ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR

BA Cornell University 1973
BArch Temple University 1982

robert.shuman@temple.edu
WEBSITE: mgapartners.com

BIO:
Robert Shuman is Associate Professor of Architecture in the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. He is also a principal at MGA Partners, Architects, a 25 person architecture firm located in Philadelphia, the successor firm to Mitchell/Giurgola Architects, Philadelphia, whose body of work includes significant buildings for the federal courts, regional college and universities, and other private institutions. Since joining Mitchell/Giurgola Architects in 1982, he has developed professional expertise in building design and documentation, construction administration, exterior envelope design and detailing, building systems integration, energy efficient design, building code analysis, and general professional practice.  Professor Shuman is a registered architect in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and currently holds an NCARB Certificate.  He is also a LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the International Code Council.

Professor Shuman’s perspective on architecture has developed over his career from the point of view of a maker of consequential physical objects.  This perspective has its roots in his early training as a carpenter, mechanic, and furniture maker.  After nearly 30 years of professional practice, much of which has required him to master the collateral activities of running a viable design based professional services business, his first principles still remain connected to the idea of ‘making’ with care physical things in time and space.

An architecture demonstrated in architectural terms, that is, as a physical proposal to be experienced by human beings in time and space.

An architecture fundamentally linked to the medium of building and construction, with a visceral and techtonic basis.

An architecture whose expressive power derives from its material aspect and the human craft required to shape it and assemble it.

An architecture intended to endure for generations and support many and varied human purposes.

A sustainable architecture recognizing the environmental responsibility of design, particularly minimizing carbon based energy usage.

An architecture integral with and expressive of engineering, specifically envelope, superstructure, and environmental conditioning systems.

An architecture whose form and space are shaped first by ‘universal’ program’ values (e.g. shelter, light, view, entrance) and ways of building.

An architecture that is a fundamental vehicle for human history, both the history of ideas and the history of constructive work that embodies them.

Prizes, Awards, and Grants
2008 Honor Award for Design Excellence, Pennsylvania Chapter AIA: Dalton Hall Renovations, Bryn Mawr College (2006), (Project Director)

2007 Honor Award for Design Excellence, Pennsylvania Chapter AIA: Linderman Library Renovations, Lehigh University (2007), (Project Director)

2007 Award for Design Excellence, Philadelphia Chapter AIA: Dalton Hall Renovations, Bryn Mawr College (2006), (Project Director)

2001 Award for Design Excellence, Philadelphia Chapter AIA: U.S. Courthouse Addition and Historic Renovations, Camden, NJ (1997), (Project Manager)

2000 Award for Design Excellence, Philadelphia Chapter AIA: The Annenberg School for Communication Public Policy Center Renovations, University of Pennsylvania, (1999), (Project Manager)

1990 Award for Design Excellence, Philadelphia Chapter AIA: San Jose Convention Center, San Jose CA (1989), (Project Architect)

Project Publications
Inga Saffron, “Changing Skyline: A Minimum of Glitter, But it’s a Real Gem”, Philadelphia Inquirer, March 25, 2011: Salvation Army Kroc Corps Community Center (2010)

“Architects Teach Old Dorms New Tricks at Franklin & Marshall”, Chronicle of Higher Education, 2010: Brooks, Bonchek, and Ware College Houses, Franklin & Marshall College (2007-2009)

Design Profile, Context, Summer/Fall 2008: Linderman Library Renovations, Lehigh University (2007)

Library Design Showcase, American Libraries, 2008: Linderman Library Renovations, Lehigh University (2007)

Building Types Studies, Architectural Record (online) November 2007:  Hamilton, Harrison, and Harnwell House Renovations, University of Pennsylvania (2003-2005)

Inga Saffron, “Changing Skyline: A Feat of Magic at Bryn Mawr” Philadelphia Inquirer, 2007: Dalton Hall, Bryn Mawr College (2006)

Inga Saffron, “Changing Skyline: Few Touches Transform Penn Dorms”, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2005: Hamilton, Harrison, and Harnwell House Renovations, University of Pennsylvania (2003-2005)

Inga Saffron, “Changing Skyline: A Welcome Turnaround for Penn Building”, Philadelphia Inquirer, 2001: The Annenberg School for Communication Public Policy Center Renovations, University of Pennsylvania, (1999)

Authored Articles:
“A Focus on Buildings”, in Along the Way, MGA Partners, Architects 2000-2008, Published by MGA Partners, Architects, 2008

Conference Presentations, Public Lectures, Workshops
“Dalton Hall: Revival of Marginalized Academic Buildings through Integrated Architecture and Engineering”, presented at the Design on the Delaware Conference, American Institute of Architects, 2004

Professional Practice
MGA Partners, Architects, Philadelphia, PA; 1982 to Present; Associate 1988; Principal 1999