Description

John C. Guenther, FAIA, LEED AP will present the life and works of architect Bernard Ralph Maybeck (1862–1957), culminating in Principia College in Elsah, Illinois. Maybeck was awarded the AIA Gold Medal in 1951, and was named one of the ten greatest architects in America by the American Institute of Architects in 1991. Principia College was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1993 in recognition of Maybeck’s design of the campus and 11 of his 13 original structures. Maybeck worked with Principia College from 1923 to 1940, resulting in the largest and last commission of his long career.
Attendees will learn about Bernard Maybeck’s background, education and major works – many of which are in San Francisco and Berkeley, California. Attendees will also gain an understanding of Maybeck’s environmental design, planning principles, and site planning approach throughout his career and for the Principia College campus, working with nature, landforms and landscape, and use of natural and recycled/repurposed materials. Lastly, attendees will learn about Maybeck’s approach to architectural design throughout his career. Maybeck knew and appreciated the power of architecture to positively affect the client and the public. Maybeck sought the most appropriate historical style to best respond to the goals, aspirations and needs of his clients.