Modernism and the Reinvention of San Francisco

"San Francisco's Legacy of Reinvention" provides a compelling framework to examine how the city's built environment has adapted to cultural, environmental, social, and economic transformations from the 1906 earthquake through the post-pandemic era. This panel provides a comprehensive exploration of how San Francisco's architectural evolution exemplifies modern design principles while addressing contemporary urban challenges, creating meaningful dialogue between historical precedent and future innovation.

The discussion will explore the modern architectural aspects behind San Francisco’s adaptive reuse, landscape architecture, use of natural elements in built environments, and architectural responses to COVID-19. Speakers include Adam Greenspan, PWP Landscape Architecture, Chris Orsega, Gensler, Barbara Shands, shands studio architecture, and Katie Conry, Tenderloin Museum Executive Director. Moderated by Kevin Souza, Docomomo Northern California Board member.

Attendees are invited to attend a tour of the historic Beaux-Arts Mechanics’ Institute building prior to the talk at 5:30 pm!

About the Speakers

Kevin H. Souza is a Docomomo Northern California Board member, bringing a unique blend of educational leadership and architectural interests to the organization. With a biology background and extensive medical education experience, Kevin previously served as Associate Dean for Medical Education and Chair of IT Governance at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). During his 30-year tenure at UCSF, he pioneered innovative educational technology programs and transformed IT governance. Now, Kevin focuses on exploring modern architecture, combining his passion for education with a deep appreciation for architectural heritage.

With over 20 years in the field and a diverse portfolio, Barbara Shands has extensive experience with residential, educational and commercial projects. She received her Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida where she also attended the Preservation Institute in Nantucket, MA and Vicenza Institute in Italy. She continued her education at UC Berkeley where she completed her Master of Architecture degree. Barbara remains involved in academics as a visiting critic for student projects and has taught undergraduate level design as an adjunct professor in the Department of Art + Architecture at University of San Francisco. With a commitment to ensuring access to design in all communities, she has volunteered with non-profit organizations and youth mentoring programs throughout her career. Barbara currently serves on the AIASF Housing Committee and San Anselmo Arts Commission.

Chris Orsega is an architect and design innovator for a diverse group of award-winning projects, leading teams in developing ideas across a broad range of scales and building typologies – from academic buildings and large scale multi-phase workplace projects to retail spaces and furniture design. Originally drawn to Gensler’s human-centric design ethos, Chris believes in the power of architecture to build community across all scales. Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Structural Engineering from Princeton, in addition to a Masters in Architecture from Harvard. Prior to joining Gensler, Chris spent 18 years at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, where early collaborations with Apple built upon his training in structural engineering in the pursuit of new aesthetic and structural possibilities of glass. He has also worked with internationally renowned architects at Office DA and the Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

Katie Conry has served as the Tenderloin Museum’s Executive Director since 2016. When TLM opened its doors in July 2015, Conry served as its Program Director with a dynamic vision for neighborhood-centric, diverse programs that bring people together from all walks of life. As Executive Director, Katie has cemented TLM’s identity as a destination for community-based, historically-inspired arts programs. In 2018, she led TLM’s premiere of two major, critically-acclaimed performance projects: The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot play and the Tender aerial dance with Flyaway Productions. Katie has also held positions at the California Academy of Sciences, the Exploratorium, and the Contemporary Jewish Museum. In 2012, she helped fundraise to save Mission neighborhood gem Adobe Books, created its events department, supported the gallery's transition to nonprofit status, and served on the Board of Directors for three years. She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and American Studies from the University of California at Berkeley.

Adam Greenspan’s background in art and sociology, combined with years of horticultural practice support an integrated approach to design and allow him to develop projects from many angles.Adam’s recent projects include: the Newport Beach Civic Center Park in Newport Beach California, Constitution Gardens on the National Mall in Washington DC, The Transbay Transit Center Park, San Francisco, Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, Singapore, and Glenstone in Potomac, MD. Adam has served on public art selection panels for the City of San Jose and the City of Santa Monica and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Landscape Architecture Foundation. Adam received a Bachelor of Arts, with honors in Studio Art and Sociology from Wesleyan University and a Master in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects.