It's all architecture

You don't need a T-square to participate in special activities surrounding the national convention of the American Institute of Architects, taking place in San Francisco June 9 through 12.

There and in the East Bay, many architecture-related events, exhibits, and walking tours will be offered to the public through June.

Special events in San Francisco

Architects' sandcastle competition, Aquatic Park Beach, adjacent to Ghirardelli Square; Sunday, June 9, from 10 A.M. to 1:30. Sponsored by the Learning through Education in the Arts Projects (LEAP), which supports arts programs in San Francisco's public schools, this annual competition offers beach fun for all ages as teams of architects compete.

Noontime performances, June 8 through 13, incluing theatricals and dance concerts at Justin Herman Plaza and 101 California Plaza, are among the diverse free public activities sponsored by the Architectural Foundation of Northern California in their program called "Settings: A Celebration of the Urban Arts." For a list of all events, call (415) 982-4494.

Exhibits: S.F., Oakland, Berkeley

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (Van Ness Avenue at Mcallister Street) presents "Art + Architecture + Landscape," from June 6 through August 25. Five models and extensive drawings depict entries in a competition to design a new winery and public sculpture garden in the Napa Valley. The winning design, which includes an aqueduct and a circular amphitheater inspired by ancient Rome, is by internationally known architect Michael Graves and artist Edward Schmidt.

Museum hours are 10 to 6 Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; 10 to 10 Thursdadys (free from 6 to 10); 10 to 5 weekends. Admission: $3 adults, $1.50 ages 6 through 15 and seniors.

American Institute of Architects, San Francisco Chapter, 790 Market Street, will be showing "100 Years of Bay Area Regionalism," drawings by such noted architects as Bernard Maybeck and Joseph Esherick. Weekdays in June, 9 to 5, free.

The Oakland Museum, 1000 Oak Street, presents two shows. "The Cabin, the Temple, the Trailer," from May 11 through July 21, depicts changing American attitudes toward the image of home with artifacts and enlarged photographs. "Precocious Houses: Four Recent Works by Bay Area Architects" run from June 1 through July 28 and depicts the contemporary design process, from napkin doodles to study models. Hours: 10 to 5 Wednesdays through Saturdays, noon to 7 Sundays. Free.

University Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, shows architect Stanley Saitowitz's walk-through, abstract representation of the city of Berkeley. Open from May 1 through July 7, it combines architecture, sculpture, and painting. Hours: 11 to 5 Wednesdays through Sundays. Admission: $3 adults, $1.50 ages 6 through 17 and seniors.

Noon walking tours, San Francisco and Alameda

Nob Hill. City Guides (San Francisco Public Library) take groups along the elegant crest of "nabobs' hill," from the Fairmont Hotel to Grace Cathedral and including recently renovated Huntington Park. Meet at the entrance to the Stanford Court Hotel, 905 California Street. Dates: June 2, 9, 16, 30. Time: noon to 1:30. Free; call (415) 558-3770 or 558-3981.

Downtown. Every Thursday from 12:05 to 12:55, the Foundation for San Francisco's Architectural Heritage sponsors three walks. The New Montgomery Street Walk follows recent redevelopment; it starts at the steps of the plaza at the northwest corner of Market, Post, and Montgomery streets. Splendid Survivors highlights landmarks built after the 1906 earthquake and begins at the Hallidie Building, 130 Sutter Street. The Banking Temples Tour begins at the Transamerica pyramid's Clay Street entrance. Tours cost $2; call 441-3000.

Marina district. On June 9, a 2-hour tour of art deco buildings along Chestnut Street begins at noon at the northeast corner of Chestnut and Fillmore streets; it is sponsored by the Art Deco Society of California. Cost: $3; call 552-3326.

Alameda. On June 23, a 2-hour downtown walking tour of this East Bay city, pointing out its many art deco buildings, starts at noon in front of the Alameda Theater, 2317 Central Avenue. Same sponsor, cost, and telephone number as the Marina district walk.

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