Neutra at 85
Introductory Remarks
April 8, 2011
I'm Dion Neutra successor to the Neutra Practice at 85. I'll be introducing our panel this morning with a brief overview for each. Let me complete that and then call for a round of applause for their efforts to get here, in one case all the way from Boston just for US!
The plan is for each of these panelist to give a 5-10 minute statement of principle and some sense of how they related to their famous fore bearer and decided to enter this field. When we've heard from all, we'll devolve this into a general discussion which I'll lead, and finally throw it open to your questions, so start to take notes! We hope to wind this up by about noon at which time you may have a moment to interact with these folks on a one to one basis before they rush off to their days. Also, for those of you staying on into the afternoon, we'll be offering a courtesy lunch for a $5 donation at about 12:30. Check it out. Again friends, thanks so much for being with us. I'll start with...
Eric Lloyd Wright
Eric is Principal of Eric Lloyd Wright and Associates, Architecture & Planning and founder of Wright Way Organic Resource Center offering social and environmental education programs in Malibu, California. During Eric's early years in architecture, he was an apprentice to his grandfather, Frank Lloyd Wright and his father, Lloyd Wright. His portfolio includes the restoration and renovation of Frank Lloyd Wright and Lloyd Wright works as well as residential, commercial and institutional buildings by his own firm.
Eric's current focus is on the evolution of Organic Architecture and Green Building design rooted in the integration of ecology, social responsibility, and beauty, with careful thought to a project's physical, social and spiritual environment, with a emphasis on appropriate materials, quality, craftsmanship, and careful detailing.
Helena Arahuete
Born in Belgium and brought up in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Helena came to the United States and began work with John Lautner F.A.I.A nearly 40 years ago now. in November 1971 on the Arango Residence in Acapulco. She was the Project Architect of numerous projects, the Chief Architect in John Lautner's office for over 20 years and his Associate Architect at the time of his passing in 1994. The projects she did in association with Mr. Lautner were extensively published in architectural books and magazines. She continues John Lautner's firm as principal of LAUTNER ASSOCIATES-HELENA ARAHUETE ARCHITECT.
Fred Noyes (couldn't come at the nth hour)
Fred Noyes was raised in New Canaan, Connecticut, where he was literally weaned on the influences of the first generation of local great modern architects Marcel Breuer, Philip Johnson, and his father, Eliot Noyes.
Fred first studied biology and only later came to found his own architectural firm. He has spent his professional life immersed in his twined passions of architecture, biology, and education. He has put his unique perspective to work on projects as varied as hospital design and master plans, the Clinton 1994 "Summer White House" on Martha's Vineyard (where there are more than 20 other projects by Noyes). In each instance, he tries to instill human behavior (biology, in essence) into the design process.
Gail Kennard
President of Kennard Design Group (KDG), a Los Angeles architectural firm founded in 1957 by Gail's father, the late Robert Kennard, FAIA. KDG is the oldest African-American-owned architectural practice in the West. Gail joined the firm in 1987 and assumed leadership after her father's death in 1995.
Raised in Los Angeles; current resident of Hollywood; her parents instilled in her an appreciation for art and the creative process. Prior to joining Kennard Design Group, Gail worked as a print journalist for United Press International, Time magazine, public information officer for the San Diego Historical Society and journalism advisor at UCLA.
Karl Gores Whitmarsh
The Harvard Five consisted of four architects attending the Harvard Graduate School of Design in the early 1940s: Philip Johnson, Landis Gores, Eliot Noyes, John Johansen - and their teacher Marcel Breuer. They all eventually settled in and built houses in the New Canaan area.
After the second World War, Gores worked with Philip Johnson in his practice for about six years. They worked together on the glass house and the MOMA garden, among other projects. They had complementary strengths. Philip had a deep artistic sense, was well-connected and loved to socialize with clients. My father was a thorough craftsman with an unerring eye who gave shape to Philip's sometimes vague sketches.
I'll let his only son, Karl tell us more when we hear from him. I'm especially intrigued why he chose to change his name.
A big round of applause for these Courageous Followers of a famous father!
Let's start with Erick Wright, Eric?
back to top
|
