IIT College of Architecture Dean Wiel Arets and his literary collaborator, architect Robert McCarter, will discuss their latest book, Wiel Arets: Autobiographical References at a book launch and reception hosted by the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts on Friday, April 26 at 6:30 pm.

In his book, Arets, a Dutch architect and recently appointed dean, offers an in-depth look into his optimistic view of the future of architecture, which he calls “A Wonderful World: A New Map of the World.” The new book presents Arets’ lectures on that topic, debates between him and other thinkers and makers, 60 exemplary designs from his studio and an extensive series of interviews with Arets. Within these texts, his background, education, projects and teachings are interwoven in a discussion that highlights the evolution of his career.

Founded in 1956, the Graham Foundation for Advanced Studies in the Fine Arts makes project-based grants to individuals and organizations, and produces public programs to foster the development and exchange of diverse and challenging ideas about architecture and its role in the arts, culture and society.

The talk will be held at Madlener House, 4 West Burton Place in Chicago and is open to the public, with RSVP. For more details, visit the event webpage.