We began with a tour of Marin County Civic Center in San Rafael, which was designed by the late Frank Lloyd Wright — the last project he had designed, and finished construction posthumously. This national and state historic landmark spans across and connects three hills, boasting a sculptural blue roof, scalloped balconies, and a golden spire. The complex includes an 11-acre lagoon, a 20-acre park, and a great library under the concrete domed roof. Its location served as the background for the 1997 film Gattaca, which many of us recalled watching in our biology classes in high school.

We then reboarded the bus to visit the Osher Marin JCC: a project close to home for one of our professors, Mark Schatz. Right next door is the Congregation Rodef Sholom construction site, designed by Herman Coliver Locus. We were lucky enough to be allowed onto the site and given a tour by architect Steve Rajninger as he walked us through what is being built and what it would look like once construction is done.

After a group lunch at an Indian buffet restaurant, we went on to tour the Buck Center for Research in Aging. The beautifully lit atrium space and sharp angles inside the building were great to witness, and learning a little about what has been discovered about aging was very interesting. The tall ceilings, white surroundings, and large skylights made the space seem all the more grand.

Afterward, we all headed to Mark’s house to celebrate the end of the school year, and as a way to bid farewell to Tom Jones, who after bringing back and leading the SF Urban program for years, was retiring this year. After we exchanged gifts, thank yous, wishes of good luck, and goodbyes, we boarded the bus to head back to San Francisco for the last time in the program.

It was an incredible experience to wrap up the year. Special thanks to Tom Jones for everything he has done for the SF Urban program.