Architecture professor named director of design center

February 23, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Martin Gold, an associate professor of architecture at the University of Florida, has been named the executive director of the Florida Community Design Center.

He will be the center’s first permanent director, following pro bono interim directors John Barrow and Kim Tanzer who served from 2000 to 2004. Gold’s position, although unfunded, is partially sponsored by UF, which also will provide partial funding for support staff.

Gold has more than 10 years of experience in design, teaching and research specializing in environmental design with an emphasis on infrastructural, transportation, multifamily and residential community design projects responsive to the climate and character of the Florida landscape. His work has garnered state, national and international awards. He teaches graduate and undergraduate design studio, lecture and seminar courses in environmental technologies. He also supervises master’s and doctoral projects that advance research-based environmental design and sustainable methodologies.

Gold plans to advance the center’s mission by creating ways for UF to work in partnership with community organizations to improve design and function. These will include the center’s research grant initiatives, integrative design studios with the School of Architecture and design assistance for neighborhood organizations to enhance the community.

The center’s mission is to promote the practice of good community design in the built and natural environments of Gainesville, Alachua County and Florida. The center also provides educational and reference materials about good design to the general public and training opportunities and continuing education for professional designers. It also conducts participatory community design exercises and research in the principles, methods and materials used to build sustainable communities. More information about the Florida Community Design Center can be found at www.floridacommunitydesign.org.