The Center for Architecture + Design in San Francisco hosted an opening reception for the “Do Not Try to Remember” exhibition. Organized by the University of Oklahoma Gibbs College of Architecture, the exhibition explores the groundbreaking work of renegade architects who helped shape Bay Area design in the mid-20th century.
The event took place on February 20, 2025, and featured a talk by lead curator Marco Piscitelli, as well as a moderated panel discussion with scholars of the American School, including Stephanie Pilat, Angela Person, and Hans Baldauf. Additional commentary was provided by the architect Donald MacDonald, builder Jim Lino, filmmaker Lila Cohen, and others. There were over 200 guests in attendance during this sold out event.
The exhibition explores how Bruce Goff’s innovative teaching approach differed from traditional East Coast programs, encouraging creativity over conformity in design. It also touches on how California’s unique culture and landscape influenced architects, how they used materials and structure as expressive elements, and how they reimagined urban spaces with a focus on making architecture more inclusive and accessible for all. Featured architects include Valentino Agnoli, Violeta Autumn, Robert Bowlby, Donald MacDonald, John Marsh Davis, Mickey Muennig, and Robert Overstreet.
The architecture students at the University of Oklahoma developed out of the box designs while mentored by Bruce Goff, Herbe Green and others. They taught students to develop original, creative designs. Known as the American School of Architecture, bold originality replaced European teaching styles.
You may view the full panel discussion via the link below.