The École Nationale Supérieure d'Architecture de Paris-Belleville (ENSAPB) announced with deep sorrow the sudden passing of Mark Deming, a distinguished professor and historian who died on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the age of 73. Deming had been a cornerstone of the school's faculty for over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on architectural education in France.
Deming, an 18th-century historian by training, received his architectural education at Columbia University in New York before establishing his career in France. He joined the ENSAPB faculty in 1991, where he would spend the next 34 years shaping the minds of aspiring architects and contributing significantly to the field of architectural history. His expertise in 18th-century studies brought a unique perspective to contemporary architectural education.
Colleagues, friends, and former students of his renowned seminar "Making History" remember Deming for his exceptional kindness and the intimate connection he fostered between students and architectural works within their historical contexts. His ability to bring complex historical concepts to life in lecture halls was legendary among the academic community. Students consistently praised his generous sharing of vast erudition and his talent for making historical architecture accessible and engaging.
The entire school community has expressed their solidarity with Deming's family and loved ones during this difficult time. His contributions to architectural education and his mentorship of countless students have left a lasting legacy that will continue to influence future generations of architects and historians. The sudden nature of his passing has shocked the academic community, who had come to rely on his steady presence and scholarly wisdom.
Funeral services for Mark Deming will be held on Friday, October 3, at 2:30 PM at the crematorium of Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The service will provide an opportunity for the many colleagues, students, and friends whose lives he touched to pay their final respects to this beloved educator and scholar.
