Harry W. Porter, Jr. Visiting Professor Lecture

Stefan Behnisch

Behnisch Architekten

November 11, 2009
5pm, Campbell 153
Reception to follow

Stefan Behnisch is one of the world’s leading architects whose work combines a deep understanding of ecological and environmental principles with extraordinary design. With offices in Stuttgart, Germany, Venice, California and Boston, Massachusetts, Behnisch Architekten has completed a broad array of internationally recognized projects at every scale from sustainable urban planning to innovative buildings. He practices with a highly integrated, multi–disciplinary design process, leading to paradigm changing projects such as the Genzyme building in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The firm’s website speaks to the range and quality of the work.

Behnisch is visiting the School and working with students several times during the fall semester. The Porter Lecture will be an opportunity for both the School and the larger community to learn about his work.

The Harry W. Porter, Jr. Chair Distinguished Visiting Professorship has been established in honor of the “unforgettable” Harry W. Porter, Jr., former Dean of the School of Architecture and Architect for the University as well as the founder of our program in Landscape Architecture whose career at UVA spanned more than two decades. Celebrated by alumni, faculty and friends of the School, Harry Porter has been described by former students as a man of “sharp wit, quiet modesty, and engaging teaching ...[who] was a central and ever present guiding figure in the halls and in the studio.” His studios were known for tackling complex urban design issues and imparting a strong environmental ethic and powerful sense of professionalism on the students in them.