Movie Night - The Destruction of Memory

History keeps repeating itself. We first screened this documentary in 2017, at the height of the War in Syria. It was a sold-out screenings, and likewise seven years later, in an equally sold-out cinema, we still found ourselves plagued with evermore destruction of the built environment and cultural heritage all across the World. This documentary is a powerful reminder that there is so much more that still needs to be done to protect our cultural heritage for future generations. 

Over the past century, cultural destruction has wrought catastrophic results across the globe. This war against culture is not over - it's been steadily increasing. The push to protect, salvage and rebuild has moved in step with the destruction. Legislation and policy have played a role, but heroic individuals have fought back, risking and losing their lives to protect not just other human beings, but our cultural identity - to save the record of who we are. Based on the book of the same name by Robert Bevan, The Destruction of Memory tells the whole story - looking not just at the ongoing actions in Syria and other contemporary situations, but revealing the decisions of the past that allowed the issue to remain hidden in the shadows for so many years. Interviewees in the film include the Director-General of UNESCO, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, as well as diverse and distinguished international experts, whose voices combine to address this urgent issue.

Many in the audience found this documentary both emotional and frustrating. We were fortunate to have two gentlemen —Patrick Hughes and Matt Amis, from Six Heritage in the audience. 

They kicked off the post movie debate by telling us about their organisation, as well as giving us first hand experience of their upcoming work in Ukraine. Similar to some of the Organisations featured in the documentary, they shall be heading to a war zone where they will document cultural heritage assets that are at risk of destruction. We are most grateful for the risks and sacrifices teams such as theirs take to safeguard our cultural identity. 

We shall return to the BFI Stephen street in March for our next screening, which will be in honour International Women’s Day, and we will be showcasing the work of a phenomenal woman Architect. 

Stay tuned and we look forward to seeing you at screenings again in the fall.

Written by Chris Musangi, AIA

Sustainability Series Roundup Feb/March

WHY DO ARCHITECTS STRUGGLE TO DESIGN LOW ENERGY BUILDINGS OR REFUGEE SHELTERS?

On Wednesday 6th March 2024,  we continued our ongoing series of sustainability events with an online talk given by David Coley (Professor of Zero Carbon Design, University of Bath) exploring why architects struggle to design low energy buildings. Starting from the premise that climate change is fundamentally about people and their suffering - and so anthropogenic climate change is weaponising the environment against ourselves - he argued that buildings can be ugly by the harm they can do, but you need to know what to look for.  He showed how this harm can be significantly reduced by ensuring the design is informed by very simple calculations, which should be the norm for all projects from architecture school onwards.  

The recording of the talk, along with the online quiz so you can receive 1 HSW LU credit for watching it, can be found on the AIA-UK website HERE.

ENGAGING THE WORLD AT COP 28, CLIMATE ACTION, OPPORTUNITIES AND THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECT

On Wednesday 21st February 2024,  we continued our ongoing series of sustainability events with an online talk given by Illya Azaroff FAIA (Lead AIA Delegate, CoP28; Professor, New York City of Technology (CUNY); Founding Principal, +LAB  Architecture).  He discussed the key elements and outcomes of the AIA's work at the most recent UN Climate Change Conferences CoP 27 and CoP 28. Topics covered included: the foundations of global finance's shift to adaptation through the Marrakesh agreement; the global stock take of climate action called for; and a summary of the key elements and outcomes that are relevant for the AEC industry. Opportunities and actions for architects were discussed throughout the talk.

The recording of the talk, along with the online quiz so you can receive 1 HSW LU credit for watching it, can be found on the AIA-UK website, HERE.

INTEGRATING DEEP SUSTAINABILITY ANALYSIS INTO YOUR DESIGN PROCESS

On Thursday 8th February 2024, Caomhe Loftus (Associate, Arcadis) continued our ongoing series of sustainability events with an online talk exploring the importance of integrating deep sustainability analysis into your design process. She highlighted the urgency of the climate emergency, the key role architects play in that, and so the need to use rigorous sustainability analysis in the design process to minimise and optimise the energy use of the final proposed building.  Through a hands-on demonstration she showed participants how to use key software to make effective early massing iterations for any specific site context to optimise for solar gain and energy usage.

The recording of the talk, along with the online quiz so you can receive 1 HSW LU credit for watching it, can be found on the AIA-UK website, HERE.

Written by Mark Breeze, AIA

2024 Annual General Meeting Review

The 2024 Annual General Meeting. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

The AIA UK proudly kicked off 2024 with its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Herman Miller Showroom in London on Thursday, January 17. The meeting underscored the Chapter’s commitment to transparent governance and marked a pivotal moment not only to reflect on the accomplishments of 2023, but also to outline the Chapter’s plans for 2024 and beyond.

The 2023 AIA UK President, Gregory Fonseca, AIA, commenced the meeting with a welcome and thank you to Chapter sponsors, followed by an engaging presentation entitled, ‘Design with Impact,’ led by Miller Knoll representative Bertie van Wyck. The audience gained fascinating insights on the latest in workplace design research in the era of remote, office, and hybrid work culture.

Gregory Fonseca, AIA, resumed the podium with a ‘Year in Review’ presentation, which summarised the Chapter's mission and activities in 2023. The year showcased a full calendar of initiatives, including flagship events like the Design Awards and Student Charette. Lunchtime Sustainability Lectures and Movie Nights continued, organised by Mark Breeze and Christopher Musangi, respectively.

Other noteworthy moments of 2023 included a ‘super’ successful ‘Super Saturday’ in Canterbury, organised by Brianne Hamilton, which offered substantial continuing education credits to attendees. The signing ceremony for the US-UK Mutual Recognition Agreement was another important highlight which fostered important relationships between AIA National, NCARB, RIBA, and ARB representatives.

The next portion of the evening focused on 2023 chapter operations in greater detail. The financial health of the chapter was presented by 2023 Treasurer, Alex Miller, AIA. The Treasurer reported that the 2023 budget was closely adhered to and included key sponsorship contributions from Beale & Co. and Iris Ceramica. 

The 2023 membership chair, Taylor Rogers, AIA, followed up with the membership highlights. Membership growth was high in 2023 as the AIA UK welcomed 64 new members, bringing the total to 326. Rogers emphasized the importance of updating website directory details for demographic analysis.

A subsequent presentation led by 2022 Secretary Lorraine King, AIA, was conducted in preparation for a vote to approve revisions to the Chapter Bylaws. The initiative to revise the Bylaws was previously approved at the 2023 AGM by vote in response to a memorandum issued by the AIA General Counsel in 2022. The revisions were mainly to organise and clarify the language of the Bylaws and bring them into genuine alignment with the practical ethos of the AIA UK Chapter. The proposed revisions were approved by majority vote.

At the behest of the 2023 President, the AGM then voted to approve the proposed 2024 board slate to ensure AIA UK leadership continuity. Following the vote, the new President, Taylor Rogers, AIA, was officially welcomed into office. Notably, his unique efforts last year led to HMRC approval for tax relief on AIA UK dues, a testament to his proactive approach to enhance member benefits and wider acceptance of the AIA in the UK.

The 2024 President gives the ‘Year Ahead’ presentation. Photo by Adelina Koleva, AIA.

Looking ahead, the new President outlined the focus areas for 2024, emphasizing Membership, Sustainability, and JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion). The agenda for the coming year includes diverse board meetings, continuing education events, and participation in national and international conferences. As the AIA UK embarks on a new year, President Taylor Rogers urged members to get involved, highlighting that the chapter's success relies on the dedication of volunteers. Subscribe and stay tuned for more information on future AIA UK activities!

Overall, the 2024 Annual General Meeting provided a comprehensive snapshot of the Chapter's achievements, financial standing, and strategic initiatives, setting the stage for an exciting and impactful year ahead. Members are encouraged to stay engaged with the AIA UK community and continue to contribute actively to an organisation which allows us to stay connected worldwide.

Written by Adelina Koleva, AIA

AIA Members Attend London Art Fair

19 January 2024

Our friends at the London Art Fair invited AIA UK members to the annual mega art event held at The Business Design Centre in Islington.  The Fair took place from the 16th of January through the 21st.  The London Art Fair connects the best art galleries from around the world with seasoned and aspiring collectors.  Over 120 galleries were in attendance and there was a full programme of talks and tours.

The Fair was an impressive sight and was teaming with visitors.  There was a wide variety of art on display, all for sale with a broad rage of prices to suit everyone’s budget.  It was a very enjoyable evening help in part by the free glasses of Bubbly!

The Fair was founded 36 years ago with the aim of showcasing Modern and Contemporary art.  The Fair has grown steadily over the years and now, is an important event in the global world of art.  Over 25,000 visitors attended last year.

As this is an annual event, we hope to be invited back and to see you there in 2025!

US Embassy Tour

AIA Members in the Ground Floor Consular Lobby below the Great Seal of the United States of America 

On 16 Nov 2023, the US Embassy hosted the AIA UK in a private tour of their latest home in Nine Elms, Battersea.  There has been an official American presence in London since John Adams, the first US minister, in 1785.  Since then, the US “Embassy” -  or more properly referred to as a “Legation” in the early days of this long standing international relationship - has had a variety of homes in London, including Great Cumberland Place; Piccadilly; 98 Portland Place; and 123 Victoria Street in Westminster.  

In 1938, the Embassy was moved to 1 Grosvenor Square.  The next Embassy was designed by Finnish American, modernist architect Eero Saarinen, and constructed in the late 1950s at the same Grosvenor location.  This is the facility that many of us still relate to, having likely visited the iconic building in the past to renew passports and conduct other business as US citizens. It is now listed and is being converted into a luxury hotel. The latest Embassy, designed by KieranTimberlake, is no longer in well-established Mayfair but sits prominently in up-and-coming Nine Elms, overlooking the Thames. 

The Architect received the commission to design the new Embassy and surrounding water and green spaces via a competition.  Through the combination of the 100-foot set-back from the road and a series of water features, the site meets the State Department’s stringent security requirements at the same time it provides a fitting backdrop for a stately object building.  

The cube-shaped building has a laminated glazing envelop with a transparent framework of ETFE on three sides, giving a textured 3D effect against a tightly wrapped glazed wall system. The ETFE on the east, west and south facing facades controls excessive solar gain and mitigates glare. This allows daylight throughout the building, while reducing the energy required to cool and light it.

I admit I was initially sceptical of the move to Nine Elms; however, having had the opportunity to tour the new Embassy I am now delighted with the result.  On the evening of the tour, I approached the building from the northeast corner of the site, passing along curving pathways in the landscaped gardens to see the main building set on a large plinth above a protective pool.

Garden approach to the US Embassy London

Joining other waiting AIA visitors, we entered the Embassy through a pavilion on the eastern side into the main lobby where we were greeted by a large two storey space with a beautifully crafted US seal embossed on a limestone feature wall along with the engraved names of all previous ambassadors. We were then led through to the gallery, grand staircase, and events hall below.  

From the events hall, we were able to tour the “belly” of the Embassy and explore the mechanical spaces of the building, which boasts LEED Gold and BREAM Outstanding ratings. We were then escorted via a series of lifts to the functional parts of the Embassy where “processing facilities” allow citizens to renew passports and other government business. Here, the spaces and finishes were carefully detailed and crafted, offering an environment a far cry from the mere functionality the Grosvenor Square facility.  

The Embassy - with its emphasis on artwork and greenery - offers more than just traditional office interiors.  Art plays a significant role in the overall presentation of the Embassy with a total of 19 major pieces. One hanging sculpture, which occupies the entirety of the Embassy’s gallery atrium, is a three-storey structure comprised of 32 ten-foot square panels. A mural entitled “We the People” includes fragments and full articles quoted from the U.S. Constitution. Each of the interior gardens is inspired by a different region of the United States, including the Canyon Lands, the Gulf Coast, the Midwest, the Potomac River Valley, the Pacific Forest, and the Mid-Atlantic Region.  

Upon completion of the tour, the AIA guests were fortunate to partake of refreshments in the “Embassy Bar/ Restaurant”, enjoying a beverage while admiring stunning views of the London skyline north of the Thames. It is also noteworthy that American Embassy in London was funded entirely from proceeds of the sale of other U.S. government property in London. 

The tour was hugely impressive, an evening to remember!

Written by Gregory Fonseca, AIA