Symposium on Context-Sensitive Infill, A Monthly Program

Register Now!

Free AIA members & employees of chapter member firms / $10 Guests
Late registration starting 9/28: $10 AIA members & employees of chapter member firms / $15 Guests
At-the-door: $20 all

While infill development plays a critical role for urban sustainability, infill development faces challenges from local constituents and lengthy regulatory procedures. Controversy and delays can often be attributed to fear that infill development will damage a community’s character.

Three award-winning architects will examine how new development should “fit in” - while remaining true to today’s building methods, economics and tastes – and each will distill the most essential considerations into a set of context-sensitive design principles.

About the Speakers:

Stefan Pellegrini, Principal, Opticos Design is an urban designer who emphasizes the creation of walk-able urban places and has a deep portfolio of award-winning new urban projects.  He recognizes the importance of analyzing places and has a passion for traditional architecture.  His firm, Opticos, is nationally recognized for the innovative creation of form-based codes.

Edward McFarlan, Director of Architecture, JRDV Urban International is responsible for award-winning infill buildings and mixed-use master plans, locally and internationally.  His street-oriented urban gestures focus on vibrant urban places that celebrate city life.  Ed’s forte also includes a deep understanding of financial complexities associated with delivering dense urban architecture.

David Trachtenberg, President & Principal, Trachtenberg Architects believes that effective design and implementation come from a critical understanding of site conditions, program, political realities and budgetary constraints.  Interpretation of site and context informs decisions regarding program, circulation, materials and light.  Placemaking must also consider scale from the measure of the hand to the scale of the city and must consider the needs of multiple constituents: client, neighborhood, advocates and city officials.

Moderator, Matt Taecker, Principal, Taecker Planning & Design chairs AIA East Bay’s Urban & Regional Design program and has been a leader in urban placemaking and transit-oriented development (TOD) for three decades.  He has developed policies and master plans across a full spectrum of settings, but especially in downtown centers.  He is also a national leader in the creation of integrated transit corridors that are livable and connect complementary uses and has co-authored the Transportation Research Board’s “Handbook for Livable Transit Corridors.”

1.5 CES LUs