R.M. Schindler, Schindler House, 1922. Photograph by Tag Christof/MAK Center for Art and Architecture
The Austrian Consulate General, Austrian Trade Commission, and MAK Center for Art and Architecture at Schindler House are pleased to invite experts and professionals to an upcoming panel discussion on Sustainable Materials in Urban Construction: Transatlantic Lessons from Austria and the U.S.
Panel 1: Beyond Concrete – Rethinking Materials for Sustainable Cities
This discussion will explore the future of construction materials beyond traditional options like concrete and steel. Panelists Gerhard W. Mayer, Frank Escher, and Mark Mack will discuss material innovations, circular economy solutions, and how new materials can reduce carbon emissions. The panel will compare Austrian/Swiss innovations with U.S. approaches and examine how regulatory frameworks and market demand drive material choices.
Panel 2: Designing the Sustainable City – Urban Development for a Changing World
Focus: This discussion will shift from materials to urban planning and city-scale sustainability challenges. Panelists Alexa Sekyra, Axel Schmitzberger, and Dana Bauer will explore how cities can integrate sustainable construction, renewable energy, and resilient design while overcoming regulatory, financial, and social barriers. The conversation will address how Los Angeles and Austrian cities are tackling sustainability from a planning and policy perspective.
GERHARD W. MAYER, Principal Architect and Urbanist at Mayer Architects
Mr. Mayer brings over 25 years of international experience in architecture and urban design, having worked across four continents. Originally from Vienna, Austria, he relocated to the United States on a Fulbright Scholarship focused on sustainable design and architecture. His career includes collaborations with notable figures such as Geoffrey Bawa in Sri Lanka and Frank Gehry in the United States. Currently, he leads Mayer Architects in Los Angeles, emphasizing the development of walkable, multimodal, and sustainable urban environments.
DR. ANDREA ALEXA SEKYRA, Head of the Scholars Program at the Getty Research Institute
Dr. Sekyra is an art and architectural historian serving as the Head of the Scholars Program at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles. In her role, she oversees initiatives that support scholarly research in the visual arts. Her academic background and leadership contribute significantly to advancing art historical studies and fostering academic collaborations.
FRANK ESCHER, Co-Founder of Escher GuneWardena Architecture
Mr. Escher co-founded Escher GuneWardena Architecture, a Los Angeles-based firm recognized for its innovative approach to design, which thoughtfully integrates modern aesthetics with historical contexts. The firm is known for its commitment to sustainability and the adaptive reuse of existing structures, reflecting a deep understanding of environmental and cultural considerations in architecture.
MARK MACK, Architect and Educator
Mr. Mack is a distinguished architect and educator celebrated for his contributions to contemporary architecture. He has been influential in promoting minimalist and sustainable design principles throughout his career. As an educator, he has imparted his vision for environmentally conscious architecture to students at various esteemed institutions, shaping future generations of architects.
AXEL SCHMITZBERGER, Designer and Academic
Mr. Schmitzberger is a designer and academic specializing in sustainable design and digital fabrication. His work explores the intersection of technology and sustainability, aiming to create innovative solutions to contemporary architectural challenges. Through his academic endeavors, he contributes to the advancement of design methodologies that address environmental concerns.
DANA BAUER, Partner and Design Principal at Elysian Landscapes
Dana Bauer is a Partner and Design Principal at Elysian Landscapes, a Los Angeles-based landscape design practice. She joined the firm in 2012, bringing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates architecture, art, and urban engagement. With over 20 years of experience, Ms. Bauer has collaborated across various design fields, including fine art, theater, television, and dance. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University and a Master of Architecture with distinction from the University of London's Bartlett School of Architecture. In addition to her professional practice, Ms. Bauer has served as design faculty at institutions such as SCI-Arc and the University of Southern California's School of Architecture, contributing to the academic discourse on design and sustainability.
AUSTRIAN CONSULATE GENERAL
The Austrian Consulate General in Los Angeles is Austria’s official diplomatic representation for the Western United States, covering sixteen states including California. It serves as a key point of contact for Austrian citizens, companies, and institutions, and promotes Austria’s political, cultural, economic, and scientific interests in the region. The Consulate General supports a wide range of activities, from organizing official visits and cultural events to fostering academic and scientific collaboration. It also provides consular services such as passports, visas, and citizenship matters. Through its engagement with local communities, universities, policymakers, and cultural organizations, the Consulate General works to strengthen the close ties between Austria and the United States and represents Austrian values on the West Coast.
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA
ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA (Austrian Trade Commission) is the trade promotion organization of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. With around 100 offices in over 70 countries, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA provides market intelligence, business development services, and networking opportunities for Austrian companies and their international business partners. A global team of 800 professionals organizes approximately 800 events annually, other services provided by ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA offices range from introductions to Austrian companies looking for importers, distributors, or agents to providing in-depth information on Austria as a business location and assistance in entering the Austrian market. ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA works to generate more international business opportunities by promoting the products and services of Austrian businesses around the world, by helping companies and organizations outside Austria to build strong relationships with Austrian companies and by fostering the exchange of the world’s and Austria’s best minds and innovations. The Austrian Trade Commission in Los Angeles covers the following industries of the entire US market: Agriculture, Aviation & Aerospace, Electrics & Electronics, Entertainment (Music, Film), Environmental Technologies, Forestry & Timber, Green/Sustainable Building, Infrastructure (Traffic & Transportation), Logistics & Transportation, Maritime, Mining, New Technologies (Energy Conversion, Optoelectronics, Photonics, Semiconductor, Software Development), Rail, Renewables & Natural Resources, Safety Standards, Software & IT, Sporting Goods and Leisure, Telecommunications, Test & Measuring Instruments.
MAK CENTER FOR ART AND ARCHITECTURE
The MAK Center for Art and Architecture is a contemporary, experimental, multi-disciplinary center for art and architecture headquartered in three significant architectural works by the Austrian-American architect R.M. Schindler. Offering a year-round schedule of exhibitions and events, the MAK Center presents programming that challenges conventional notions of architectural space and relationships between the creative arts.
This program is in collaboration with the Austrian Consulate General and ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA.