New documentary about "Learning from Las Vegas" authors/architects to debut at Las Vegas Market

Robert Venturi and Denise Scott Brown , authors of the 1972 architectural book, Learning from Las Vegas, are the subject of Bob and Denise, a documentary by their son, Jim Venturi. A preview of the film will be screened along with Saving Lieb House, a short documentary, also by Venturi, during the Las Vegas Market, Jan. 25, 2011, at 6:30 p.m., as part of the Las Vegas Market Design Series. The preview screening will be the film's debut in Las Vegas, and is free and open to the public.
Learning from Las Vegas embraced the iconic signs and buildings of the Las Vegas Strip, touting what was considered the "common" design elements as a precursor of what was to come throughout the country. Their point of view was polarizing to critics and designers alike.
"This highly controversial book stirred up huge debates at the time of its publication and caused all sorts of arguments between critics-some of whom will be seen in the film. This will be an engaging event and the subject matter will certainly give rise to an interesting new dialogue," said Margaret Casey, director of programming for World Market Center Las Vegas.
Robert and Scott Brown considered Las Vegas a prototype for 20th century American suburbia, and the book provided a new lens through which to view the controversial architecture of the Las Vegas Strip. The book remains a mainstay in college curricula and every day architectural conversation. The film shares the insights and opinions of the minds behind the book.
Casey said viewers can also look forward to amazing footage of vintage Vegas casinos, along with a reception and the exhibit "I AM A HOUSE: 2007" featuring 26 prints by Robert Venturi on loan from the Collection Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, as well as a photographic retrospective presented by the LVCVA. Curated by Las Vegas resident Brian "Paco" Alvarez, "Vegas Spectacular: From the Stage to the Strip" features images from the Las Vegas News Bureau archives that capture Las Vegas casino architecture, headline entertainment and iconic Neon signage and explores the relationship between the spectacle of the stage show and the city's exaggerated architectural vernacular from the era.
The other film, Saving Lieb House, is a short documentary directed by Venturi and John Halpern, following Robert and Scott Brown as they scramble to save their iconic pop-art creation, Lieb House. The two-story, box-shaped home located in Barnegat Light, New Jersey, became a symbol of modernism after it was built in the late 1960s. When the couple learns of plans for its demolition, they have 10 days to find a way to save it. The film follows their brief crusade-including a 97-mile barge ride-while capturing the enthusiasm of New York City as its residents cheer them on.
The presentation and screenings will take place from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Jan. 25 in Building C, Room C358, at WMCLV, 495 S Grand Central Parkway. A meet and greet reception with Jim Venturi will follow. Attendees should RSVP to events@lasvegasmarket.com to ensure a seat.
For more information, visit www.lvdesigncenter.com.