Sanders, Walter, 1906-1972.

Architect, professor of architecture at the University of Michigan.

From the description of Walter Sanders papers, 1929-1971 (bulk 1937-1970). (University of Michigan). WorldCat record id: 81408943

Walter Sanders was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan on July 30, 1906. He graduated from the University of Illinois (B.S. in architecture, 1929) and the University of Pennsylvania (Master of Architecture, 1930). A practicing architect throughout his career, Sanders was also someone who was concerned with the teaching of architecture and the development of a curriculum that viewed architectural training from a broader perspective. "The primary concern of architecture," he once wrote, "is man and the environment in which he moves, works and enjoys his life, for environmental spaces, internal or external, are for the living. To create spaces commensurate with the importance of man, the architect must be aware of the sensory characteristics of man - his seeing, hearing, smelling and feeling and all his various activities." (1961 radio talk, Sanders "Talks" folder).

Upon graduation, Sanders moved to New York City to begin his practice and to teach and to write. From 1930 to 1936, he was an instructor in architecture at Columbia University, and from 1936 to 1938, he was associate editor of American Architect and Architectural Forum . In 1938, he established the firm of Sanders & Breck (1938-1942), and in 1939, he began lecturing at the Pratt Institute (1939-1940). Following the interruption for wartime service, Sanders returned to New York, establishing the firm of Sanders & Malsin (1946-1950) and returning to Columbia as a lecturer (1946-1949).

In 1947, Sanders was invited to lecture at the University of Michigan. He taught several courses there while still maintaining his New York residence. Then, in 1949, Sanders was appointed professor of architecture at the U-M. His firm of Sanders & Malsin relocated in Ann Arbor at the same time. Sanders was a well-respected member of his department. He taught courses in the department until his death in 1972, served as chairman from 1954 to 1964, and in 1969 was the recipient of the University's Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award. In the memorial written upon his death, March 19, 1972, the Regents of the University of Michigan wrote, "Professor Sanders helped align the curriculum in architecture more precisely with current professional practice, using as one of his instruments the new Doctor of Architecture program, which he himself had conceived and planned." ( Regents Proceedings, April 1972, pp. 1448-49).

From the guide to the Walter Sanders papers, 1929-1971, 1937-1970, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)