EUGENE–In the eyes of Seattle architect James L. Cutler, the essence of architecture is to produce structures that sing–buildings and memorials that reveal the true spirit of every element that goes into each design.

Cutler, the 1999 Belluschi lecturer at the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Appied Arts, will explain this vision of the art and poetry of architecture at a Portland lecture, "The Heart of the Matter," at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, May 13, at the Belluschi-designed Chapel of Christ the Teacher, 5000 N. Willamette Blvd, Portland. The talk is free and open to the public.

Cutler and his colleagues are best known for architectural designs that thoughtfully fuse emotions, materials, setting and client needs. Cutler says the Salem Witchcraft Trials Tercentenary Memorial that he designed for the victims of the Salem witchcraft trials is a project that reaches his ideal–the essence of architecture.

Cutler founded James Cutler Architects in 1977. Dedicated to design excellence, the firm has received four National Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects and more than 230 other national and regional awards.

His current work includes a residence in Australia, a Presbyterian church in Wenatchee, Wash., and an Armed Forces Memorial with artist Maggie Smith, in Norfolk, Va.

Cutler is teaching two classes at the UO: a seminar for advanced students titled "Details in Architecture" and a hands-on studio class in which students will help design a house near Hendricks Park in Eugene.

The Belluschi professorship was created at the UO School of Architecture and Allied Arts in 1993 as a perpetually endowed fund to foster and promote education in architectural design. Belluschi was one of the most notable architects in Oregon and was best known for establishing a Northwest regional style of architecture.

For more information, call (541) 346-3656.

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