Visionary Pursuits: AFSB's Mission
In a world where the built environment shapes our daily experiences and influences our perceptions, AFSB stands as a visionary force, championing the importance of architectural education and appreciation. Their mission is not merely to fill a gap in Santa Barbara County's education system for art, architecture, and design but to ignite a passion for creativity, innovation, and beauty in every individual they reach. AFSB strives to cultivate a deep-seated understanding of the intrinsic connection between architecture and community through a diverse array of programs, inspiring future generations to become stewards of our built heritage.
Experience AFSB: A World of Possibilities
As you step through the doors of the AFSB in downtown Santa Barbara, you are greeted with a sense of possibility, creativity, and wonder. Here, artistry flourishes, innovation thrives, and the boundaries of imagination are pushed to new heights. AFSB offers experiences designed to cater to every interest and inclination, from immersive youth programs and events workshops to captivating art exhibitions. Whether you're a seasoned architect, a budding artist, a student interested in architecture, or simply a curious enthusiast, there's something for everyone within the walls of AFSB.
Explore, Engage, Enrich: AFSB's Program Offerings
AFSB offers diverse programs designed to inspire, educate, and enrich through its various special events. Perhaps you’d be interested in attending any of the thought-provoking lectures led by industry experts, where topics ranging from sustainable design to historic preservation are explored with depth and insight. There are also ongoing art exhibits, gallery openings, artist talks and lectures..
AFSB’s educational programs are designed to nurture future architects and designers by teaching design excellence. The organization helps young people experience some of Santa Barbara’s finest designs and better appreciate the inspiration our built environment offers our everyday lives. through programs such as Kids Draw Architecture and the High School Architectural Design Competition. Scholarships are also awarded annually to local students pursuing college-level studies in architectural and related fields.
Architectural Walking Tours: Discovering Santa Barbara's Heritage
Among AFSB's crown jewels are its Architectural Walking Tours, which offer a window into the soul of Santa Barbara's rich architectural heritage. These tours are led by knowledgeable docents and provide a captivating glimpse into the city's past, present, and future. From the iconic landmarks of downtown Santa Barbara to the hidden gems tucked away in its historic districts, each tour is a journey of discovery waiting to unfold.
It all began back in 1989 when a small group led by highly knowledgeable volunteer docents offered a Saturday walking tour of the downtown area. These tours focused on architectural styles, significant and historic buildings, aesthetics, past and present building usage, and landscape history.
In 2001, a Sunday tour was added due to the popularity of the Saturday walking tours. The Sunday tour continued the history of art and architecture of downtown Santa Barbara as it was reborn after the 1925 earthquake. To this day, tours are available every Saturday and Sunday at 10 AM, led by a dedicated and knowledgeable group of volunteer docents. Join them for a weekend tour or ask about how to become a tour docent yourself! Reservations are recommended as a courtesy to the docents.
On the Sabado (Saturday) Tour, you’ll see the historic center of downtown Santa Barbara to celebrate the rich cultural heritage left by the first Spanish and Mexican settlers and those giants of Southern California architecture. This tour leaves from the City Hall steps at De la Guerra Plaza at 10:00 am, and is an easy stroll lasting approximately two hours.
Sabado (Saturday) Walking Tour:
- Casa de La Guerra
- City Hall
- Santa Barbara News-Press
- La Placita buildings, the 19th-century center of Santa Barbara
- El Paseo, the restaurant, courtyard, and commercial spaces
- Meridian Studios
- Lobero Theatre (1924)
- Lobero Office Building by Julia Morgan, architect of Hearst Castle
- Santa Barbara Recreation Center (1912)
- Castillo Building Masonic building (1924)
- Montecito Bank, designed by Myron Hunt and said to be modeled on a basilica in Sicily
- Hill-Carrillo Adobe (1828)
The Domingo (Sunday)Tour focuses on the historic art and architecture of downtown Santa Barbara as it was reborn after the 1925 earthquake. Meet across the street from the library on Anapamu Street at 10 am for this easy stroll lasting approximately two hours.
Domingo (Sunday) Walking Tour:
- Pre- and Post-Earthquake Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara Central Library (1917)
- La Arcada (1930)
- East Figueroa Buildings
- San Marcos Building (1913; 1926)
- Santa Barbara Museum of Art (1914-1937)
- Granada Theater (1924)
- Upper Hawley Building (1887)
- 1301 State Street
- Arlington Theater (1930)
- US Bankruptcy Court (1946-47)
- Santa Barbara Medical Clinic Building (1920)
- Trinity Episcopal Church (1919)
- Plus many more, including Notre Dame School, Yoga Center, and Our Lady of Sorrows Church
- Refer to the Domingo Tour meeting location map on the website during Public Library construction.
As a leading real estate professional in Santa Barbara, I wholeheartedly endorse the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara and its unwavering dedication to enhancing our community through education, engagement, and advocacy. Additionally, I take pride in my standing as the top-ranked realtor in Santa Barbara and Montecito, among over 60,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents worldwide. As such, I'm committed to utilizing my wealth of knowledge and experience to assist you in navigating the intricacies of buying and selling property in our area. Reach out to me at (805) 886-9378 or via email at Cristal@montecito-estate.com to arrange a complimentary consultation. Let's join forces to honor the beauty, innovation, and timeless charm of Santa Barbara's architectural wonders together.
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