Architecture dean Lerup to step down after 15 years

By Kelsey Zottnick     10/23/08 7:00pm

After 15 years at Rice, Dean of Architecture Lars Lerup announced he will be leaving his position June 30. He said he plans to primarily focus on his research at the Rice Building Institute, though he will continue to lecture occasionally at the architecture school. Associate Dean of Architecture John Casbarian said Lerup's decision to leave his position was not a surprise to the faculty.

"When his contract was renewed a few years ago, he told [the faculty] this was his last term," Casbarian said. "He's been here much longer than Deans normally are. I think he just felt it was time. He's accomplished what he set out to do and more," he said.

Lerup said though the decision to step down was difficult, he is ready for a change.

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"If [the dean position] suits you, it's hard to leave because it's exciting," Lerup said. "But it's time for me to return to my own work, so I'm looking forward to it."

Next year, Lerup said he will primarily focus on his research at the Rice Building Institute, with the possibility of teaching a seminar every now and then.

Lerup said he used his urbanist background to focus on expanding Rice's architectural research in the city of Houston during his tenure as dean of architecture.

"An architecture school should have a broad perspective on the city as a backdrop for making buildings," Lerup said.

Lerup said he attributes the longevity of his term as dean of architecture to the strength of his relationships with the students and faculty.

"It's a small school, which in my view is one of the best opportunities because it mixes graduates and undergraduates," Lerup said. "I've had enormous access to student bodies, and I'm involved in studios and reviews all the time."

Casbarian said Lerup's research perspective has significantly influenced the architecture school.

"Dean Lerup has given us a better understanding of Houston as a research lab," Casbarian said. "He's strengthened what was originally a strong professional program with research and theory."

Architecture student Jonathan Palazzolo said he appreciated Lerup's focus on the city of Houston.

"I think Dean Lerup's definitely brought the school in a very interesting direction [by] focusing more on the city and urban development, and I really enjoy that," Palazzolo, a Will Rice College senior, said.

Although Lerup will not leave his position until the summer, the search for a new dean of architecture began early this semester. The Office of the Provost created a committee composed of faculty, board members, alumni and other interested parties that is directing candidates for the position to Provost Eugene Levy and President David Leebron for final approval. The committee hopes to choose candidates by December to interview for the position.

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