The object we use every day were designed by someone, from forks to phones. The thought behind material object design is the subject of the next Dallas Architecture Forum Design Symposium.
Taking place on Oct. 30 at the Nasher Sculpture Center, the afternoon will be focused on how outstanding design utilizes materials, from common to rare, as integral elements of the design process. Attendees will also learn how leading architects and artists incorporate functionality into their designs, ranging in scale from small sculptures to residences.
Leading the discussion and providing the keynote address will be architect Tom Kundig, FAIA, one of the leading residential architects in the world (read our piece about his last visit to Dallas). He’s a principal and owner of Olson-Kundig Architects, a Seattle-based firm, which aims to create buildings that serve as a bridge between nature, culture, and people.
Joining Kundig will be highly acclaimed Dallas sculptor Brad Oldham, who has earned recognition worldwide with his site-specific artworks. Oldham has been described as a sculptor, place maker, and fearless fabricator. In both his large-scale sculptures and smaller pieces created for individuals, Oldham’s meticulous craftsmanship, passion, focus on materials, creativity, and consistent quality of work are evident.
Joining Kundig in discussion about his award-winning projects will be Gensler design director Ian Zapata, and Nasher Sculpture Center curator Leigh Arnold.
Following the moderated presentations there will be a panel discussion to further learn about the use of materials based on their function within a project and the project’s scale. Attendees will also be able to ask questions of the presenters at the conclusion of the panel.
The symposium will be in the Nasher Hall of the Nasher Sculpture Center on Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2 to 4:30 p.m., with checking starting at 1:30.
There will be a patron cocktail reception at an architecturally significant private residence on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. A limited number of patron tickets, which also include admission to the Design Symposium on Sunday afternoon, will be sold.
Admission for the symposium is $40 for Dallas Architecture Forum and Nasher members, $50 for non-members. Admission for the symposium and the cocktail reception is $90 for Dallas Architecture Forum and Nasher members, and $100 general admission.
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased here.
