Dion Neutra, AIA, surviving partner of the illustrious father-and-son firm of Richard and Dion Neutra Architecture, celebrates his 75th birthday in October. In his honor, the Los Angeles-based Institute for Survival Through Design is hosting a celebration and gathering of friends of Neutra and the Institute at the firm's 1953 Eagle Rock (Calif.) Recreation Center, Saturday evening, October 6, from 6–10.

The celebration is open to everyone with an interest in the Neutras and the works of the institute and the firm. The Institute for Survival through Design also invites all who feel qualified to speak about aspects of Dion Neutra's life to provide an outline of their thoughts for possible inclusion in the program (send to DionN@aol.com).

Famed chef Fred Eric, of Los Angeles' Vida and Fred 62 restaurants—who threw a spectacular party at the Neutra Singleton House for Food and Wine magazine two years ago—will prepare the meal. For a $25 donation, guests may reserve a space at this event and select their entrée choice on the Neutra Web site. (Nonmembers of the institute also will receive an institute membership good through April 2003 as part of this donation.)

The program is to be the last major event of the yearlong "Neutra at 75" celebration. Its setting, the Eagle Rock Recreation Center, was saved from demolition by its declaration as a cultural monument in 1991. Guests who arrive early are invited to tour the park and the building. For more information, go to www.Neutra.org.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.