meuron, mayne, and legorreta
return to life in sf

Pierre de Meuron, Thomas Mayne, and Ricardo Legorreta, what do these three have in common? Great Architecture, San Francisco, and Inspiring Lectures. These are just a couple of the well known architects that we had the pleasure of hearing speak while here in this fascinating city.

Pierre de Meuron was a guest speaker at the California College of Arts and Crafts, San Francisco (CCAC) on April 9th. His lecture drew crowds of people, some that had to be turned away. This unexpected amounts of people partially do to the design of the new de Young Memorial Museum, in Golden Gate Park by de Meuron. A recent recipient of the Pritzker Prize, de Meuron and his partner are also the architects of London's Tate Modern. Through out his lecture he voiced his philosophies and displayed his work. Much of his work expressed ideas of modernism and layering. His use of layering glass was intriguing and inspiring. It will be interesting to see how the new Museum turns out and shape up and coming new buildings in San Francisco.

Thomas Mayne, principal of Morphosis, Santa Monica, came to San Francisco to speak on the 16th of April at CCAC. Once again lines formed early and the room was packed. Maynes insightful philosophies were visible in each of his projects. "Not learning to design, but transforming ideas into permanence," this was one of his concepts expressed by the radical buildings he has designed. Maynes has a different way of thinking of things then most architects he believes a building should promote discussion, so people have to hate buildings, he is not trying to appease everyone. One piece of advise Maynes gave at the end of the lectures was that always expect the unexpected, you buildings may not only be used in the way intended as he flashes a picture on the screen showing the Diamond Ranch High School, Diamond Bar, CA, as shown in the movie The Cell with a helicopter landing in the middle of the school.

Ricardo Legorreta lectured on a Thursday night at UC Berkley. His lecture not only was inspiring in the field of architecture but for life in general. He told of good times with his family and how is son came to follow his footsteps in the field of architecture. His work is full of energy and life, bright colors, and excitement. He practiced in Mexico for many years and has work scattered from California to Texas and all over. Many of the houses he displayed on the screen brought a new meaning to the word spirit. Although he is getting up there in his years, Legorreta appeared vibrant to all in the room.

-kelly overstreet