AIA Connecticut to Host Annual National Architecture Week
For Immediate Release
New Haven, CT April 11, 2019 – Architecture Week, held every April as part of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) national celebration of the built environment spans six days, each offering unique experiences designed to bring the public’s attention towards architecture, while recognizing the impact on local communities through collaboration and design. Starting on April 22nd, and ending on April 27th, the events will range from student exhibits to the annual Connecticut Architecture Foundation Benefit Gala.
On April 22nd, a Breakfast Reception at the New Haven Library, sponsored by Hoffmann Architects of Hamden, and Newman Architects of New Haven, kicks off the week of events. This falls during New Haven’s 381st birthday celebration, with Mayor Toni Harp, other local and state dignitaries joining in the festivities.
“This is an opportunity for architects and the public to interconnect from all perspectives of the events and projects that are being celebrated,” said Gina Calabro, Executive Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. “We are also honored to be able to intertwine the celebration of the built environment with an historic New Haven event.”
The AIA Connecticut office will have Student Exhibits on display from the 22nd to the 26th, featuring work from Milford’s Platt and Bridgeport’s Bullard-Havens Technical High Schools. Both schools offer courses that focus on Sustainable Architecture that addresses the environmental and social impacts of buildings to the surrounding ecosystem or communities.
On Tuesday April 23rd a panel discussion on the topic of “Path to Leadership in Design” at Eversource’s facilities in Berlin, CT will feature members of AIA Connecticut’s Women in Architecture Committee. Everyone is welcome to attend and encouraged to participate in the discussion.
Four Architecture Walking Tours spread around Connecticut, along with a driving tour will take place on Wednesday April 24th. Each tour will be directed by an Architect member of AIA Connecticut conveying their insights on design and aesthetics of buildings in Hartford, New Haven, Guilford, Southport. The driving tour will be in Madison CT.
The Connecticut Architecture Foundation Benefit Gala will be held at the University of Hartford on April 25th with a lecture, reception, and dinner honoring Lisa Gray, FAIA and Alan Organschi of Gray Organschi Architecture. Over the past two decades, Gray Organschi Architecture’s award-winning practice integrates architectural design, low-impact ecologically conscious construction techniques, building fabrication, and construction management. The Gala benefits the scholarship programs of the Connecticut Architecture Foundation, and the University of Hartford Department of Architecture as well as the David LaBau Memorial Architectural Scholarship, the Fred Mahaffey Memorial Architectural Scholarship, and The Hartford Master of Architecture Scholarship.
National Architecture Week in Connecticut concludes with the 8th Annual Maker Faire in Westport. The Maker Faire is Connecticut’s largest single day event and is intended for the public to learn about careers in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics) fields. This event produced by Remarkable STEAM, a Connecticut organization that promotes innovation and creativity in the areas of STEAM, will have over 200 booths filled with activities, educational platforms, and shops. AIA Connecticut’s booth will include a Lego building contest for all ages.
“AIA Connecticut’s goal is to bring awareness to the world of local architecture and design,” added Ms. Calabro. “Our hope is by engaging the public with such a wide array of events, we will bring a new appreciation of how past and current architects inspire and effect lives and communities.”
About the American Institute of Architects, Connecticut
About AIA Connecticut: Since 1905, AIA Connecticut has served the architectural profession, encouraging design excellence, working to improve society through a concern for the quality of the built and natural environments. AIA Connecticut serves as a resource to architects and the public. Our membership of over 1,500 is comprised of architects, architectural designers working towards licensure, students, and professionals in allied fields.
For more information, visit AIA Connecticut’s website at https://aiact.org/