James R. Doman Jr. architectural drawings and reports, 1970-2001
Collection context
- Creator:
- Doman, James R., Jr., 1937-2012
- Abstract:
- James R. Doman, American architect.
- Extent:
- 400 drawings 9 booklets and 400+ architectural drawings in 27 rolls and 1 manuscript box
- Language:
- English .
- Scope and content:
-
The archive includes architectural drawings and community studies, laying emphasis on Doman's belief that "architectural forms should reflect the cultural background and heritage of the people for whom they are designed." Approximately 25 projects are represented in the collection. The majority of projects are for housing complexes and urban development in New York City.
- Biographical / historical:
-
The birth of Columbia architecture school graduate James Richard Doman, Jr. in 1937 coincided with the completion of New York City's first federally subsidized housing project. The Harlem River Houses, located at 151st Street and Harlem River Drive, was the architect's home from infancy until age 12. Doman's future mentor, John Louis Wilson, Jr., the first African American graduate of Columbia University's School of Architecture in 1928, was one of the primary architects of the housing complex.
By the early 1970s, Doman established James R. Doman and Associates, one of the largest architectural firms in the city headed by an African American. At the time, there were only eight such firms and as Doman stated in the Sept. 1976 Black Enterprise, in which he appears on the cover"There are so few of us in the field that a precise definition of Black architecture is impossible.".
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:
-
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 R. Doman architectural drawings and reports, 1970-2001, 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