to the tension between architectural design and the intricate conditions found in the city. His PhD explores the relationship between urban formlessness and architectural form in German Modernity. Eisenschmidt has organized, co-chaired, and lectured at conferences in the US and Europe, his articles have appeared in journals such as the Architectural Research Quarterly, Zeitschrift für Zeithistorische Forschungen, On Site Magazine, The Architectural Newspaper New York, and exhibition catalogs, and he is co-founder and partner in the design practice Offshore. Understanding the challenges of the contemporary environment as potentials that have to be engaged rather then problems that should be avoided, Offshore views the contemporary city as a recourse and architectural design as a strategic device. Currently working on projects in Germany and Japan, cross-disciplinary strategies are developed to facilitate an engagement with emerging urban currents of the post-industrial city and the megalopolis.