Please join SAH/SCC, the Southern California Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, and the Santa Monica Public Library as architects Stephen Harby and Frederick Fisher, AIA, share from their guidebook Robert Venturi’s Rome (Oro Editions, 2017). The book takes the reader on a journey through the Italian capital as seen through the eyes of architect Robert Venturi, FAIA, author of the classic text Complexity and Contradiction in Architecture (Museum of Modern Art, 1966), a book that became fundamental to the development of every young architect’s outlook on architecture.

Written by two winners of the prestigious Rome Prize, this new book re-visits the Roman buildings and places that stimulated Venturi and reexamines them with the perspective of 50 years of architectural advancements. It also features exceptionally beautiful watercolor illustrations of the sites by Fisher and Harby.

Fisher is an architect known for creating environments of timeless beauty and meaning with an emphasis on light and connection to art and nature. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oberlin College and Master’s Degree in Architecture from UCLA. Santa Monica is home to numerous buildings by his firm, Frederick Fisher & Partners, including the Hillstone restaurant (2005), the Annenberg Community Beach House (2009), and a science building for Crossroads School (2015).

Harby practiced architecture with the late Charles Moore, FAIA, and was a Visiting Lecturer at the Yale School of Architecture from 2001 to 2016. Harby is also a recognized artist with his work found in the Art Institute of Chicago. He is a longtime member of the Society of Architectural Historians and has conducted numerous tours and programs for many years.

The free talk by the authors will focus on the genesis of the idea for the project, the importance of Venturi’s text, how they went about approaching the sites, representing them through sketches and paintings, and the research and analysis that went into presenting these materials coherently to the reader. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Harby & Fisher on Venturi’s Rome—Saturday, July 21, 2018; 1-3pm; MLK Auditorium, Santa Monica Main Library; 601 Santa Monica Blvd.; free; seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis; 310.458.8600.

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