Established in 2008, The Maurice F. Childs Endowed Lectureship honors the memory of Maurice F. Childs—a dedicated preservationist and celebrated architect who co-founded the Boston-based firm . The BAC and CBT have a long professional and personal history: CBT co-founders Maurice F. Childs, Richard Bertman, and Charles Tseckares taught at the BAC, along with other firm employees. CBT continues to employ and mentor many students and alumni. CBT principal, Kishore Varanasi AICP, serves on the BAC Board of Trustees.
The Maurice F. Childs Memorial Lectureship Series
2025 Childs Memorial Lecture
Kongjian Yu, Dean and Professor, Peking University, Founder and Design Principal, Turenscape.
With Charles Waldheim, John E. Irving Professor of Landscape Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
Landscapes for Adaptation: The Work of Kongjian Yu
Monday, October 20, 2025
6PM EDT | Cascieri Hall or Virtual
Shenyang Architectural University Campus: This project demonstrates how agricultural landscape can become part of the urbanized environment and how cultural identity can be created through an ordinary productive landscape. With a population of 1.3 billion people and limited tillable land, food production and sustainable land use is a survival issue that landscape architects must address. Photo Credit: Turenscape.
Zhoukou Huaiyang Fuxi Cultural Park: Utilizing the concept of a sponge city, the project aims to alleviate flooding risks in the ancient city and purify contaminated waters. Crater-shaped islands emerge as multifunctional spaces, serving the community's diverse needs while drawing inspiration from ancient Chinese cosmological symbols forming a unique pattern language throughout the park, blending ecological sustainability with rich cultural narratives and social engagement. Photo Credit: Turenscape.
Nanchang Fish Tail Park: A 126-acre badly abused landscape was transformed into a dreamlike floating forest that regulates storm water, provides habitat for wildlife, offers an array of recreational opportunities and gives local residents a new way to connect with nature. Photo Credit: Turenscape.
Qinhuangdao Red Ribbon Park, The Minimum Intervention Approach to Urban Greenway: Against a background of natural terrain and vegetation, is a “red ribbon” spanning five hundred meters, which integrates the functions of lighting, seating, environmental interpretation, and orientation. This project demonstrates how a minimal design solution can achieve a dramatic improvement to the landscape. Photo Credit: Turenscape.
2024 Childs Memorial Lecture
Walter J. Hood, Landscape Designer and Artist
The Phillips Community and the International African American Museum: Exploring the Landscape of the Low Country
Thursday, October 31, 2024
To learn more about this special lecture, please contact Karen Nelson.
Watch the 2024 Childs Lecture Now
2023 Childs Memorial Lecture
Pascale Sablan, FAIA, NOMA
I Was Asked to Stand
Thursday, October 5, 2023
To learn more about this special lecture, please contact Karen Nelson.
Watch the 2023 Childs Lecture Now
2022 Childs Memorial Lecture
Patricia Anahory, B.Arch'95
"Errant Praxis: Practicing Architecture Otherwise"
Wednesday, September 14, 2022
This lecture was approved by AIA to grant 1 HSW CEU for attendees.
To learn more about this special lecture, please contact Karen Nelson.
Watch the 2022 Childs Lecture Now
Past Childs Memorial Lectures
Yung Ho Chang | Founding Principal of Atelier FCJZ
Architecture, More or Less
2021 Lecturer
Juan Miró | Founding Principal of Miró Rivera Architects
Building a New Arcadia: Reflecting on 20 Years of Work
2020 Lecturer
Craig Scott | Principal of IwamotoScott Architecture
Three Avenues
2019 Lecturer
Merrill Elam and Mack Scogin | Principals of Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architecture
Square Clouds
2018 Lecturers
Thom Mayne | Founder of Morphosis
Multiple Agendas
2017 Lecturer
Blair Kamin | Architecture Critic at The Chicago Tribune
The Gates of Harvard
2016 Lecturer