Placemaking: The Synergy of Sculpture and Architecture—Richard Bertman and Christina Lanzl in Dialogue

Delve into the creative synergy between architecture and sculpture in the making and meaning of Richard Bertman’s kinetic objects, wire sculptures and other works. With his wit, he invites the viewer to ponder the bright side of life while speaking to the humanity in all of us. To find and express humor in life and art is Bertman’s forte, a Renaissance man who launched his creative practice as co-founder of CBT Architects. Join the Placemaking Network roundtable featuring Richard Bertman FAIA in conversation with Christina Lanzl, BSA Placemaking Network co-chair and author of the recently released book "Richard Bertman: The Sculptures."

1.5 LU AIA credits are available

Richard Bertman's remarkable career spans over 50 years. He has been sculpting, drawing, and leading an architectural practice, interchanging different creative genres as it is typical for placemaking. Gradually assembling a lifetime's work, Bertman's sculptural creations encompass over 100 works from five decades. The sculptures bear testimony to a boundless energy and the creativity of a Renaissance man, both an artist and a renowned architect. Richard Bertman, the architect, incorporated CBT Architects together with two friends who became business partners, Maury Childs and Charles Tseckares. His architectural honors include Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, the Boston Society of Architects lifetime achievement award as well as the unique designation of being named an 'Honorary Boston Landmark' by the Boston Landmarks Commission for his service to the city in 1996. In 2007 he was one of the first inductees in the newly created New England Design Hall of Fame. CBT, today with offices in Boston and Saudi Arabia, has been the recipient of over 200 design awards over 50 years and employs more than 200 staff members.

Christina Lanzl, PhD, is a Boston-based author, scholar, educator, and practitioner synthesizing the fields of art, culture, architecture, community and public places. Her profound immersion in the fields of public art, architecture and culture have led to a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships and correlations that exist between them. Lanzl directs the Urban Culture Institute, an award-winning practice that works with communities to transform civic spaces into colorful, dynamic places. She teaches urbanism/placemaking, culture, history and theory of architecture in the Department of Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology. In 2008 she founded the Placemaking Network of the Boston Society of Architects/American Institute of Architects, for which she serves as co-chair. Her professional projects and research focus particularly on creative placemaking and kinetics, resulting in several books and numerous essays on the arts and culture. Committed to excellence, Lanzl works with creative leadership and engaged citizens on developing successful places that become part of our history, part of our evolving culture, and part of our collective memory. Lanzl received her Master of Arts in art history from Boston University and completed her doctorate in art of the present tense with a focus on public art at the University of Munich.