Sim Van der Ryn
Sim Van der Ryn, visionary architect involved with the SF Zen Center since the mid seventies, and dear friend, passed away on Saturday. Below is an invitation to join the memorial for him sent by his daughter Julie. - Farewell Sim. Thanks for the good times. - DC, 10/20/2024
Cuke What's New post about Sim's passing from October 21st
San Francisco Chronicle obituary - these obits may have a paywall
See an obituary from The New York Times. Also posted at the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.
Sim Van der Ryn, Visionary of Sustainable Architecture, Dies at 89
Sim Van der Ryn, an influential architect widely regarded as a pioneer of ecological and sustainable design, passed away on October 19, 2024, in Petaluma, California. He was 89.
Born in the Netherlands in 1935, Van der Ryn fled with his family to the United States during World War II. This early displacement shaped his profound connection to nature and social equity, themes that would define his life's work. Educated at the University of Michigan, he rejected the prevailing modernist trends in architecture, instead embracing a holistic approach inspired by thinkers like Buckminster Fuller. His designs integrated buildings with their natural environments, emphasizing sustainability long before it became mainstream.
Van der Ryn’s career spanned academia, public service, and hands-on architecture. As California's State Architect in the 1970s, he championed energy-efficient government buildings and accessible design standards. At UC Berkeley, where he taught for over three decades, he inspired generations of architects to consider the social and environmental implications of their work. He also founded organizations such as the Farallones Institute and the Ecological Design Institute, promoting renewable technologies and green building practices.
A prolific author, Van der Ryn co-wrote influential works like Ecological Design and Sustainable Communities. Known for his poetic philosophy of architecture, he described buildings as "pathways to understanding ourselves within nature." His legacy includes iconic projects like the solar-powered Real Goods building and countless contributions to community-oriented green architecture.
Van der Ryn is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren. His impact resonates in today’s sustainable design practices, affirming his role as a visionary who bridged the gap between architecture, ecology, and human well-being.
Bio by ChatGPT. Sources: AIA California, UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design, Point Reyes Light.
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