WASHINGTON – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) will host its largest architecture and design conference in ten years—with an expected 24,000 registrants from around the globe—in New York from June 21-23.
The AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 (A’18) is developed specifically for architects and will bring AIA’s Blueprint for Better campaign to life. Attendees will participate in cutting-edge education sessions that will provide insights into designing a smarter, safer and healthier built environment. Additionally, A’18 will offer more than 750 programs including, approximately 365 educational sessions, 185 events, 225 tours and almost 800 design exhibits. Highlights will include:
Sir David Adjaye is a leading architect of his generation, one of Time’s most influential people and the architect behind landmark projects that are making a difference in cities and communities across the globe. Adjaye’s work includes the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington and SPYSCAPE in New York.
Sheela Søgaard is the chief executive officer that developed the business model for one of the world’s most ambitious and imaginative architecture firms, BIG | Bjarke Ingels Group, which is responsible for projects like VIA 57 West. Søgaard will address how to create a high-performing culture in firms and how to promote change in communities.
From June 21-22, the Jacob Javits Center will be transformed into a nearly 200,000-square-foot expo. Almost 800 brands and building-product manufacturers will be on display, showcasing the latest building materials, products and technologies.
This year’s conference will offer more education sessions than ever before with 220 new and different programs and pre-conference workshops. Attendees will learn the latest best practices, trends and advancements taking place in the built environment. Topics range from coastal resiliency, environmental conservation, public space development to security in design. A’18 will also focus on issues of equity, diversity and inclusion—from designing public spaces that are accessible to all to creating an equitable and diverse architecture profession. Topics explore inclusive restroom design, equitable practice guides, pay transparency, and building a respectful and harassment-free workplace.
Architecture and Design Film Festival
AIA will debut its new film, Cano Martin Pena: A Blueprint for Better, at conference on Thursday, June 21. The film is part of the AIA’s Blueprint for Better campaign, which highlights the collaborative work of architects and civic leaders to solve issues facing cities and communities. The documentary-style film depicts architects working with the community to rebuild Puerto Rico after the island was devastated by Hurricane Maria in 2017, leaving more than three-million people without power.
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing.
AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards
