Every state in the country needs the insight of architects who are in tune with the needs of communities.
The 2015 AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Spring Conference is fast approaching, so it’s time to save the date. This 4-day event takes place April 15 – 18, 2015, in Detroit, Michigan, a city that’s rich in architecture, history, struggle, and culture.
Registration is filling up fast, so there’s no time to waste.
Here’s what you can expect:
You’ll learn firsthand what is driving the reinvention of Detroit and the role that architects play.
What’s on the Conference Schedule
Wednesday, April 15, is the day to get your bearings. If you arrive early, the Committee suggests seeing the sights and exploring Detroit. Later in the evening, the welcome reception kicks off the conference on the 32nd floor of the Guardian Building.
Thursday’s session starts with a tour of the Detroit School of Arts, then later a trip to Wayne State University and The Integrative Biosciences Center. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about alternate education models and facilities, see the renovation of a 1927 Cadillac dealership into a modern facility, understand how an urban university can promote the rebirth of a city, and tour a local high school designed to help students succeed internationally.
Friday is another packed day, with a visit to the historic Argonaut Building and Cranbrook Educational Community, followed by a lecture by award-winning Argentine American architect, César Pelli. Attendees will learn firsthand about the challenges that historic property brings to sustainable design, and see how urban and suburban schools overcome funding disparities.
Saturday’s events include attending a panel with 4 speakers and a moderator who discuss education and revisit what conference attendees experienced over the previous days in Detroit. The panelists also invite discussion on the issues faced by metropolitan regions. There are tours available to Wayne County Community College District Downtown Campus, and attendees are free to explore later in the day.
The AIA CAE spring conference lets you and your peers experience the rebirth of a city.
Why Detroit is an Ideal Location
This is an exciting time for Detroit. The famous city has seen its rise in relevance, and then it suffered a notorious collapse. But after many years of climbing through difficulties, Detroit is finally experiencing a rebirth. What’s happening there is relevant for every city in America.
The 2015 spring conference theme is examining the “Rejuvenation and Reinvention” of Detroit. How did the city deal with the mass exodus of manufacturing jobs? What happened to residents as a result? And more important, what is fueling the rebirth of this city, how is the revitalization of spaces supporting the effort, and where is it going next? Those questions, and more, are examined in this 4-day conference.
Instead of trying to recapture the past, a new, creative class is being nurtured to usher in the next incarnation. Through learning about Detroit’s history and what’s happening now, conference goers will gain insight on what’s to come, and what’s acting as a catalyst to bring it about. Rejuvenation and reinvention lessons aren’t restricted to this one city. They’re important for all of American society.
You can register online as a member of AIA, a non-member, or an emerging professional under the age of 40, each of which have different rates. Emerging professionals qualify for a 40 percent discount. If you prefer, you can print and fax your registration form with payment information to 202-639-7624.
Registration for hotel accommodations are available for a group rate of $159, at the Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, but space is limited. You can reserve a room online or by contacting the hotel directly at 313-442-1600.
The 2015 AIA Committee on Architecture for Education Spring Conference is relevant for architects in any market. Where economic decline has affected a city, rejuvenation and reinvention can help transform it into a thriving community again. And architects are at the heart of the movement.
Continuing education is critical for all architects, and it’s a requirement for membership in the AIA. Before your next series of PDH is due, check out our courses at PDH Academy and see how simple professional development can be.
