Investing in Place with Imagination and Care: 

a Monthly Program

Register Now!

Early bird registration (by Monday, June 27): Free AIA members & employees of chapter member firms; $10 Guests
Registration starting June 28: $10 AIA members & employees of chapter member firms; $15 Guests
At-the-door: $20 all

“Investing in Places with Imagination and Care" is about bringing the design of buildings and open spaces to a level of attention that injects fresh spirit into the larger context. While drawing on the resources of what already exists, designs should go beyond ordinary replication. Design-focused guidelines and development codes have encouraged more walkable environments but inspiring urban places must do much more.  What qualities of place generate a sense of connection, invite creative use, cement memories and bring delight?

Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA, founding editor of PLACES journal and UC Berkeley Eva Li Professor emeritus of Architecture and Urban Design, will consider how urban placemaking can go beyond common proscriptions, to embrace context, support and adapt to human activity and make places with distinction and meaning.  Professor Lyndon will explain principles for enhancing built environments through imagination and care.  He will draw upon recent architecture in Oakland and Berkeley as well as historical examples to illustrate successful and less successful examples.

Susi Marzuola, AIA, will speak with Professor Lyndon following his presentation, to get a better sense of what differentiates the ordinary from extraordinary when it comes to urban places. 1.5 CES LUs