FORUM WRAP-UP CONTINUED...

December 29, 2009 marked the first day of the conference where students celebrated the opportunity to connect to their minds.

Sixty students spent the day on the University of Minnesota campus, participating in a design charrette. Led by Dale Mulfinger of SALA Architects, the charrette challenged students to consider the concept of a cabin, a structure that is more of an institution in Minnesota, and rethink the use of space and materials. Other students participated in full day workshops focusing on three main skills areas: graphic rendering, portfolio design, and photography. The charrette was sponsored in party by Marvin Windows & Doors.

Minds were challenged in a less structured way during the Skyway Scavenger Hunt, during which students navigated the 10+ miles of skyways that connect the core of the Minneapolis downtown to protect against the harsh Minnesota winters. Concurrently, the Board of Directors of the AIAS met to discuss the strategic vision of the organization.

The conference officially began on later in the evening with the first of five general business sessions. Each chapter enthusiastically announces their attendance during the treasured AIAS tradition of roll call, and President Je’Nen M. Chastain and Vice President Roeth served as masters of ceremony, leading attendees through and overview of the organization and the conference.

The keynote of the evening, Dr. Esther Sternberg, M.D., Director of the Integrative Neural Immune Program at the National Institute of Mental Health shared with attendees the influence of design on healing and the brain.

Past President JW Blanchard led the elections process, which continued throughout the course of the conference to select the future leaders of the AIAS.

The night culminated with the Welcome to Minnesota Social Event at GameWorks in downtown Minneapolis.

The second day of FORUM 2009, December 30, offered students a chance to consider ways to connect to the profession.

The morning began with mini-workshops and tours, which continued throughout the next several days. Both the workshops and excursions exposed participants to architecture at a deeper level, looking more closely at topics of leadership, professionalism and design excellence, and showcased noteworthy architecture of the region and beyond.

The first Council of Presidents Meeting featured a panel discussion with presidents of the American Institute of Architects, the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture and the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards about the future of the profession. Leaders from each organization then engaged in an interactive planning session led by AIAS advisor Jim Cramer, Hon. AIA.

During the Architecture College + Career Expo, architecture firms, non-profit organizations, product manufacturers and schools of architecture allowed students to see the breadth of options they have as leaders in a valuable industry. Over 50 organizations participated in the event.

The afternoon activities featured a Firm Crawl, giving students the time to explore architecture firms in Minneapolis. Cuningham Group, Ellerbe Beckett, Target Store Design and HGA were among the firms and corporations to participate in the event.

Design competition winners were featured in the Target Student Lounge and Gallery and remained on display for the duration of the conference. And over a dozen chapters participated in the annual t-shirt fair.

Peter David Cavaluzzi, FAIA, Principal of New York City-based firm Ehrenkrantz Eckstut & Kuhn Architects, spoke during the second business session about large-scale construction and design projects, including the recently opened City Center Las Vegas, designed by Cavaluzzi’s firm. Jim Cramer also spoke to the students about the future of the architecture profession, which will see great days again.

The Council of Presidents Reception was held at the Chambers Hotel, leaving the evening free for the other conference attendees to venture out on their own to see the many offerings of the Twin Cities.

New Year’s Eve prompted FORUM attendees to consider ways we connect to our communities.

The morning was marked by a special general session about future career and educational opportunities, where a panel of leaders shared tactics to help students stay prepared and connected in the months and years ahead.

In addition to a continuation of tours and workshops, including visits to the University of Minnesota campus and notable buildings in the Minneapolis, speakers facilitated seminars on lighting design, the accreditation process for schools of architecture, and each AIAS Quad met to discuss regional issues, plan for upcoming conferences and hear from leadership candidates.

Later in the day, the general session featured a look at the design competitions of the AIAS as well as a presentation by students involved in Freedom by Design™, the community service program of the AIAS. Alan Arthur, President of Aeon, a nonprofit developer of high-quality affordable apartments and town homes which serve more than 3000 people annually in the Twin Cities, spoke about meeting the many needs of the communities where we live, work and play.

The conference VIPs and AIAS Legacy (former leaders of the organization) met to celebrate the many successes of the year and later joined the conference attendees at the annual AIAS Beaux Arts Ball, held at Predock’s MacNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus.

On the final day of FORUM, students focused on the importance of connecting to the world.

In addition to the final tours and seminars, the final Council of Presidents meeting was held, followed by elections of new officers and board members for the organization. Announced later in the evening at the general business sessions, Tyler Ashworth and Danielle McDonnough, both long-time leaders of the organization, will move to Washington, DC in June to assume the role of President and Vice-President respectively. A full list of the 2010-2011 board of directors is available at www.aias.org.

Francisco Javier Rodríguez Suarez, dean of Universidad de Puerto Rico School of Architecture and principal of New York and San Juan based r s v p architects then rounded out the evening with a look at the global nature of the profession. The conference concluded with several social events, including a movie and a karaoke party.

FORUM 2009 was made possible thanks to dedicated staff members and volunteers who worked diligently to ensure a seamless event and was underwritten through the support of AIA Minnesota, AIA Minneapolis, AIA St. Paul, AIA Northern Region, Target Store Design, the University of Minnesota College of Design, as well as numerous other sponsors including the 200-2010 AIAS Partners in Education and 2009-2010 Collegiate Associates.

Be sure to look for details about FORUM 2010: Action | Reaction. The event will be hosted in Toronto at the Fairmont Royal York December 29, 2010 through January 1, 2011 by the AIAS chapter at Ryerson University.