Hosted by the New Vitruvians, the emerging professionals of the ICAA New England Chapter

Architect David Rau will present “Reawakening,” a newly-expanded version of a brief TEDx Talk he first delivered at the TEDxRVA festival in Richmond, Virginia. This provocative and richly-illustrated presentation challenges current architectural theory dictating that new buildings must reflect the zeitgeist of their time, and then stakes out original territory vindicating Classical thought as a relevant - even vital - force in new contemporary architecture. The discussion hinges on the conventional notions of the future, where today’s culture might suggest an ever-accelerating advance toward modernity (based in part in 1920s Italian Futurism, but also postwar industrialization and popular culture, and the present ongoing technological revolution). By contrast, a review of the historic trajectory of architecture - and specifically the course of traditional building throughout the ages – reveals cyclical revivals of Classicism (or “recalls”), generally transmuted through the lens of new cultural imperatives, as can be seen in the birth of the Italian Renaissance, for instance. In charting a path forward, the talk concludes with a new vision of a sustainable, “whole architecture,” at once in sync with today’s millennial culture and American ideals of individualism and happiness, while also expressive of the ancient purposes of Classicism.

DAVID RAU, AIA
Hart Howerton, Principal

David is an architect whose unique, collaborative approach has attracted a diverse clientele that relies on his ability to bring together ownership, executive teams, and other stakeholders, while leading large, complex assignments worldwide for destination resorts, residential communities, cultural centers and urban infill developments.

Recent work includes two new U.S. locations for Hyatt’s luxury Miraval resort brand, as well as expansion of the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod, the repositioning of Harbour Town at Hilton Head Island and the new Outrigger Reef Hotel in Oahu, Hawaii. Prior work includes a private yacht club on Gibson Island in Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay; a new Canyon Ranch SpaClub at The Homestead resort in Virginia; and the repositioning of the iconic Grove Park Inn at Asheville. David’s international work includes The Belfry resort outside Birmingham, UK and a new residential community along the Mediterranean coast of North Africa.

A frequent lecturer, David recently led a panel on absolution through architecture at Congress for New Urbanism’s 26th congress and has delivered TED Talks as part of a regional TEDx event. He serves on the editorial board of The Classist, the national journal of the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art. His buildings and interiors have been widely published, in print and online and most recently, his work for Quirk Hotel in downtown Richmond, Virginia received widespread recognition, including in Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “Best New Hotels and Resorts in the World.”