SAF Events

The Sarasota Architectural Foundation features ongoing lectures, tours and film events.

The Lecture Series features presentations and discussions by distinguished architects and designers. Topics include "Mid-Century Modernism", "Regional Modernism: The Florida Work of Paul M. Rudolph" and "Modernism and World's Fairs: from London to Shanghai".

SAF House Tours enable members and guests to tour architecturally significant homes and talk with architects, designers, contractors and homeowners.

Admission costs vary and are payable online and at each event, depending on availability, by credit, cash or check. No refunds. Ticket transfers may be available, depending on the type of event.

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Upcoming events

    • Thursday, March 14, 2019
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Ringling College of Art + Design, Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium, 2363 Old Bradenton Road, Sarasota FL 34234
    Register

    SAF Film: "Tadao Ando: From Emptiness to Infinity"


    "Tadao Ando: From Emptiness to Infinity" (2013) - "Western civilization has a culture of addition, Eastern culture is one of subtraction." The documentary "Tadao Ando –From Emptiness to Infinity" pays homage to one of the world’s most renowned architects: Japanese “Master of Minimalism” Tadao Ando. Ando’s award-winning exposed concrete designs create a spectacular connection between Japanese tradition and contemporary modernism. The film introduces viewers to his world-famous buildings and offers an exclusive look into his work process. Viewers will gain unique insight into his work as Ando shares his sources of personal inspiration and motivation.

    TADAO ANDO - FROM EMPTINESS TO INFINITY (Official Trailer) from MAGNETFILM on Vimeo.

    Film length: 53min

    Introduced by Selma Goker Wilson, Int'al Assoc AIA, RIBA, TMMOB, who has a truly international background having lived in Turkey, Japan, Syria and UK. She trained as an architect in the UK and is licensed both in the UK and Turkey. Over the past 25 years Selma Goker Wilson has worked on projects ranging in scale from private homes to opera houses, with a particular specialisation in performance buildings. She has practiced professionally in Tokyo, Japan; London, UK; and in Ankara and Izmir, Turkey, prior to moving to Sarasota in 2011. Selma has worked with Jonathan Parks for many years on projects such as the renovation of Sarasota High School and Van Wezel, the development of the St Armands Parking Garage design and Rosemary Square, recently completed in the Rosemary District. Selma is currently working with the Schimberg Group on the new Anna Maria Island Pier and many more exciting projects.


    Ringling College of Art + Design
    Larry R. Thompson Academic Center Auditorium
    2363 Old Bradenton Road
    Sarasota FL 34234

    Questions: ,

    Download Ringling College Campus Map


    • Saturday, March 16, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    SOLD OUT! See all upcoming events and tours at saf-srq.org/events

    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, March 16, 2019
    • 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • 3575 Bayou Louise Lane, Siesta Key, FL 34242
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Photo: Courtesy Artstor

    SOLD OUT! See all upcoming events and tours at saf-srq.org/events

    Experience the rare opportunity to tour the interior of Ralph Twitchell and Paul Rudolph’s historic 1950 Healy Guest House, also known as Cocoon House.  

    Located on Bayou Louise Lane on Siesta Key, Cocoon House is a two-bedroom, one-bath, 760-square-foot cottage built as a guesthouse for Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Healy. The house gets its name from the technology used to build its roof: a polymer spray that Paul Rudolph saw being used at the Brooklyn Navy Yard on warships returning after WWII in order to "cocoon" or moth-ball them. Rudolph's creativity made him realize that this material could also be used in the construction industry.

    The Cocoon House was named “Best House Design of the Year” from the AIA in 1949; selected by MoMA New York as one of 19 examples of houses built since WWII that were "pioneers of design" in 1953; and locally designated as a historic property by the City of Sarasota in 1985.

    Space is limited to 15 guests per tour. Please register in advance.
    Tours begin Saturday, July 21 and will continue on the first and third Saturday of every month, except November, through March 2019.

    Parking: The house is located on a narrow private lane. Please do not turn down Bayou Louise Lane. SAF volunteers will direct vehicles to a nearby lot on the corner of Gulfmead Drive and Siesta Drive. Enjoy the short 0.1 mile walk to the Cocoon House on Bayou Louise Lane.


    Questions? Contact SAF Operations Director, Erika Cain.

    • Saturday, March 23, 2019
    • 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    • The Players Centre for Performing Arts, 838 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 18
    Register

    SAF Bus Tour + Talk:
    Gene Leedy: Bus Tour to Winter Haven with Max Strang

    Join SAF and Max Strang AIA as we travel to Winter Haven for a bus tour to enjoy the timeless designs of Gene Leedy. Max will detail the architecture and life of Gene Leedy FAIA as guests explore the interiors and view the exteriors of Leedy's works including Craney Spec HouseEllison House (recently featured in Dwell Magazine), Sands ResidenceWinter Haven City HallWinter Haven Chamber of Commerce and Leedy Architectural Office.


    Image of Gene Leedy Architectural Office

    Gene Leedy (1928 - 2018), a founding father of the "Sarasota school" of architecture, chose to make Winter Haven his home in 1954 when commissioned that year to build the Sparrow House. It was his first work in the quiet Polk County town. Though the scope of his work is now globally recognized, Winter Haven boasts of more Gene Leedy buildings than any other location.

    Gene's design philosophy resulted in a phenomenon of modern architecture, a unique collection created during a period of over fifty years.

    Gene's innovative work with pre-stressed concrete and his development of Double T beams leave an enduring legacy relevant to the past and the future of architecture, both in residential and commercial structures.

    Leedy's many awards are a succession of accolades to his steadfast convictions about his modern design philosophy. In 1988, Leedy was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Florida Association of Architects. With a lifetime still ahead of him, Gene's continued contributions to the field resulted in another career peak in 1992 when he was installed into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Today, Leedy's work continues to transform the face of our community and the spaces beyond.

    Max Strang is the Founding Principal and President of [STRANG]. In 2016, he was elected to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and in 2013 he received the Silver Medal from the Miami Chapter of the AIA, the highest honor the organization can bestow. Strang is a graduate of the University of Florida, Columbia University and is an active member of the AIA. Prior to establishing his firm, he worked in the architecture offices of Gene Leedy, SHoP Architects and Zaha Hadid. Beginning this Fall 2017, Max will be participating as an adjunct professor at the University of Florida.

    Bus Tour: SAF Member: $75; Public: $85

    The tour departs from The Players Centre for Performing Arts
    838 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
    Please park on the west end of the lot, closest to Tamiami Trail.

    Schedule (details subject to change)
    8:30 AM - Check-in (
    The Players Centre for Performing Arts)
    9:00 AM - Bus Departs
    11:00 AM - 12:30 PM - Winter Haven Tour
    1:00 PM - Lunch at The Fire Restaurant (limited menu: $15 per person; not included in ticket price)
    2:00 - 3:00 PM - Winter Haven Tour
    5:00 PM - Bus Returns to Sarasota (As a courtesy to The Players Centre for Performing Arts, please remove your car from the parking lot upon returning to Sarasota)

    Complimentary snacks will be available on the bus.

    Become a member of SAF today!
    $35 Student; $50 Individual; $90 Family (2 people); $200 Corporate (5 people)
    Visit SAF-SRQ.org/Membership

    Questions? Contact Erika Cain: 

    • Sunday, March 31, 2019
    • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    • 3901 Riverview Blvd, Bradenton, FL 34209
    Register

    SAF House Tour + Talk: Uncovering Architecture:
    Restoration of Ralph Twitchell + Paul Rudolph's
    Bennett Residence with Joe King


    The Bennett Residence (1949) is a family home designed to exacting programmatic requirements.  It follows the typical Twitchell and Rudolph house type: built at ground level and open to the landscape to create an open and inviting home, while, in this case, also accommodating wheelchair accessibility as required by the client, Allen Bennett.  Walls of glass in the living room open to a street view on one side and a private garden courtyard on the other.  The bedrooms form a wing that creates the second wall of this courtyard.  The combination of stacked Ocala block, exposed cypress, large expanses of glass and a concealed wood joist roof structure had, by that time become a highly refined design and construction system for Twitchell and Rudolph, as also seen in later houses such as the Kerr Residence, Leavengood Residence, and the Walker Guest House.

    Joe King is an architect and contractor practicing on the west coast of Florida. His design and construction work reflects his interest in the region’s development and natural history.

    A third-generation Florida native and a graduate of Georgia Tech and Emory University, King has written and lectured extensively on Florida design and building. He is the co-author, with Christopher Domin, of "Paul Rudolph: The Florida Houses." The book and traveling exhibit received the Outstanding Book Award by the Society of Architectural Historians, Southeast. King is also the author of "Tour Venice Architecture," which earned the Outstanding Achievement award by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation. His other awards include: Outstanding Private Development for his river forest neighborhood by the Florida Planning and Zoning Association; the Leadership Award by the Governor’s Council for Sustainable Florida; and recognition by the Florida Department of Community Affairs for his film, Developing a Better Way: Using Low Impact Development Strategies. King’s exhibit, “J West Architect: Sixty Years of Sarasota Design,” received the Outstanding Achievement award by the Florida Trust for Historic Preservation

    1 to 3 PM: Tour, Talk by Joe King and Light Refreshments.

    Street Parking available on 3rd Avenue NW and Riverview Blvd. Please be mindful of neighboring driveways. 

    Directions: Take US-301 North to Manatee Avenue West in Bradenton. Turn right onto 26th Street West. Turn left onto Riverview Blvd. Turn right to stay on Riverview Blvd. Destination will be on the left 3901 Riverview Blvd.

    The Bennett Residence photo above by Joe King

    • Saturday, April 20, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 18
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, May 18, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, June 15, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, July 20, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, August 17, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, September 21, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Saturday, October 19, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

    • Friday, November 08, 2019
    • 12:00 PM
    • Sunday, November 10, 2019
    • 10:00 PM
    • Sarasota, FL



    Sixth Annual Midcentury Modern Architecture Festival

    Celebrating Sarasota School in the Sixties
    Featuring lectures, film screening, art exhibition, exclusive house and trolley tours, and evening social events. More details in a MOD Minute!

    Tickets and info: SarasotaMOD.com


    • Saturday, December 21, 2019
    • 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    • 1300 Westway Drive, Sarasota, FL 34236
    • 20
    Register


    Tour the renowned Umbrella House, described by Architectural Digest as “One of the five most remarkable houses of the mid-twentieth century”.

    In 1953, Lido Shores developer Philip Hiss hired architect Paul Rudolph to create one of the 20th century's most iconic houses. The dominant feature of the house, the aptly named "umbrella," was originally built of wood and used to shade the house from the intense Florida sun was lost in a storm in the 1960's.

    The full umbrella over the pool was restored in 2015 by Hall Architects, receiving the 2016 Florida Trust Outstanding Award, 2016 Florida AIA Honor Award and the 2016 Florida Gulf Coast Chapter AIA Honor Award.

    The Umbrella House will be open for the public to tour once a month through December 2019.
    January 19, February 16, March 16, April 20, May 18, June 15, July 20, August 17, September 21, October 19, December 21

© 2019 Sarasota Architectural Foundation (SAF). All rights reserved.
SAF is a
not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that educates about, advocates for and celebrates the Sarasota School of Architecture movement
and the midcentury modern structures that exemplify its forward-looking principles.
SAF, PO Box 2911, Sarasota, FL 34230  
  
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