“Paper Tiger,” a portrait and capriccio of Léon Krier (Carl Laubin, 2002)

Remembering Leon Krier

“That is my skill set… blood and mud and fight. And his skill set was to think clearly.” – Andrés Duany

This November 23-25, the University of Notre Dame hosted a series of panels, speakers, and exhibitions honoring the late Léon Krier. Lizz and Andrés were among the participants, with Andrés delivering the keynote speech on the final morning of the conference.

The speaking engagements and conference itinerary commenced on Monday, November 24, and included a showing of Léon’s last interview followed by a keynote speech by Demetri Porphyrios. After the break, Lizz presented Krier’s built work in the U.S. — his house in Seaside, the meeting hall at Windsor, and the Jorge M. Perez Architecture Center at the University of Miami School of Architecture. As dean of the school at the time, Lizz guided that building to completion in 2005.

Lizz presenting on Léon Krier at Notre Dame (Photo: Mallory Baches)

Krier’s theories and realized designs provided the foundation for the placemaking principles and practice of New Urbanism — and they continue to inspire the preservation of cultural heritage.

Andrés’ keynote presentation took the audience through decades of memories, photographs, and ideas as he remembered Léon, both as a brilliant innovator and a beloved friend. He also placed strong emphasis on carrying the torch while encouraging evolving ideas and future clear thinkers:

“The greatest minds will not be attracted to merely polish what we have already discovered.” – Andrés Duany

Andrés presenting on Léon Krier at Notre Dame (Photo: Mallory Baches)

The conference also served as an opportunity to display drawings by Krier as the university had acquired the Léon Krier Library and Archives in 2014, adding nearly 8,000 volumes to the architecture library. While the exhibition of selected work was on display temporarily, you can also view all the materials on Notre Dame’s digital library and archives here.

Altogether, the conference was a moving reminder of legacy and impact. Conference goers were able to reflect upon Léon’s lessons as well as his personal connections with many people, and all were reminded that the next generations will continue to build upon these lessons as they seek to discover their own paths.

“Build in such a way that the maxim of your design may at the same time rate as a principle of general legislation or design buildings in such a way that you, yourself and those you love, will take pleasure in using them, look at them, live, work, spend holidays and retire in them.” – Léon Krier