closing...for 2009

2009 Monterey Design Conference
October 9-11, 2009
Asilomar Conference Grounds
Pacific Grove, CA

::In this moment of change and transition, join us in Monterey to Rethink perceptions and priorities.

::Share what has been accomplished while recognizing the need to Renew ideas and commitment.

::Come to Monterey as an opportunity to Reboot in order to help shape the future.

Speaker Round-Up : Final Thoughts

Though I was unable to attend all sessions, 
for those I did comments have been added in BOLD.

:: Tribal Elder 

William Krisel, AIA...wonderful*

:: General Sessions
Dan Bishop...responsible*
Neil Denari, AIA...cerebral*
Craig Hartman, FAIA
Craig Hodgetts, FAIA
Francine Houben, Hon. FAIA ...honest*

Rick Joy, AIA...stealth*

Stephen Luoni, Assoc. AIA
Thom Mayne, FAIA 
Michel Rojkind...bold*
Gilles Saucier 
Kazuyo Sejima...sublime*
Nader Tehrani...quiet energy*
Jennifer Wolch

:: Emerging Talent
Hadrian Predock, AIA and John Frane
Craig Steely...unafraid*

Robert Edmonds, AIA and Vivian Lee 

* = variations on the positive !

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09 :: PODCAST

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09_Rick Joy

Shared via AddThis

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09 :: PODCAST

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09_William Krisel

Shared via AddThis

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09 :: PODCAST

VR+ Online Service: AIACC MDC09_Craig Steely

Shared via AddThis

Friday's VOICES

On Francine Houben of Mecanoo (NL)

IT'S WONDERFUL...when a foreign firm you have followed throughout the years has the opportunity to speak at a conference stateside.  The work of Mecanoo was first introduced to me via their early residential housing and studio projects.  Dutch sensibilities were translated literally in each new project and soon I found myself attuned to how their work evolved into larger projects.  Seeing a woman lead such stirring projects of material honesty was impressive. Thus, to have Francine Houben at our conference is both a personal joy and honor in having her share her firm's vision with us.  If you are unfamiliar with her, let this be the first introduction to a woman whose firm has led much of Holland's recent modern movement in sustainable design both home and abroad.

http://www.mecanoo.com/main.php?PKY_OBJECTOID=396&taal=NL

2:30 PM  -  3:30 PM

General Session - Collective Responsibility

Francine Houben, Hon. FAIA - Mecanoo Architecten b.v.

Sustainability is inextricably linked to context: physical, cultural and historical. Understanding context and utilizing the site’s qualities in a careful and sensitive way is essential in the design process.

Designing sustainable buildings is in Mecanoo’s DNA. From its founding in 1984, Mecanoo has designed buildings in recognition that sustainability is a social responsibility. This is evidenced in innovative energy concepts and integrated design.

This session is eligible for 1 AIA/CES learning unit.

Respect your 'Tribal' Elders!

Two years ago, a tribal elder of mine and mentor Jerrold E. Lomax, FAIA held the honor.  Being around this generation has taught me most that with indeed age comes wisdom and how the gentle wounds of experience can still have a great deal to teach us.  I have been fortunate to have crossed paths with many of a generation who have been more than just mentors to me - but, close dear friends. These men and women have contributed to the profession much of what we take for granted as the simple design standards of our age and yet; they still have much to impart onto the design community.  If anything, I have found that you should never take an architect's age for granted and indeed, always "Respect your 'Tribal' Elders"!

It was also at this last conference that I had the good fortune to meet this year's tribal elder and walked away having a sense that our paths would someday again cross.  And much to my surprise, it was without hesitation that as his name came up for this year's conference that I felt a sweet sense of pride in having him become part of the pantheon of tribal elders. 

Some of your may be well aware of the contribution of this year's tribal elder, William Krisel AIA has made to the suburban landscape of southern California and especially, Palm Springs over the last 50+ years of his architectural practice.  But, for those of you still unaware of the scope of work he has made in providing the common man with the tools for modern living, here are a few links to wet your mid-century modernist appetite:

Dwell Interview
William Krisel: Modern architecture's everyman

Reflections on Modernism

Now that you have an idea of the wonderful work that he has given us, I hope you will join us on Saturday, October 10 at 3:30pm in Merrill Hall for his presentation:

Tribal Elder - What Ever Happened To The Architect?

William Krisel, AIA

How the role of the California architect in the built-environment arena has dramatically changed since 1950, from being the "captain of the team". The role of the architect has changed, the reasons why, is it good for the profession, and what we can do about it.

This session is eligible for 1 AIA/CES learning unit.