The City College of New York (CCNY) is set to open the Sorkin Reading Room, dedicated to the late Michael Sorkin. The esteemed critic, and architect, who was also a Distinguished Professor of Architecture in the institute’s Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture, passed away in March 2020 due to complications resulting from COVID-19.

“The reading room will be used by researchers interested in Michael Sorkin’s criticism, pedagogy, and design practice,” said Joan Copjec, Sorkin’s wife and main proponent of the project. “The room itself, designed by Michael’s colleague Professor Elisabetta Terragni, is beautiful and calm.”

Sorkin joined the school in 2000 as a Professor of Architecture and Director of the Graduate Program in Urban Design. He also established the annual Mumford Lectures during his tenure, whose speakers have included Theaster Gates (2015), Mike Davis (2005) who passed away this week, and Jane Jacobs (2004). Sorkin was made a Distinguished Professor in 2008 in honor of his contributions.

When opened on December 1st, the Sorkin Reading Room will feature a long seminar table “to engender conversation and debate.” The room will also feature shelving Sorkin had designed for his office, holding books that introduce readers to Sorkin’s views on urbanism, architecture, and cities.

“Michael Sorkin was a creatively provocative and animating force in architecture and at CCNY’s Spitzer School,” said CCNY President Vincent Boudreau. “A reading room to carry forth the spirit of intellectual excitement that he embodied is an absolutely appropriate tribute to his legacy at our college.”

You can learn more about Sorkin’s life and contributions to architecture through our obituary from 2020.