Through the Eye of the Needle

History is replete with achievements that have arisen only from the dogged pursuit of the seemingly impossible.
With buildings accounting for 39% of global CO2 emissions, and humans consuming resources at a rate that is 1.7 times faster than what the Earth can regenerate, the architectural profession is in the process of transformation. Consequently, the architectural disciplines have an outsized role to play because, as noted recently by panelist Lindsay Baker, “architects are trained to imagine and design the future”. The goal for this panel is to discuss how cross-disciplinary inquiry and simultaneous advocacy can maximize our effectiveness as architects and engineers in addressing those most pressing and time sensitive issues of our time.
Panelists are recognized nationally and beyond as leaders in the transformation of the practice of architecture. What each of the panelists have in common is that they are all specialists with decades of experience in their fields, who also have multi-disciplinary expertise and activist tendencies that have expanded their influence beyond the boundaries of architecture, in order to more rapidly and effectively bring about change.

Dr. Raymond Richard Neutra, Professor Emeritus and Epidemiologist, will present the lesser-known ideas dating to the 1920s regarding human and environmental health that motivated his father’s groundbreaking architectural design, and Raymond’s own prolific career, most recently manifested as President of the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design.
With a PhD in Building Science from UC Berkeley, Dr. Lindsay Baker is the CEO of the Living Future Institute and podcast host who advocates for a world where everyone lives in buildings that are safe, healthy, efficient, and affordable. Lindsay was formerly the Global Head of Sustainability and Impact at WeWork.
Peter Rumsey PE is the Founder of Point Energy Innovations and is internationally recognized for innovation and leadership in the sustainability and energy efficiency fields. He has designed more LEED Platinum, Zero Energy and radiant cooled buildings than any other engineer in the United States. He is also the designer of the Exploratorium’s Bay Water Cooling System at Pier 15 in San Francisco.
Francesca Oliveira, FAIA is the 2024 AIASF Board President and Technical Design Principal at SOM San Francisco where she blends vernacular architecture with innovations in building science. Francesca directs the firm’s West Coast Technical Designers on building types across the globe .Francesca will participate as panelist and moderator.
Gary Strang, FASLA/AIA will make introductory and concluding remarks. He is founding Principal of GLS Landscape/Architecture, an interdisciplinary firm recognized for collaborations focused on the integration of landscape, architecture and infrastructure. Gary serves as Vice-Chair for the BCDC Design Review Board and Stewardship Advisor for the Neutra Institute for Survival Through Design.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Center for Architecture + Design, 140 Sutter Street, San Francisco, United States