Shelter is at the heart of architecture. The question is how to design so it is accessible, affordable and sustainable, and thus, to best foster physical, mental and social wellbeing. For eighty years, the students at The School of Architecture at Taliesin have explored this issue in the shelters they design, build, and occupy at our Sonoran Desert campus, Taliesin West. The School’s 2017 Symposium, Shelter: Redefining Refuge will examine that legacy in the context of some of the best adaptation and reuse strategies for small, energy efficient dwellings being designed and built around the world today.

On Friday, November 17, 2017, the Symposium starts in the intimate setting of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West Pavilion in Scottsdale, Arizona with lectures from an internationally-recognized group of professionals, including a luncheon and two interactive panel discussions between speakers and attendees.  That evening, unwind with a cocktail reception under the stars and the opportunity to meet a group of Frank Lloyd Wright’s original Apprentices (now Senior Legacy Fellowship Members) at the black tie Taliesin Evening dinner event at the Taliesin West Atrium.  Then, on Saturday, November 18, 2017, enjoy a continental breakfast as presentations continue focused on the apprentice shelters constructed  at Taliesin West as well as Mr. Wright’s Wisconsin home, Taliesin.  Guests will have the opportunity to tour desert shelter sites  surrounding the School’s campus with faculty and graduates of the School’s Masters Program, and enjoy a Taliesin Tea, hosted by Mr. Wright’s Legacy Fellowship Members, to informally continue the rich exploration of Shelter as Refuge with our speakers and faculty.

Come join noted design professionals and theoreticians to explore how architects can and should make ourselves at home in our modern world. Enrollment in this Symposium is limited, so register early to reserve your place at this remarkable event!

Learn More