James S. Russell papers, 1981-2005
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Collection context
- Creator:
- Russell, James S., 1952-
- Abstract:
- James S. Russell (b. 1952. Seattle, WA) is an architectural writer, critic and journalist who lives and works in New York City. He is currently the architecture columnist for Bloomberg News, and from 1998 to 2005, he was an editor of Architectural Record magazine. Russell also contributes to numerous other publications, including the the New York Times, the Harvard Design Magazine, among others. A registered architect in New York, he practiced architecture with firms in New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle before becoming a full-time writer. Russell received his Master of Architecture (MArch) at Columbia University in 1980.
- Extent:
- 9 document boxes, 2 manuscript boxes, and 2 folders (flat-file)
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
This collection primarily documents James S. Russell's writing process and consist of notes, drafts and research material for articles written for Architectural Record on architectural design, technology, and practice. The collection also includes notes and research materials for New York City development projects and general professional papers such as case studies, lecture notes, travel itineraries, press and promotional material obtained from events and architectural studios, and some early regional planning guidelines from city agencies. The collection contains the following three series:
Series I: Architectural Record
The primary component of the collection, the series is divided into three sub-series that were categorized based on Russell's roles at the magazine. Subseries 1: Essays are arranged chronologically by the title or subject of the assignments. Subseries 2: Special Projects focuses on the research and preparation of the three more extensive topics in his writing career: The 42nd Street Development, Times Square and Midtown Zoning; Workplace and Post 911 WTC and Lower Manhattan Development. Subseries 3: Editorial & Administrative contains notes, general correspondence and his editorial inputs to the issues' line-up and other features in the Magazine.
This series comprises of notes, drafts, correspondence, proofs, some contracts and agreements and a few final published version (in photocopies) of Russell's contribution to various publication. It is arranged by publication chronologically.
Series III: Professional Papers
The series contains files from other professional activities including researches and case studies, lecture notes, travel itineraries, press and promotional material obtained from events and architectural studios. Some early regional planning guidelines from city agencies are also included in the series.
- Biographical / historical:
-
James S. Russell is a writer, critic and former editor of Architectural Record who has written about cities, architecture, and environmental design since the 1980s.
Born on September 9, 1952 in Seattle, WA, Russell received his Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Design (BAED) at University of Washington in 1976, and Master of Architecture (MArch) at Columbia University in 1980. Before becoming a full-time writer, he practiced architecture with firms in New York City, Philadelphia, and Seattle. He is a registered architect in New York and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.
Russell also contributes articles on architecture and design to numerous other publications, including the Wall Street Journal,New York Times, the Philadelphia Inquirer,I.D., the Harvard Design Magazine,BusinessWeek,Details, and Vanity Fair, and is the author of The Agile City: Building Well Being and Wealth in a Climate Change Era, published by Island Press in May 2011. He is active with the Architectural League and the Municipal Arts Society, in New York, and taught at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Pennsylvania State University and the City College of New York.
Access and use
- Restrictions:
-
This collection is available for use by appointment in the Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For further information, please email avery-drawings@library.columbia.edu.
- Terms of access:
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Columbia University is providing access to the materials in the Library's collections solely for noncommercial educational and research purposes. The unauthorized use, including, but not limited to, publication of the materials without the prior written permission of Columbia University is strictly prohibited. All inquiries regarding permission to publish should be submitted in writing to the Director, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University. For additional guidance, see Columbia University Libraries' publication policy.
In addition to permission from Columbia University, permission of the copyright owner (if not Columbia University) and/or any holder of other rights (such as publicity and/or privacy rights) may also be required for reproduction, publication, distributions, and other uses. Responsibility for making an independent legal assessment of any item and securing any necessary permissions rests with the persons desiring to publish the item. Columbia University makes no warranties as to the accuracy of the materials or their fitness for a particular purpose.
- Preferred citation:
-
James S. Russell papers, 1981-2005, Department of Drawings & Archives, Avery Architectural and Fine Arts Library, Columbia University.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers are encouraged to request materials at least one month in advance. You will receive an email from the department within 2-3 business days confirming your request and currently available appointment times. Requests are limited to 8 boxes per day (or equivalent), with a maximum of 5 boxes for off-site materials, 5 folders of drawings, or 5 rolls or tube boxes.
- Contact:
- avery-drawings@columbia.edu