So Much to Do, So Little Time

If you try to stay abreast of the latest architectural happenings in our little corner of the world, the coming week will keep you busy. On Wednesday alone, there are three concurrent events, an absolute surfeit of possibilities to consider. Here’s a rundown of just some of what’s on tap over the next few days:

Hutong to High Rise - An Introduction to China's Rapid Urbanization by Gary Reddick
Monday, April 18 – 5:30 PM
115 Lawrence Hall
University of Oregon

Urban population growth is one of the greatest stories of modern life, one that is unfolding all across the world. As a result, for the first time in history, the majority of human beings live in urban areas. Nowhere has this migration and transformation of human settlement been more profound than China. In just two decades, China's urban population has grown by over 300 million people. This lecture will begin a series of discussions, to look at the images and implications of urban models unlike anything we have seen before.

Gary Reddick, AIA, is president of V3 Studio, an award-winning northwest architecture firm. In addition to many other endeavors, Gary leads the firm’s work overseas in China, Vietnam and Dubai, where he has traveled extensively since early 2005 on a wide variety of urban design and master planning projects. An Oregon native and University of Oregon graduate, Gary has been active in Portland as a civic leader, artist and architect for over 30 years.

A recognized expert in urban planning and smart growth, Gary has dedicated his career to helping build quality architecture and increase the livability of communities throughout the western United States. He has been a featured speaker at the International Making Cities Livable conference, at the Congress for New Urbanism, and at the Oregon Livability Conference.

AIA-SWO April Chapter Meeting – LEED 2012 update by Summer Gorder of eco:REAL LLC
Wednesday, April 20 – 5:30 PM
The Actors Cabaret
996 Willamette Street, Eugene

Summer Gorder, eco:REAL LLC

AIA-SWO’s April chapter meeting features Summer Gorder, who will present the latest updates in LEED version 3.0, including changes to the rating systems, new eligibility requirements, and the tools to meet the prescriptive Credential Maintenance Program requirements in the most cost effective way. She’ll also discuss the latest trends in the sustainable building industry, including AIA's adoption of the 2030 Challenge, the International Green Construction Code, and what the USGBC has in store for LEED Rating Systems in 2012.

ecoREAL is part of design collective 202, a collaborative group of architects, interior designers, engineers, and contractors that bridge disciplines to provide integrated building solutions.

Building Modern Eugene
Wednesday, April 20 – 6:30 PM
Shelton McMurphey Johnson House
303 Willamette Street, Eugene

Interior of Cliff May-designed home (photo from Doug Kramer's Rancho Style website)

The Building Modern Eugene lecture series explores how Eugene became the city it is today and where it will go in the future. I’ve already reported about two of the talks: one by Dick Williams with Grant Seder, and another by Otto Poticha. The next lecture in the Building Modern Eugene series at the Shelton McMurphey Johnson House will feature Joe Barthlow. He will present a “hands-on” look at the restoration of his Cliff May-designed mid-century modern home.

NAWIC Joint Construction Association Meeting

Wednesday, April 20 – 5:30 PM

The Boulevard Grill
2117 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene

The Eugene chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction is hosting a joint construction association meeting, inviting all members of NAWIC, CSI, AGC, AIA-SWO, CFMA, OSN, HBA, ASLA, and ASHRAE to celebrate NAWIC-Eugene’s 48th anniversary. The meeting will feature Carrie Fortier, CPA and Senior Manager with Jones & Roth, who will lead an evening full of networking and discussion on the topic of building communication skills.

Dinner & Program is $18.00 for NAWIC members and $20.00 for non-members (to pre-pay by credit card go to http://nawiceugene.com/events.shtml#1). RSVP by Monday, April 18 by emailing Twylla Tatum at ttatum@deltasg.com.

Architalks

Eugene City Brewery – Rogue Ales

Thursday, April 21, 2011

5:30 PM drinks/networking

6:00 PM presentation/informal discussion

Seven Directions Affordable Housing & Health Clinic by Pyatok Architects, Inc.

From my vantage as a post-post-post emerging professional, DesignSpring appears to be active and creative, providing the up-and-coming generation with a forum for networking, education, and collegiality. This is no doubt a testament to the group’s leadership and bodes well for the future of the design professions in Eugene-Springfield.

Architalks is DesignSpring’s lecture series, intended to provide its membership with the opportunity to hear from and interact with prominent practitioners. This week’s Architalk features Michael Pyatok, FAIA. Mike is currently a Distinguished Visiting Professor of Architecture at the University of Oregon. He has been an architect and professor of architectural design for more than 40 years. At the heart of Mike’s work is the participatory design process he uses to deeply involve residents, community members, and stakeholders in the revitalization of low-income communities.

I can tell you from personal experience that Mike is passionate about his work. He’s a captivating speaker, unafraid to tackle the politics of design as he advocates on behalf of inclusive, sustainable communities.

Mike will be giving a short presentation of his work followed by an informal group discussion open to questions and comments.