Michael Allen


Lecturer, American Culture Studies

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Allen works both as a historic preservation practitioner and a scholar whose work engages historic preservation, social impacts of urban planning and American architectural history. Allen founded the Preservation Research Office, a consulting firm that he directs, in 2009 and began appointment as University College Coordinator and Lecturer in AMCS in 2014. Both outlets allow Allen to both interrogate the normative practice of American historic preservation while theorizing approaches to interpreting and commemorating historic architecture that address inequity and urban rightsizing.

In the media

Stories

Design Schools, Now Is the Time to Answer: Who Are We For?

Design Schools, Now Is the Time to Answer: Who Are We For?

Design and architecture schools have been far slower to make commitments than they were to offer sweeping public statements. In this void, students are reclaiming the political, visionary legacy of design schools in years past.
Sam Moore’s legacy should be change in North St. Louis

Sam Moore’s legacy should be change in North St. Louis

We must change the way we treat people. On the cusp of a mayoral election, Moore’s legacy urges us to remember that St. Louis won’t be a whole city until North St. Louis is a record of equity and justice.
WashU Expert: Housing Syrian refugees

WashU Expert: Housing Syrian refugees

In response to the Syrian crisis, many in St. Louis have called for the city to increase its acceptance of refugees. Architectural historian Michael Allen says existing housing stock could easily accommodate thousands of new residents.