1.
Inspirations
2.
Principles
3.
Manifestations
4.
Influence
Anniversary Focus At the start of the 20th century, Wright began developing his far-reaching principles that established a new vitality for architecture and design. The 100th anniversary of the Meyer May house was an opportunity to reflect upon what inspired Wright, to look deeply at the principles that he formulated, to view the many manifestations of these principles in the Meyer May house, and to reassess Wright’s body of work as a precursor to architecture and design in our own new century.



Anniversary Symposium Join our panelists from a cross-section of disciplines as they engage in a critical dialogue about Wright’s far-reaching design principles, their influence in the past century and, most importantly, their relevance today and in the years to come.

Moderated by Metropolis editor-in-chief Susan Szenasy, this free symposium will include presentations, discussion and an opportunity to tour the Meyer May house.

Who should attend:
Anyone who is interested in a critical discussion about the future of architecture and design.

Highlights will be captured and later shared with design professionals, students and Wright devotees around the world to inspire continued design exploration and innovation.

A series of Steelcase-sponsored community events, celebrating the Meyer May house, will take place throughout the year.

Please preregister for the free September 10 symposium using the e-mail link below. Include your name, address, phone number and the number of people attending with you. Sign in when you arrive. Nonregistered walk-ins will be accommodated only if space permits.



Grand Rapids Global Headquarters Town Hall
901 44th Street SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49501

Meyer May House
450 Madison Avenue SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503






Bob Adams
Design Strategist
Bob Adams consults and speaks internationally on the topics of sustainability and innovation. Since 2003 he has led the Design for Sustainability initiative at IDEO, one of the world’s leading

Susan S. Szenasy
Editor in Chief, Metropolis
Susan S. Szenasy is Editor in Chief of Metropolis, the award-winning magazine of architecture, culture, and design. Strong in her belief that architecture and design are humanist activities,

Jeffrey Bernett
Industrial Designer
In September of 1995, Jeffrey Bernett founded his New York-based multi-disciplinary design consultancy. At the May 1996 International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York City, Bernett

Michael Van Valkenburgh
Landsape Architect
As lead principal of Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc. (MVVA), with offices in New York City and Cambridge, Michael Van Valkenburgh has designed a wide range of project types including public

Kristie Strasen
Design Consultant
Kristie Strasen has over 30 years of experience as an independent design consultant specializing in designing, coloring and styling textiles for both the contract and residential markets. Known for

Toshiko Mori, FAIA
Architect
Toshiko Mori is the Robert P. Hubbard Professor in the Practice of Architecture at Harvard University Graduate School of Design and was chair of the Department of Architecture from 2002 to 2008. She

Shashi Caan
Principal, The Collective
With a diverse and international portfolio of work, Shashi Caan is lauded for her understated philosophy which unites the multiple layers of design in architecture, product and interiors. Focusing

Andrew H. Dent, Ph.D.
Vice President, Library & Materials Research, Material ConneXion
Dr. Andrew Dent plays a key role in the expansion of Material ConneXion’s technical knowledge base. His primary function is to direct research into innovative products and processes for the global

The Panelists A group of intelligent, expert
and passionate people who are leading practitioners have important things to say about 21st century design.