Leading the eponymous Michael Sorkin Studio, Michael championed sustainable design as well as verdant, inclusive, and chaotic public spaces. Through the nonprofit design studio Terreform, he rejected top-down planning projects and imagined alternatives with community advocates.

His writing and wit enticed the public to consider how architecture shapes society. From his early days as Village Voice architecture critic through his late career as publisher of the Urban Research imprint, he exhorted the design community to embrace social justice with exhilarating demands. His seminal books included Exquisite Corpse and Twenty Minutes in Manhattan.

Michael also inspired legions of architects and cultural theorists through his teaching and late night debates as a Distinguished Professor at City College of New York and universities around the world. As board member of the Architectural League of New York and founding president of the Urban Design Forum, he balanced generous collegiality with energizing defiance.

On the first anniversary of his loss to COVID-19, we will gather his comrades Trevor Boddy, Teddy Cruz & Fonna Forman, Eyal Weizman, and Sharon Zukin and his wife, Joan Copjec, to consider: what would Michael call on us to do next?

This event is sponsored jointly by The Architectural League of New York, The Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, Terreform, and Urban Design Forum.

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Please consider making a $10 contribution to support continuing educational and leadership development initiatives honoring Michael Sorkin. You may make a gift to the joint Architectural League of New York & Urban Design Forum Michael Sorkin Fund, or the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture Sorkin Legacy Fund (please select "Sorkin Legacy Fund" from the "Designation" drop down).

The Sorkin Legacy Fund at the Spitzer School of Architecture at the City College of NY will support programs to continue Michael Sorkin’s many contributions highlighting imaginative urban solutions for social and environmental justice. Projects include an acclaimed annual lecture series established by Michael, symposia, and the maintenance of Michael's personal library to be housed at City College. Through these efforts, the Sorkin Legacy Fund will celebrate and invigorate Michael Sorkin's activism, scholarship and collaborative spirit. We are excited to launch these in conjunction with three groups dear to Michael Sorkin: The Urban Design Forum, the Architectural League, and Professor Joan Copjec.

The Michael Sorkin Fund of the Urban Design Forum will support leadership development in design, advancing Michael’s legacy of criticism, teaching, and mentorship. Anticipated projects will include New City Critics, a fellowship with The Architectural League to support young and underrepresented writers, critics, and producers. We are excited to honor our shared Board Member, who was engaged with the League for over 25 years and the Forum for over 15 years.

Ninety Minutes with Michael