Many buildings are recognized by their façades more than their spatial qualities, and this highlights the obvious role of a façade beyond its purpose of keeping out the elements of nature. As Marc Simmons puts it, “Beyond its functional role, the façade is a signifier that evokes thoughts about what the building is about.”

Front is a cross-disciplinary group of creative individuals with professional backgrounds in architecture, structural engineering and mechanical engineering. The firm provides design and technical consulting services through intensive collaboration to realize innovative projects and responsible design. Front has been involved in a series of innovative projects, including the Seattle Central Public Library with OMA; the Glass Pavilion at the Toledo Museum of Art with Sejima Nishizawa Associates; the Walker Art Center expansion with Herzog de Meuron; and the Morgan Library and Museum expansion with Renzo Piano Building Workshop.

Simmons is a faculty member at the Princeton University School of Architecture, and holds both Bachelor of Environmental Studies and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from the University of Waterloo, Canada. His specialist façade knowledge and experience in custom curtainwall and hybrid cladding system design is built upon previous work at Foster and Partners, Meinhardt Façade Technology, and the structural gall and façade consulting group at Dewhurst Macfarlane and Partners in New York.

The lecture is free and open to the public. No reservations are required. Parking is available on campus at Gate 1, off of Exposition Boulevard.

The Nabih Youssef Lecture on Structural Design Innovation endowment, funded by USC Architectural Guild Life Member Nabih Youssef, provides support in perpetuity for a lecture to be given by a distinguished structural designer.