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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.
Part of the "Do Not Try to Remember" exhibition.
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.
The moderated panel discussion.
Panelists Hans Baldauf, Angela Person, and Stephanie Pilat with moderator.
View the full panel discussion below.
Gibbs College of Architecture is proud to recognize Petya Stefanoff, who is pursuing her doctorate in the Planning, Design & Construction (PDC) program, has been appointed the new role of Director of Community Development for the City of Shawnee, Oklahoma. She joined the city in 2024.
Gibbs College of Architecture is pleased to announce that Amber N. Wiley, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Planning, Landscape Architecture and Design and director of the Institute for Quality Communities, has received national recognition for her book Model Schools in the Model City. The book has been named a finalist for the 2026 the PROSE Awards.
Gibbs College of Architecture Regional + City Planning Professor of Practice Vanessa Morrison and Associate Professor of Architecture Deborah Richards’ Open Design Collective received top honors at the inaugural BlackSpace Urbanist Collective Studio KIN Pitch Night Competition, held last month in Brooklyn, New York City.
