Grassroots 2019

Christopher Musangi, AIA, AIA UK 2019 VP with Les Jordan, AIA, AIA Continental Europe 2019 President at the Library of Congress Grassroots Reception

I landed in Washington DC on Tuesday 5th March, and slowly made my way from Dulles airport through the weekday DC traffic, to the Renaissance Hotel in the heart of the U.S. capitol.  It was at this hotel that the 2019 AIA Grassroots conference was being held. As I crossed the Potomac, and gazed at the landmarks in the distance, I really had no idea what to expect at the Institute’s annual leadership conference.  As I walked into the Renaissance Hotel, the buzz of architects and chapter leaders from across the US & the globe was visibly present. I didn’t expect to see this many AIA leaders, with name badges announcing chapters from the length and breadth of the US & abroad. They were picking up their registration packs, some already networking, and others getting reacquainted with fellow members they hadn’t seen in a while. Outside, winter had not yet released its grip on the city, but inside this hotel, the warm gathering, fellowship and dedication was encompassing.

The 2019 Grassroots conference brought together leaders in our field and beyond, to highlight the voice of the architecture profession, the value of architects in society, and the connections and collaborations necessary to improve the built environment for everyone. This was the guiding principle for the Grassroots 2019 theme: People, Purpose, and Partnership.

Institute leaders starting with the 2019 AIA President William J. Bates, FAIA, whom I had met in London a few weeks before, welcomed us to the conference. He reminded us that “first and foremost, people are at the heart of what we do. Our purpose is to leverage our love of design and unique problem-solving skills to advance our vision of a more sustainable, just and inclusive society.”  The candidates for national office also presented their visions for the future of the AIA. The speeches were moving, and the drive palpable!

As the AIA UK chapter representative at the Grassroots conference, I was able to attend a few programmes all designed to help attendees become better leaders for our chapters, community and the architecture profession. From Gary Rifkins ‘Speak Like a Pro’, which focused on the ability to communicate with both professionalism and passion, to the Christopher Kelly leadership programme. One seminar I attended and which was in line with our chapter’s 2019 theme of Diversity & Inclusion, was the ‘Managing Cultural Difference in the Workplace’ seminar. This very engaging and eye-opening seminar examined the need in the architecture profession for addressing diversity and inclusion, and discussed successfully implemented initiatives that promote equity, diversity & inclusion as core values in chapters, firms, and communities.  

As all the U.S. chapters broke off for meetings of their various regions, I was able to join those members from overseas for the International Region meeting. Our neighbouring chapter the AIA Continental Europe was represented, as well as AIA Japan, Shanghai, Hong Kong and the Middle East. I was encouraged to learn from our discussions, that as the first international chapter of the AIA, we were also leading in the number of CE programmes we offered our membership. It was good to network with my fellow international region officers, and agree on ways in which we could all collaborate across the miles.

I had a further networking and social event held at the august U.S. Library of Congress, where I was able to meet chapter officers from all over, some of whom were gladly surprised to learn of the existence of the AIA UK & International Chapters.

They keynote address by historian and author Doris Kearns Goodwin on how to be a strong leader was most powerful. I encourage everyone to listen to her TED Talk “Lessons from Past Presidents.” I left Grassroots 2019 feeling inspired and energised to continue assisting our chapter to improve our services to our membership, as well as with a renewed dedication to the architecture profession.

Grassroots Reception at The Library of Congress

AIA International Region Meeting, Grassroots 2019.

Written by: Christopher Musangi, AIA

Movie Nights

OBJECTIFIED  | 13 FEBRUARY 2019

The 2019 movie series was off to a roaring start, with a packed inaugural movie screening! We were back at the BFI Stephen street, and started with a screening of 'Objectified,' the third movie of the design trilogy which includes Helvetica & Urbanised, by Gary Hustwit.

Objectified is a feature-length documentary film examining the role of everyday non-living objects, and the people who design them, in our daily lives. It’s a look at the creativity at work behind the objects and the designers, who re-examine, re-evaluate and re-invent our manufactured environment on a daily basis. It’s about personal expression, identity, consumerism, and sustainability.

Objectified encourages us to stop and notice our surroundings and to think critically about creativity and consumption. Many of our regular attendees had seen the previous two documentaries which we had screened in previous months, and were happy to complete the design trilogy. The documentary like other Gary Hustwit ones, was very well received, with a lively discussion and debate ensuing after the screening. Many thanks to all who attended, and for ushering in the 2019 screenings with such vigorous debate.

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MICROTOPIA  | 12 MARCH 2019

As the grey London winter rolled on, we were back to the BFI in March, to wind up our winter movie series, with a screening of ‘ Microtopia.’ In line with the current global debate on conservation of resources, this documentary presents dreams of life in small, mobile or temporary spaces. Several architects, builders and artists from different parts of the world propose a radical solution to living space, in which all unnecessary things are removed, and seemingly old and worn-out items are utilised.

Behind all this is a simple question: How much space, stuff and comfort do we really need?

The film explored how architects, artists and ordinary problem-solvers are pushing the limits to find answers to their dreams of portability, flexibility and of creating independence from the grid. .

The documentary generated some interesting debates, with some of the proposed housing solutions being positively received, and others dismissed outright. At least it generated a heated debate, bringing some warmth to an otherwise gloomy winter night. Many thanks to all who attended this final screening of the first segment of the 2019 movie series, and we look forward to welcoming all of you back to the BFI in the autumn for more screenings & debates!

Written by: Christopher Musangi, AIA

AIA Continental Europe Conference on ‘‘Livability’ in Copenhagen’ / April 11-14, 2019

OMA’s BLOX / The Danish Architectural Centre from the inside, with harbour views… Photo Credit: E Fitzpatrick, AIA

The AIA Continental Chapter previous Conference on Architecture and Urbanism in Copenhagen was in Oct 2000.  Not so long ago one might think, but this year’s Conference was not just a routine update on a familiar city.   While the popular landmarks still retain their charm, Copenhagen has undergone some dramatic changes in the intervening two decades, in which modern Danish architects have played a significant role.

The formal Conference started at Danish Architectural Centre with a lecture by its CEO, Kent Martinussen, on the ‘Recent History of Copenhagen’s Built Environment’, outlining the philosophy that underlines Copenhagen’s planning.  

The ‘Open Hand’ from 1947 – based on building out along ‘fingers’ from the central ‘palm’ of the older city - is the humanistic symbol that puts man at the centre of Denmark’s future, based on an ideal in which everyone contributes. Critically, the Danish architects have bought into sustaining a society where ‘few have too little and even fewer have too much’. Two major segments of the Conference explored the concept of ‘livability’ within the city.

Major highlights of the Conference included:

• ‘A Walk Through Time’ exploring Copenhagen’s architectural history:  The tour highlighted stylistic changes from the past and ended with the Danish National Bank, Arne Jacobsen’s 1970s contribution.

Arne Jacobsen’s Danish National Bank… Photo Credit: R Rhodes, AIA

• A harbour boat trip along Copenhagen’s harbour: The extensive frontage reclaimed from industrial works has given a totally new focus to the city.  In the last decade, the harbour has welcomed the addition of multiple, iconic cultural projects – the three prime ones viewed up close at the Conference are the Opera House (Henning Larsen); the Danish Architectural Centre, ‘the BLOX’ (OMA (fronted by Rem Koolhaas and Ellen Van Loon)); and the Black Diamond Library (Schmidt Hammer Lassen).  

• Two panel discussions (a new format for a CE Conference): ‘Women in Architecture’ featured senior female professionals from Schmidt Hammer Lassen, Henning Larsen, BIG and 3XN comparing their experiences. ‘Learning from the Other America’ featured a male panel talking through their project insights.

• A series of technical lectures held at the Danish Architectural Centre:  These included: ‘Sustainability and Research’, ‘Engineering Combining with Architecture’; ‘Tackling the Complexities of Material Selection’; and ‘Sustainable Building Research’.

BIG’s Figure 8 Building at Orestad on a bleak day… Photo Credit: L Korzilius FAIA

• Walking tour of Orestad:  The tour visited the length of a major finger in the Open Hand - one of the fastest growing regions of the city.  Featured buildings included: VM Housing, Mountain and the Figure 8 Building (Bjarke Ingels Group - BIG); Concert House (Jean Nouvel); Tietgen Student Housing (Lundgaard & Tranberg) and Faelledhaven Housing (Domus Architecter).  

Klimt’s Grundtvigs Kirke… Photo Credit: L Korzilius FAIA

Lundgaard & Tranberg’s Tietgen Student Housing Photo Credit: L Korzilius FAIA

• Lecture and walking tour of Nordhavn: The tour touched on the tip of another finger of the Open Hand, with an emphasis on the more humanistic local style of housing, possibly more in line with the humanistic philosophy than the Orestad area.

• Tour of Grundtvigs Kirke:  Grundtvigs is one of the most recognisable churches in Scandinavia, designed by Peder Vilhelm Jensen-Klint and built with over 5 million yellow bricks between 1921 and 1940.

The Danish architects generously supported the Conference by offering their time, their projects and their offices as venues - Schmidt Hammer Lassen, 3XN, COBE and Henning Larsen – all local practices with international reputations.

3XN’s Copenhagen Office complete with water dock… Photo Credit: L D King AIA

Intermixed with all the educational content – including 16.5 CE credits (of which the majority were HSW) - Conference attendees also enjoyed the comradery of the international group of architects and the hospitality of the city of Copenhagen.  The food – in particular - was healthy and good. The weather – unfortunately – was unseasonably cold and windy, but did not detract from the general warmth.

The next Continental Europe Conference will be in Brussels, Belgium from 3 to 6 Oct 2019. The Continental Europe Chapter, extends membership rights to AIA UK Chapter members to attend the conference at the same costs as its own membership.

Written by: Lorraine D King, AIA

2019 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Courtesy Barima Owusu-Nyantekyi

Dear Members,

At the 2019 AIA UK Annual General Meeting in January, we announced a board initiative to focus our lens this year on equity, diversity and inclusion. We intend to address this in three ways: first, to turn a critical eye to the balance of our annual programming to ensure it reflects the richness of human experience in the profession; second, to expand opportunities for member participation and create flexible avenues for continuing education credits; and third, to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our membership.

Our chapter’s efforts are supported by a forward-looking series of initiatives by AIA National. In 2017, The Commission on Equity in Architecture released five areas of focus and eleven priority recommendations to be implemented by the AIA in subsequent years. The Equity and Future of Architecture Committee (EQFA), in 2018, released an introduction and three of the total nine intended guidance documents for individuals, firms and the profession highlighting challenges and steps forward to bolster equitable practice. The papers present a balance of analysis and reportage on existing and newly conducted research and quotes reflecting the experience of individuals in daily practice. Moreover, they frame actions and topics for consideration at all three levels and are an invaluable resource for both our board and members looking to foster conversation about this critical topic. These can be downloaded from the AIA National website.

Courtesy Agnese Sanvito

Since the formation of our chapter in 1992, its board of directors and elected leaders have included members with varied backgrounds. We have, for example, celebrated the contributions of our past women presidents in a series of articles. With your support, this year’s board happily features more than 50% female representation, LGBTQ and ethnic minorities, academics, emerging professionals, mid-career professionals and those that have recently retired but continue to contribute to the discipline in non-traditional capacities, as well as recent graduates and parents with children of all ages.

The board has already sought ways to embrace its EDI focus in the first months of 2019. This year’s Excellence in Design Awards jury featured an equitable split of female, LGBTQ and ethnic minority representation, and a range of professional expertise, from academics, researchers and practicing professionals at different career stages. For Women’s History Month, in March we conducted an Instagram campaign featuring our female directors and exemplary chapter members. As we look forward to the many exciting events we have planned for 2019, we will be rigorous in our review of panelists and speakers to bolster the representation of diverse perspectives and experiences.

We are committed to creating a varied annual programme that increases opportunities for our membership to participate. We recognise our members have busy lives, at work and at home. This year, you will be able to meet fellow members, see exciting case studies, and earn continuing education credits in many ways. If you’re in London, or passing through, join us for one of the many evening lectures, film nights, building tours and emerging professional events on our calendar.

Or keep an eye out for cross-branded events that allow you to earn credits from many of the other architectural lectures and tours in town. And if you’re further afield, or like to travel, join us for the Cambridge Super Saturday or our Newcastle City Excursion for a focused blast of 6-12 credits. We’re also looking to trial recorded sessions that allow you to view events you’ve missed missed and even earn credits from your desk in those last desperate weeks before the end of the year. In the years to come, we aim to engage the leadership of the International Region to use technology to facilitate learning across regions.

As a board, we support celebrating our members’ accomplishments. In addition to several social media drives to highlight member successes, this year we are improving our website to be able to feature members’ projects on the banner; details on how to participate will be released soon. We’re always looking to highlight members and their work on our blog and social media, so if you’re excited about something you’ve worked on lately, get in touch via socialmedia@aiauk.org, chapterexecutive@aiauk.org, or directly on our media platforms.

On behalf of the AIA UK Board of Directors,

Amrita Raja

President, 2019

AIA United Kingdom

Chapter Member Sheila O’Donnell named Architect of the Year in 2019 Women In Architecture Awards

Sheila O’Donnell and John Tuomey

Irish architect Sheila O’Donnell, of O’Donnell and Tuomey, has been named the Architect of the Year at the 2019 Women in Architecture awards in London. The awards are an international program organized by the UK-based publications The Architectural Review and Architects’ Journal.  

Sheila and partner John Tuomey are Honorary Fellows of the AIA and are strong supporters of the AIA UK. They help with the chapter’s emerging professionals programme and hosted us at their office and took us on a tour of several of their buildings in Dublin during our city tour last autumn.

Sheila and partner John Tuomey established their practice in 1988 after both working in the office of James Stirling in London. They have been described as the “godfathers of contemporary Irish architecture” by Architecture Today magazine.

Sheila won the prize for her work on the Central European University in Budapest, Hungary. The practice produced a master plan to consolidate the university into a single campus. The first phase of the project is a new limestone-clad building that includes a lecture theatre, cafes, offices, classrooms and a library.

“O’Donnell’s passion for the buildings of the Central European University was rewarded with an exceptionally high-quality building which she evidently fought hard for,” said the jury. “She is a role model for young women in architecture. Sheila O’Donnell did not have to break the glass ceiling – her and John Tuomey created a new reality.”

Five-time contenders for the prestigious Stirling Prize, the duo was named the recipients of the 2015 RIBA Gold Medal, only the third and fourth Irish architects to receive this accolade. They have also exhibited at Venice Architecture Biennale three times. The pair spoke at the 2017 National Architecture Conference in Sydney.

O’Donnell and Tuomey have completed a number of projects across a diverse range of typologies both in Ireland and abroad. Their Stirling Prize finalist projects include the London School of Economics Saw Swee Hock Student Centre, the Irish Language Cultural Centre, the Ranelagh Multidenominational School, the Lyric Theatre and the UCC Glucksman Gallery. In an interview with Tania Davidge for ArchitectureAU, O’Donnell said, “I think we enjoy working in all contexts. We start projects with what we call a process of immersion, where we try to immerse ourselves in all aspects of the question being asked. One of those aspects, of course, is the place and every place is interesting because you are trying to imagine what makes a place a site, rather than just a place.”

“In what way is this a place where a building could be, what is the relationship with its use – because that is really part of the context as well. What is the function that the building must achieve and also embody? What is the physical context, what is the shape of the ground, the neighbouring buildings and also the history and the culture, who has been there before? What marks are there on the ground?”

Written by: Michael Lischer

Source: Architectureau

'Sleek and modern' or 'wonky and industrial': A reminder of an architect's duties

This is another article in our legal series provided by AIA UK partner, Beale & Co.

A recent decision in the English Technology and Construction Court has found that an architect was A recent decision in the English Technology and Construction Court has found that an architect was negligent for altering the design of a cinema room without first informing or agreeing the changes with his clients.

Although it is a fact specific case, it provides useful guidance on the duties and obligations that the court expects an architect to meet. This includes the importance of a formal appointment, clear and accurate record keeping and ensuring that architects have finalised written briefs prior to commencing work on a project, as well as complying with the RIBA Code of Professional Conduct and the ARB Code of Conduct.

Nathan Modell and Priya Thakrar provide more detail in their article here.

Written by: Nathan Modell and Priya Thakrar