Guide: Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA, Eva Li Professor Emeritus of Architecture and Urban Design, University of California at Berkeley
Professor Lyndon's work as an architect, author, and educator concerned with the design of places has been widely recognized. While at Berkeley he was a member of the Graduate Group for the Design of Urban Places and taught in both the Architecture and Master of Urban Design programs.
He was a founding Editor of PLACES, a journal of environmental design. Books he has written include The Sea Ranch: Fifty Years of Architecture, Landscape, Place and Community on the Northern California Coast (with Jim Alinder) and The City Observed: Boston. His architectural and urban design practice includes a continuing series of works at The Sea Ranch. In 1965, he and his partners in MLTW (Moore Lyndon Turnbull Whitaker) designed Condominium One, which received the distinguished AIA 25 Year Award and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While most participants will already be somewhat familiar with the history and the landscape of The Sea Ranch, this tour will offer access to areas of the property that are normally restricted to The Sea Ranch Association members. The tour will be guided by one of the original architects, who can speak to the early and ongoing design process, as well as provide his interpretation (as current co-chair of The Sea Ranch Association Commons Landscape Committee) of Lawrence Halprin’s legacy at The Sea Ranch and how to preserve it.
A detailed itinerary will be e-mailed to registrants prior to the event. Highlights include introductory remarks by Lyndon in the private landscape surrounding the residence of Anna Halprin; a tour of one of the units in Condominium One (listed on the National Register in 2005); a walking tour of The Sea Ranch Meadow and Black Point Prairie (approximately two miles in length); a visit to Moonraker Recreation Center; and a panel discussion led by Lyndon at The Sea Ranch Lodge.
The walking tour and panel discussion will conclude at 3:30 pm. Participants will then have the option to visit the Knipp and Stengel Ranch Barn (listed on the National Register in 1987) and Ohlson Recreation Center, and hear an introduction to The Sea Ranch’s native plant demonstration garden and program. The optional leg of the tour will adjourn at 4:30 pm.
Please bring a brown-bag lunch or picnic items to eat with the group in a private setting. Sturdy walking shoes and windbreakers are highly recommended. Personal vehicles will be required for transportation between the meeting point, The Sea Ranch Lodge, and the Ohlson Recreation Center. Carpooling is recommended as there is limited parking at the meeting point. Public trails maps will be provided to those who wish to continue to experience The Sea Ranch on their own.
This tour is part of a larger program intended to celebrate the life and legacy of landscape architect Lawrence Halprin. Learn more about the program and view other tours by returning to the event page for What's Out There Weekend: The Public Landscapes of Lawrence Halprin.
