Calendar
The Center for Architecture + Design hosts annual programs spanning a range of topics in the architecture and multi-disciplinary design space. From forums and tours to youth programs, film screenings, author showcases, and more, our programs provide ample opportunities for individuals of all ages to delve into the influential realm of design.
APRIL 3, 2025
Architecture for a Better Future: Advanced Materials + Sustainable Design
Steel and concrete are among the biggest contributors to carbon emissions in the built environment—however, groundbreaking innovations are changing the game. From next-generation steel production to low-carbon concrete, architects, designers, and manufacturers are leading the way in reducing the environmental footprint of large-scale infrastructure through innovations and technologies.
APRIL 10-12, 2025
International Parklet Symposium: California
City streets are evolving, and the use of curbside lanes for parklets and other public-serving uses has been at the forefront of the possibilities for their transformation. The International Parklet Symposium, California will be held in San Francisco in April 2025 during San Francisco Restaurant Week, will build on the rich dialogue and global insights shared at the first International Parklet Symposium in Bologna, Italy in September 2024.
JUNE 18, 2025
Architects Hans Baldauf and Donald MacDonald in Conversation
More details coming soon.
JUNE 2025
House Tours of American School Projects in Bay Area
More details coming soon.
Past Programs
FEBRUARY 20, 2025
Do Not Try to Remember: Exhibition Opening Reception and Panel Discussion
At the Center for Architecture + Design in San Francisco, this exhibition from The University of Oklahoma explores the groundbreaking work of renegade architects who helped shape Bay Area design in the mid-20th century. Discover how The American School of Architecture revolutionized the architectural landscape with bold, original designs inspired by California’s culture.
The opening reception will feature a symposium with a talk by curator Marco Piscitelli and a moderated panel discussion with scholars of the American School, including Stephanie Pilat, Angela Person, and Hans Baldauf.
Due to high interest, the event has reached capacity. Seating in the lecture area will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. To accommodate all attendees, we will simulcast the presentation in other areas of the Center so you can still participate in the program.
JANUARY 29, 2025
Community Alliance Awards
The Center for Architecture + Design is proud to host an unforgettable evening celebrating the extraordinary individuals, organizations, and businesses that shape our communities. This year, we are highlighting the individuals and organizations whose inspiring work to engage, educate, collaborate, and advocate demonstrates the transformative power of design in our daily lives.
JANUARY 16, 2025
Vortex & Hyde: A Captivating Home Tour of History and Innovation
Join us as we explore the creative process behind transforming a Hyde Street garage into stunning luxury condos. The event begins with Luke Ogrydziak of OPA, the project architect, sharing insights into the renovation.
NOVEMBER 21, 2024
Exhibition Opening Reception
Opening reception for the new exhibition featuring The (Im)material Matters Lab, and UCB, AAU, and CCA graduate architecture students. Explore fresh perspectives on new approaches to climate resilience and repair while mingling with faculty and staff over light bites and drinks.
NOVEMBER 7, 2024
DESIGN + THE CITY Live Auction
Explore the unique visual identity of San Francisco through the eyes of its most influential designers. Ten limited-edition art prints from the exhibit, and a number of carefully curated items, will be auctioned off on Thursday, November 7. Take home a piece of Bay Area history and support the Center for A+D’s vision to enrich the community and enable positive change.
NOVEMBER 14, 2024
High Desert Retreat Monograph
Join us for a conversation about the evolution of High Desert Retreat, the practice of site listening, and desert modernism. Architect Joshua Aidlin, FAIA, and photographer Adam Rouse will join design writer and curator Zahid Sardar for a conversation about the project. Light refreshments will be provided.
2024 SUMMER EXHIBITION ON VIEW: MAY 20 – JULY 12
Design & Advocacy: Lessons from the Work of Marsha Maytum, FAIA
On view in the Center for Architecture + Design gallery through July 5, this exhibition opening will feature a live discussion among leading California architects of different generations about the future of the profession: Angela Brooks, FAIA, of Brooks + Scarpa Architects; Jennifer Devlin-Herbert, FAIA, of EHDD Architecture; and Katie Ackerly, AIA, of David Baker Architects; moderated by Gwen Fuertes, AIA, of Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects.
Image credit: Berkeley Way / by Bruce Damonte
POP-UP EXHIBITION | MAY 2 – JUNE 15
Ancestral, Artificial, and Additive Intelligence in Earthen Architecture
Soil, comprising geological and biological elements, is humankind’s oldest and most widely used building material. In this year-long research studio, students explored earth’s potential as an ancient, traditional, contemporary, and future building material, particularly leveraging computational design and additive manufacturing techniques. Participants will engage in fundamental tools for manipulating clay-based materials and develop workflows utilizing parametric modeling in Grasshopper. Student work by Zhongyuan Fu, Gaurav Ganguli, Fang Guo, Jinghao Xiang, Aiyi Ji, Rayoung Kim, Shnglu Qiu; Instructor: Professor Ronald Rael, University of California Berkeley; Studio Guest Advisor: Barrak Darweesh, Ph.D Candidate, UC Berkeley; Studio Collaborator: HOK
