This year's conference departs from the norm. With your help, we are inviting teams of investigators from top design and research labs around the world, asking them to share the most exciting neuro-scientifically informed aspects of their projects, and what they see as next on the horizon.  There will be:

1. Six team keynotes with discussion time
2. Multiple paper sessions, 
3. Continuous poster sessions throughout the conference.  

We expect keynote team presentations on such topics as the emotive and psychological effects of lighting, acoustics, and atmosphere, on new theoretical and empirical results in wayfinding and navigation, on sensor-based studies of behavior in architectural contexts, on legibility, and the impact of design on health and well-being, such as designing for Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia. We anticipate hearing new theoretical models, simulations, and concrete results that designers can put to use. An early team we have accepted is being organized Vittorio Gallese on the neuroscience of physical and social affordances. Paper and poster topics are unconstrained, though again they should present findings of what science can do to inform design. Presenters will have a chance to speak with conference attendees both within session and during networking periods.

Also unique to the conference this year is a free half day technical session presented by sensor makers who will provide a ‘how to’ on the use of new low-cost technologies to study behavior in place.  There will also be two half-day workshops on day four in which participants will receive hands on training with tools to help understand the visibility and legibility of layouts and the psychological complexity of proportion. This fourth day should provide a great opportunity for special interest networking, perhaps leading to ANFA special interest groups. 

As always, we have a visit scheduled to watch the sunset at the Salk Institute. 

See our tentative conference schedule

Join us for an exclusive guided site tour of City Ridge with Shalom Baranes Associates.

City Ridge offers nearly 1.8 million square feet of mixed-use development on 10 acres in upper northwest Washington, DC. Anchored by the historic former Fannie Mae headquarters, the site includes seven new towers for residential and office use. The new pedestrian-oriented street system is lined with retail and plazas. The Great Lawn along Wisconsin Avenue was redesigned for public use.

This comprehensive tour will explore several topics: site; building envelope including various façade types; typical residential units and residential amenity areas; and mechanical systems. Planning strategies for integrating various uses will be reviewed. Plus, urban planning of a new street grid and streetscape, public vs. private space uses will be demonstrated within the overall context of the finished design. Lastly, attendees will discover sustainable design features and historic preservation strategies.

This program is part of the Sense of Place Tour Series.

Presented by Shalom Baranes Associates

During the past 40 years, Shalom Baranes Associates has designed projects that total more than eight billion dollars and 50 million square feet. As a firm, we have received over 140 design awards.

Ari Blumenthal, AIA—Senior Principal, Shalom Baranes Associates

Nicolas Lundstrom—Executive Associate, Shalom Baranes Associates

With Roadside Development

At Roadside, we’re committed to cultivating our communities. With our holistic, full-service approach, we bring lasting value to our developments and build properties that enrich our communities.

Robert Wolcheski—Acquisitions and Development, Roadside Development

Organized by

AIA|DC and Washington Architectural Foundation

Learning Objectives

• Summarize zoning, entitlements, and life safety requirements for a large development related to the building design process and the regulatory approvals process. Talking points include egress and access control strategies for areas separated by program, as well as LEED implementation.
• Recall selection and implementation strategies for MEP systems in a large mixed-use development. Talking points include system selection, space requirements and coordination, as well as project-wide vs. individual tower-oriented systems.
• Explore residential unit design including aspects related to accessibility, acoustics, LEED, and design features for apartment buildings and commercial office buildings.
• Identify building envelope and structure attributes as follows: detailing and construction challenges for various materials including post-tensioned concrete structure, excavation, existing foundation lowering, varying types of masonry, metal panels and precast concrete cladding will be discussed; tours of intensely used rooftops will review the integration of structure, swimming pools, terraces, green roofs, stormwater management, and wind uplift concerns.

<sub>Photo Credit

City Ridge / Photo © Maxwell MacKenzie, Architectural Photographer, Courtesy of Shalom Baranes Associates</sub>

Join us for a fun and fabulous spring mixer, brought to you by AIA DC and DC NOMA! Come mix, mingle, drink, and network with members of both organizations and others in the design and engineering industry. Whether you want to join in for a game of Family Feud (AIA vs. NOMA, anyone?) or just show up for the food and drink, we guarantee you’ll make some new connections while having a great time. There will also be an opportunity to donate to DC NOMA and the Washington Architectural Foundation to support scholarships and student initiatives.

Not a member of either organization? No problem! Everyone is welcome to attend, meet new people, and support our community. Who knows, you might leave feeling inspired to join!

We are excited to offer a private meet and greet for AIA DC and DC NOMA board members at 5 pm, followed by doors opening to everyone else at 6 pm. Don't miss out on this exciting event!

Sponsored by:

Architecture Uncensored is an annual series organized by the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee that discusses challenging topics within our profession. This event encourages interactive and lively conversations between emerging professionals and firm leaders as we dive in to questions we often find challenging to discuss in our offices.

Part 1 of our series this year will discuss shaping your passion within the profession through self-advocacy, intention of communication, and the impact of professional relationships. Panelist representing leadership of small, medium, and large DC firms will discuss how emerging professionals can pave their way in this post covid climate and what that looks like in remote, hybrid, and in-person environments.

Learning Objectives:

• After attending this program, participants will be able to explore their passions with an understanding of how they can be better supported by leadership in the profession
• After attending this program, participants will be able to identify how they can use their passion to make an impact.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to apply communication with intention as they pursue their passion.
• After attending this program, participants will be able to apply professional relationships to promote positive firm culture and work-life balance.

Presented by:

Shannon Kraus, FAIA, FACHA, LEED AP
Erin Carlisle, AIA, LEED AP
Katie Selis, AIA, LEED AP
Moderated by Amber Robbs, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA

AIA|DC Committee on Architecture for Education will host a tour of the recently completed Banneker High School. During this tour, Daniel Curry and Juan Guarin will discuss how the project achieved the client’s goals to create high-performance learning environments, while meeting the goals for net zero energy design.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify building design strategies used to meet net zero energy goals for school construction.
• Describe school design strategies that contribute to high performance learning environments that promote health and wellbeing.
• Discuss coordination efforts between the various design consultant necessary to achieve net zero energy design.
• Predict coordination efforts between the design and construction teams that will support effective project execution and delivery.

Presented by:

Daniel Curry, AIA, LEED AP 

Daniel Curry, AIA, LEED AP is an architect that specializes in the design of learning environments. He collaborated with Perkins Eastman DC on the design of the building envelope.

Juan Guarin, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC

Juan Guarin, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC is a Sustainability Specialist with Perkins Eastman Architects. Juan was instrumental in leading the building performance analysis that informed the design response to the project’s Net Zero Energy goals.

Organized by:

AIA|DC Committee on Architecture for Education

This presentation offers an overview of the most significant design considerations and unique challenges in the architectural, MEP, and structural design of adaptive reuse projects.  During the presentation, the speakers will use their past experience on various conversion types to emphasize the importance of field verification and close collaboration of all the design team members.  The speakers will focus on the practical aspects of the design and provide examples of construction administration challenges along with strategies to minimize the impact on base building.  SK&A Structural Engineers will be joined by Cooper Carry Architects and SSA Engineering to discuss this popular design option. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explain the importance of due diligence and field verification.
• Describe strategies to minimize impact on base building.
• Explore most common design aspects of adaptive reuse projects.
• Identify greatest construction administration challenges.

Presented by:

Monika Crandall, PE, LEED AP

Sr. Project Manager, SK&A Structural Engineers

Monika Crandall, a Sr. Project Manager with SK&A, joined the firm in 2006 and is responsible for structural design and analysis, the preparation of project drawings and specifications, shop drawing approvals, and field inspection of projects for conformance with design drawings.  She is proficient in the analysis and design of building structures as well as figuring out the most appropriate and cost-effective solutions for challenging structural problems.  Her project portfolio includes many of SK&A’s large high-rise office and residential buildings, hospitals and laboratory facilities, parking garages, and several of SK&A’s award-winning projects including The Palisades of Towson and North Bethesda Market. 

Heidi Leinbach, AIA, NCARB

Associate Principal, Cooper Carry

Heidi is an Associate Principal at Cooper Carry’s Alexandria, VA office.  With over 15 years of experience as an architect, she is a leader within Cooper Carry’s Mixed use and K-12 studios with an emphasis on adaptive reuse projects in both studios.   

Heidi joined Cooper Carry in 2017 after running a small architectural office in Washington, DC for eight years.  She brings a diverse background of work to Cooper Carry including office buildings, retail, multi-family, and single-family residential projects.  Heidi moved to Virginia in 2006 after earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Florida to complete her studies at the University of Virginia and has been living in northern VA since 2008.  She is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) and recently served the City of Alexandria on the Parker Grey Board of Architectural Review.

Andrew Schwartz, PE

Managing Principal, SSA Engineering

Andy is managing principal at Schwartz, Sievers, Anoia (SSA) Engineering located in Bethesda, Maryland and is responsible for overseeing the company’s MEP design work from concept through construction. SSA Engineering specializes in finding innovative solutions for commercial and residential MEP project design.

Andy received a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland. As an Engineer, Andy has 35+ years of experience in handling a wide variety of project types and is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). His project experiences range from midrise and high rise residential, mixed use, office buildings, apartments, and hospitality, to adaptive reuse and renovation. These projects have provided him with a diverse and unique set of design and construction skills. Andy’s specific strengths lie in Owner/Architect relationships.

Organized by:

SK&A Structural Engineers

Benefiting the Capital Area Food Bank, Canstruction DC returns November 21 – 27, 2023 to the National Building Museum.

Organized by the Washington Architectural Foundation, this nationwide, creative design-build competition will bring together local architecture and design firms in Washington, DC to raise awareness around food insecurity.

Crafted entirely of unopened, canned food, teams are challenged to create unique sculptures centering this year’s theme, “You CAN make a difference at home”. 

A panel of judges will select standout entries in several categories. Members of the public will also have an opportunity to vote on their favorite design.

At the end of the competition, structures will be dismantled, and all canned food will be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank.

Stay tuned for details on how to vote for your favorite!

Click here to donate to the Washington Architectural Foundation

Click here to check out last year’s winners.

If you have an architectural or design firm that would be interested in participating, please contact Ivan Jerome for more information.

Introduction:

The promise of better opportunities and a better quality of life, among many other factors, attracts people towards urban centers - cities. As a result the future cities are facing unimaginable growth and expansion, according to the UN 55% of the global population lives in cities and by 2050 this number is projected to climb to 68%1. The comparable numbers are even higher for the United States, with 83% of its current population living in cities and a projected 89% by 20502.With the continuous growth of the cities new and complex urban issues are also arising. Increasing poverty and environmental degradation within the cities.

Parallel to urban growth that’s occurring, society is also making significant advances in technology. The smart city is a concept of utilizing digital technologies to improve and enhance the lives of a city's inhabitants. However so far in most cities, the smart city projects have been limited to transportation, energy management and city infrastructure services. Noticeably absent from the smart city approach are many of the social & environmental challenges that many cities face. This competition seeks to explore ideas on how smart city strategies can be utilized to address key issues that cities are facing today.

Washington DC is one of the United States pioneering cities when it comes to growing as a Smart City. The complexities that this city brings upon itself stem from its historical and political relevance, however, in order to keep up with the fast paced nature of today's global economic situations, technological interventions and demand for better city life, DC is growing rapidly.

With an influx of real estate development and the push for a smarter, more accessible city, the need to consider the importance of urban design during this growth process is significant.

References:
1 - “World Urbanization Prospects - Population Division - United Nations.” Population Division |,
https://population.un.org/wup/. Accessed 22 January 2023.
2 - “U.S. Cities Factsheet | Center for Sustainable Systems.” Center for Sustainable Systems,
https://css.umich.edu/publications/factsheets/built-environment/us-citi…. Accessed 22
January 2023.
3 - “AHAR Reports | HUD USER.” HUD User,
https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/ahar.html. Accessed 22 January 2023.

Challenge:

Taking into consideration best practices for urban design, placemaking, resilient and inclusive cities, identify any one or multiple locations within the district that have relevance to the urban design solutions that address the intentions of smart cities.

While there are various tools and methodologies for architectural representation, digital collages have become a popular method of conveying an architectural narrative. The aim of this competition is to attract ideas represented in a manner that addresses the aforementioned issues as well as instigates stimulating conversation for the betterment of the city.

Timeline:

• Competition Launch / Registration Opens - April 24th, 2023
• Submission Deadline - May 31st, 2023
• Results & Exhibition - June 16th, 2023

Eligibility:

• Any person or teams of up to three members may register and submit a competition entry.
• Multiple entries from the same person or team may be considered as long as each is registered and paid for separately and the content is not duplicated.
• Duplicated content will disqualify all entries involved.
• Any person that is a registered member of the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee is not eligible to participate.

If you have any questions about the eligibility requirements, please contact the AIA|DC UDC at aia.ud.dc@gmail.com. AIA|DC UDC shall have the sole authority to verify that eligibility requirements have been met.

Scoring Criteria:

Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

• Ability to address Urban Design’s responsibility in Smart Cities.
• Ability to address situations that relate to or are unique to Washington DC.
• Innovation and Creativity of ideas.
• Clear and effective communication of ideas.

Awards:

• 2 winners + 2 Honorable mentions to be showcased at AIA|DC virtual exhibition space
• 2 winners + 2 Honorable mentions to be published in AIA UDDC’s annual journal
• Cash Awards
  • 1st place - $250
  • 2nd place - $150

Submission Requirements:

One 24” x 36” PDF (Max 40MB) to be submitted along with a 250 word (8.5x11) description explaining the submission.

Jury:

The jury shall have the sole authority to determine awards. The jury’s decisions shall be final and not subject to review. All entries will be anonymous up to the final selection. Finalists will be selected in a two-tiered process. In the first judging round, the jury will select top candidates for final awards. Of these submissions, the winner and honorable mentions will be decided.

Liability Clause:

AIA|DC or AIA|DC Urban Design Committee assumes no liability for original drawings and other submission materials or loss or damage to any part of the submission. AIA|DC or AIA|DC Urban Design Committee retains the right to reproduce any of the submission materials in its publications, educational programs, and web site.

All persons or firms contributing to the design of the project must be given due credit, regardless of their professional disciplines. It is incumbent upon the submitting person to provide a complete list of all participants contributing to the design. By submitting a project for consideration, the submitting persons represents and warrants to AIA|DC that he or she has provided a complete list.

By making a submission, the entrant agrees that the information contained in this form is correct and complete, and that the entrant will hold harmless AIA|DC and AIA|DC Urban Design Committee for any and all damage arising out of the use of the information contained herein. Any errors or omissions are the complete responsibility of the entrant.

Meet artist Jack Hornady—illustrator, painter, and educator. Jack creates dreamy colorful paintings with architecture and automobiles. Follow Jack on a fun-filled journey through his painterly world. Then, pick a painting and remake it with your own artistic style! Art supplies, including small frames, provided by the Washington Architectural Foundation.

This program is intended for ages 9 to 12. Attendance is limited to 12 children.

This program is presented in association with Jack Hornady: Road Trip, on view at the District Architecture Center through May 10, 2023.

Join us as we announce the winners of the 2023 AIA|DC Chapter Design Awards. This annual competition places special emphasis and recognition on projects that exemplify the 10 Measures of Design Excellence. It's open exclusively to registered architects and invites submissions in four distinct project categories: architecture, interior architecture, historic resources, and urban design/master planning.

More details available here.