Geoffrey Baker, Ph.D, is an internationally noted architect, teacher, and author of books on architecture and design. His scholarly works on such 20th century modernist masters as Corbusier are considered musts for an architect’s library. He has taught architectural design in the UK and USA, including at Tulane University in New Orleans. Aware of the disruptive effects of modern architecture on cities world-wide, Baker has recently focused on the phenomenon of genius loci for the Romans, the protective spirit of places, important in the formation of cites such as Siena, Prague, and Rome. His introductory study Design Strategies in Architecture examines how Venice and Siena emerged as settlements responsive to their location, topography, culture, and climate. In his books Baker expounds upon Heidegger’s philosophy as his hand drawn diagrams explain buildings and cities, a technique also used to explain the work of Le Corbusier. Dr. Baker will appear at Words & Music to discuss how the work of Ludwig Mies Van der Rohe influenced American skylines and the work of New Orleans architect Arthur Q. David.