Revealed, Reviled & Reborn: 100 years of California's Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival

First up, a brief update on the exciting progress made and renovation work planned for the historic 1936 Plaza Theatre from J. R. Roberts, President of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation and Katie Horak, Principal at Architectural Resources Group.  savetheplazatheatreps.com

Then noted architect Michael Burch, FAIA presents the intriguing history of the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival style as seen from Southern California. He uncovers the style’s origins, its Golden Age, Hollywood’s impact, what the style was like at mid-century, the return to its roots, and some thoughts on the present and hope for the future. Humor, horror, and celebrity crimes are included.  His presentation concludes with some stunning examples of Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival restoration and new design work by Michael Burch Architects.

Michael Burch is an internationally recognized, award-winning Southern California-based architect and Fellow of the American Institute of Architects. A fourth generation Southern Californian, Burch was raised in Pasadena, CA, and educated at the University of California, Berkeley, and the Yale School of Architecture. He has taught at the University of Southern California. Burch founded his firm, Michael Burch Architects, in 1986. Burch's work has appeared in 20 books, including the cover of Casa California, considered” the definitive statement” on the Spanish Colonial Revival Style. Burch has presented four times at the Venice Architectural Biennale and has been described as "the greatest living practitioner of the Spanish Colonial/Mediterranean Revival style"

During the last three decades, Burch has devoted his practice exclusively to the Spanish Colonial and Mediterranean Revival styles that were the shining stars of the California landscape of the 1920s and 1930s. He is recognized for his new designs as well as for restorations and renovations of high-end residential projects by the likes of George Washington Smith, Wallace Neff, Paul Williams, and Arthur Kelly.  michaelburcharchitects.com

This event qualifies for 1 AIA/CES Learning Unit (LU).

Free, ticket required

Things to Know
This event is for ages 12 and older.
Street parking available. Free parking at city-owned garage less than 2 blocks south at Indian Canyon and W. Baristo. Rd.
Handicap parking is available. This event is wheelchair accessible.
The organizer of this event is Modernism Week.

Event Check-in Location 

Plaza Theatre, 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs, CA 92262
View Map 

Photo Credits: All images courtesy michealburcharchitects.com