Long before it became a much-celebrated outpost for the visual and performing arts; and even before its miles of pristine coastline became a preferred destination for discerning beach goers the world over, Sarasota was being lauded as an important laboratory of mid-century modern architecture; and for the talented band of architects whose designs within the genre became known as the Sarasota School of Architecture.
Indeed, community-wide appreciation for the profound influence our city has had on architecture since the mid-20th century runs so deep that the Sarasota Architectural Foundation recently installed a full-scale replica of Paul Rudolph’s Walker Guest House on the grounds of The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art. There it will remain until October, after which it will become a travelling exhibit and further increase peoples’ awareness of Sarasota—only this time as the birthplace of an architectural movement that is still very much admired, studied and practiced today. Rudolph, one of the movement’s foremost practitioners, eventually went on to become chairman of the Yale School of Architecture in 1958.
Surrounded as we are by some of the most iconic works of the Sarasota School of Architecture, Sarasotans tend to have strong opinions about architecture, especially as it relates to its role in reshaping of our ever-evolving region.
This is a very good thing. For when you think about the sheer number of new neighborhoods under development—or indeed the number of new homes currently being built on in-fill lots in vintage Gulf Coast neighborhoods—it is important for architects and their clients to have an educated aesthetic that will make the homes they are building ones that will not only be admired now, but also 50 years from now.
To tap into Sarasota’s keen interest in architecture—and demonstrate how great design contributes to the region’s beauty, quality of life and reputation as a cultural hub—the Sarasota Herald-Tribune will present the first annual ArchiFest Sarasota on May 7th.
Billed as a “marketplace of ideas” ArchiFest Sarasota is a one-day celebration of design, with the goal of bringing licensed architects, landscape architects, interior designers and others together for the benefit of the public. The day—whose overall topic is to improve the “built environment” of our Gulf Coast communities—will include two panel discussions moderated by Harold Bubil, the newspaper’s real estate editor and architecture critic, who will also function as the event’s emcee.
Growth in our region is inevitable. Great architecture as an essential underpinning of quality growth is not. Unless we make it so. If you or someone you know is planning to build or renovate a home, ArchiFest Sarasota offers a golden opportunity to get good direction, hear great new ideas; and enjoy the opportunity of meeting with some of the architects and designers who are currently making some of the boldest and most creative architectural statements in our community. Please plan on joining the day long exposition and panel discussions at ArchiFest Sarasota.
Michael Saunders & Company is proud to be the exclusive real estate sponsor of ArchiFest Sarasota, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the street level plaza of the Herald-Tribune building, located at 1741 Main Street in downtown Sarasota. The event will take place rain or shine, as much of the open-air plaza is shaded and under cover.
Find out which design firms are attending, the schedule for the day, and more at the HeraldTribune.com.
Video filmed on location at Siesta Key home for sale, Aquadisia, 7712 Sanderling Rd.