"This Talk will focus on the development of the post-WW II United States - the suburbanization of the country through the introduction of key governmental initiatives, and the social myth making that was derived for and from it. My interest is in the myths that were created during this time and which now govern our lives more then we acknowledge. In a country as anti-intellectual as this, the 'myth' or 'story line' effects our decision-making process at all levels. I will endeavor to expose and dissect 'The Story,' enabling a new reality to arise.

The GI Bill and the demobilization of the female work force.
The US Highway Act and the supremacy of GM.
The love affair with the car and the creation of the throwaway economy.
The urban fight of the white middle class and the growth of the suburbs.
The new suburban value system. Green grass. Uniformity. More is more.
The supremacy of materialism as a consequence of keeping up with the neighbors.
The development of industry geared to the new home owner.
The consequences of the 20th Century US economic growth come home to roost in the 21st Century.
Shortages on a large scale: capital, energy, water, food (not in any specific order)."

PRODUCER: Làszlo Kiss

Làszlo Kiss was born in Nagyvàrad (Oradea) Rumania. His father, an architect, was the son of a mathematician and Làszlo's interest in art and the built environment - and the family legacy of architectural expression - led him to Cornell to study architecture. There he met Simon Ungers (son of world-famous architect, O.M. Ungers), with whom he established a partnership that lasted over fifteen years.

The common thread that unifies Làszlo's work is his interest in sustainable design and the great attention he pays to how architecture and buildings fit into the larger intellectual continuum. Throughout his career, Làszlo has been simultaneously involved in both the production of architecture and teaching at institutions such as Columbia, Parsons and Ohio State.

Làszlo is a partner in the firm of Kiss+Zwigard architects and the founder of the modern modular net-zero energy company ASAP•house Inc. He may be reached at asaphouse@mac.com.