Stephen FOX
“The Critic’s Role: Judgment, Architecture, and Building the Good City”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
25 October 2011
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
What responsibilities do critics discharge in the realm of architecture? Is it just a thumbs up/thumbs down judgment on the design of individual buildings? Or do critics raise questions about what works, and doesn’t work, in the building of cities, stimulating public awareness and contributing to public debate and dialogue? This panel, dedicated to the memory of David Dillon (1941–2010), architecture critic of the Dallas Morning News from 1983 to 2006, will explore the role that architecture critics play in expanding public awareness of the quality of cities by formulating reasoned analyses of buildings and places.
Bob MECKFESSEL, FAIA
“Pruitt – Igoe as a Failure of Modernism: The Ultimate Urban Myth?”
In partnership with DOCOMOMO US NTX
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
8 November 2011
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
Mesmerizing images of the 1972 demolition of the Pruitt-Igoe housing project have become an iconographic visual shorthand for the failure of modern architecture. Working with varying agendas, critics, authors and filmmakers have used these images to condemn the Modern Movement and its practitioners. The reality, however, is much more complex, involving wide-spread failures of our society, government, economy, and culture.
The award-winning film, “The Pruitt-Igoe Myth: An Urban History”, will “implode the myth” in the first half of this event. A panel of housing experts will then discuss the film and the current realities of public housing in our society and architecture.
Krys BOYD
“Designing and Downsizing”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
13 December 2011
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
As conventional energy sources diminish and more consumers demand environmentally sustainable design and construction, have we reached the end of the “bigger is better” aesthetic in residential and commercial architecture? We’ll discuss what impact a desire for a smaller carbon footprint might have on average square footages of new homes and businesses, the challenges of reducing size, and energy and resource consumption without compromising form or function, and the ways in which these smaller spaces might affect how we live, work and interact in the future.
Dean Andrew VERNOOY, AIA
“New Humanism: Taking a Stand - A Report on Ghost 13”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
24 January 2012
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
Within the context of New Technologies in Architecture–new materials, new geometries, and new structural strategies–Ghost 13 took a stand on the principles of Place, Craft and Community. Initiated as a retrospective of Brian Mackay-Lyons' innovative 12 years of physically engaged, yet theoretically driven, architectural production on his stunning site west of Halifax, Ghost 13 listed among its participants some of the most talented architects practicing today. Benchmarked by presentations from Kenneth Frampton, Juhani Palasmaa and Glenn Murcutt, the week of inspiring discussions naturally lead to speculations about the larger agenda. Was Ghost 13 merely a thoughtful reflection on beautiful architecture or did it make a claim for New Humanism within the context of an exceedingly technically driven culture. You decide, as attendants discuss the issues explicitly, and implicitly, generated by the conference.
Paul FIELD, Assoc. AIA
“The Art of Building – Rethinking the Role of Architect”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
21 February 2012
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
The original definition of architect as master builder has been compartmentalized and the new role more narrowly defined as design professional. Which role makes more sense for the architect of tomorrow?
Frances COLPITT, Ph.D
“A Conversation with Flavin Judd”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
6 March 2012
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
Donald Judd’s unique understanding of art and architecture has left a significant and enduring set of distinctions between the two disciplines, as well as a formal vocabulary almost instantly recognized as singularly his. Join us in this dialogue with his son Flavin Judd, a founding board member of Judd Foundation, as he discusses his father’s ideas and legacy with Dr. Colpitt, who knew his father and has written extensively on his work.
Kevin SLOAN, ASLA
“Unexpected in Dallas”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
27 March 2012
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
The new AT&T Performing Arts Center, Margaret Hunt Hill bridge by Santiago Calatrava and Perot Museum of Nature and Science by Thom Mayne, establishes Dallas as an architectural patron that’s ready for the next question. If Dallas were to grow an architectural culture that is exportable, what would it be? Setting aside their own interests and personal ambitions, panelists will speculate on what Dallas already has that could form the underpinnings of an offering to architectural culture.
Etty HOROWITZ
“Cross-Cultural Art and Architecture of Synagogues”
Tuesday, 6:30 pm
17 April 2012
Dallas Center for Architecture, 1909 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, Suite 100
The design parameters and embellishment of Jewish sacred spaces follow millennia of precedent; from the actual dimensions of Solomon's Temple to liturgical symbolism of Ark, Bimah and Menorah. This panel will look at ancient worship places in Israel and discuss the relationships with contemporary architectural practice including projects in the North Central Texas area.