Join us the evening of June 25 at the Somerset Club as architect Michael Imber presents his new book, The Art of the Architect. This inspiring work celebrates the enduring role of drawing and watercolor painting in architecturae. Architectural drawing as we know it dates from the Renaissance, but with the arrival of computer design programs this ancient art—formed of pen, pencil, and brushstrokes on paper—is sometimes regarded as obsolete. Architect Michael Imber will demonstrate what a vital contribution they can still make at every stage of an architectural project. Whatever the place occupied by photographs, simulations, and visual graphics in the design process of today, hand drawing still facilitates a moment of deeper connection between an architect and his environment. Unlike a snap taken on a smart phone, a hand drawing is an active response to its subject: what is understood about a place in sensory terms informs the finished design, creating buildings which maintain the balance between the way we live and the natural world around us. Michael’s sketches allow him to visualize his environment more clearly, and they provide an immediate visual language with which he can communicate with his team, craftsmen, and clients resulting in authentic and timeless architecture connecting to the landscape. Following the presentation, join us for a post-event reception and book signing. Tickets are in bio link (fb)

Now twenty-five years old, Bristol’s local Historic District Commission has had a major impact on the town’s historic core. Yet even with this lengthy history, its value is not always fully understood by local residents. How does the HDC protect property? How does it curate our historic resources? Why is appearing before it so stressful? Join us on 5/31 at 10am for a roundtable discussion of how Bristol’s HDC came to be and why it is of value to historic small towns like Bristol, RI. Panelists, all former HDC commissioners, will tell the tales of their best and most interesting moments while serving on the HDC, as well as their lessons learned. They will also offer their thoughts on the future of Bristol’s historic buildings and National Register district. The roundtable will be moderated by Bristol Historical & Preservation Society Director Dr. Catherine Zipf. Panelists include: Dr. Kevin Jordan, David Andreozzi, Andrew Teitz, and Eric Hertfelder. The round table will be followed at 1pm by a “This Would Not Be Here” walking tour. The tour will visit local buildings that were affected by HDC intervention in order to understand how the HDC operates and why its decisions are so important to Bristol’s historic resources. Participants are invited to sign up for either or both events. This program is free with registration in bio link. Presented in partnership with: The Lombard J. Pozzi Center for Historic Preservation Education The Bristol Historical & Preservation Society New England Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Andreozzi Architecture (fb)