Early Life and Education
Alberto Perez-Gomez was born on December 24, 1949, in Mexico City, Mexico. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in architecture and history, which would eventually lead him to pursue a career in academia. He completed his undergraduate studies in architecture at the National Autonomous University of Mexico before moving to England to pursue a Master’s degree in Urban Planning at the University of Essex. He later obtained his Ph.D. in Architecture from the University of Edinburgh, where he began to develop his unique perspective on architectural history and theory.
Academic Career
After completing his Ph.D., Perez-Gomez began his academic career as a professor of architecture at the University of Toronto. Throughout his career, he has held various teaching positions at prestigious institutions around the world, including the University of Montreal, McGill University, and Harvard University. He is currently a Professor Emeritus at McGill University’s School of Architecture, where he continues to inspire students with his innovative approach to architectural history and theory.
Research and Publications
Alberto Perez-Gomez is best known for his groundbreaking research on the relationship between architecture, philosophy, and culture. His work explores how architectural design reflects and shapes our understanding of the world around us, drawing on insights from phenomenology, hermeneutics, and critical theory. Some of his most influential books include “Architecture and the Crisis of Modern Science,” “Built upon Love: Architectural Longing after Ethics and Aesthetics,” and “Attunement: Architectural Meaning after the Crisis of Modern Science.”
Philosophical Approach
Perez-Gomez’s work is characterized by its interdisciplinary nature and its engagement with philosophical ideas. He draws on thinkers such as Martin Heidegger, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Gaston Bachelard to develop a rich understanding of how architecture shapes our lived experience. His writing challenges conventional notions of architectural history and theory, offering new ways of thinking about the built environment as a complex cultural artifact.
Influence and Legacy
Alberto Perez-Gomez’s work has had a profound impact on the field of architectural history and theory. His writings have inspired countless students and scholars to rethink their approach to studying architecture, encouraging them to consider the ethical, aesthetic, and cultural dimensions of design. His emphasis on phenomenology and hermeneutics has helped to broaden the scope of architectural discourse, opening up new possibilities for understanding the relationship between buildings and society.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Alberto Perez-Gomez has received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of architecture. In 2008, he was awarded the Annual Book Award by the Society of Architectural Historians for his book “Built upon Love.” He has also been recognized with prestigious fellowships from institutions such as the Guggenheim Foundation and the Canadian Centre for Architecture.
Current Projects
Despite being retired from full-time teaching, Alberto Perez-Gomez remains actively involved in research and writing. He continues to publish new works that push the boundaries of architectural theory, exploring topics such as environmental sustainability, social justice, and cultural identity. He also serves as a mentor to young scholars in the field, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience with the next generation of architects and historians.
Personal Life
Outside of academia, Alberto Perez-Gomez is known for his love of travel, art, and literature. He is an avid reader and collector of books, with a particular interest in poetry and philosophy. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, exploring new cultures and cuisines around the world. His passion for learning and discovery is evident in all aspects of his life, making him a true Renaissance man.
