The relationship between people and place is a complex one — who better to tackle it than an architect and an artist?

The public art duo “Sans façon” — French architect Charles Blanc and British artist Tristan Surtees — will speak in Lawrence about the roles of art and artists in city planning and livability. They’ll also share information about successful artist-in-residence programs around the world.

The talk is scheduled for 7 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire St. Admission is free, and members of the public are encouraged to participate in the discussion.

“Sans façon” is currently working in Calgary, Canada, where they are lead artists for the city’s watershed public art program. They’re known for undertaking diverse projects, both temporary and permanent, which they say aim to inspire people to look at and think of a place differently and “create opportunity rather than inanimate objects.”