AIA/ACSA 2021 Intersections Research Conference: COMMUNITIES 

Registration now open_
Virtual conference: September 29 – October 1, 2021
Conference co-chairs:
Rico Quirindongo, AIA, City of Seattle, Office of Planning and Community Development
Georgeen Theodore, AIA, New Jersey Institute of Technology

As we find ourselves a year (+) into a world pandemic, what has changed? What can we as architects, academics, researchers, and design leaders do to improve our world, environment, cities, buildings, and communities? How can we take a cue from the call for social justice which has been elevated during a time of COVID to address our communities of need, our communities of color, and a legacy of redlining and environmental racism? At this conference, we look to share the latest research and innovations, and examine the role research plays in advancing architectural practice and education within our communities. Speakers and presenters will share how their research is generated in practice, at universities and in partnerships with business, industry, and government.

Join conference co-chairs, as well as keynote speaker Jelani Cobb to explore these questions. For this conference, there will be five tracks:

Equitable Communities
Design solutions affect more than the client and current occupants. Good design includes considerations of community history, context, culture and more to positively impact present and future occupants and the larger community.

Healthy Communities
Good design supports health and well-being for all people, considering COVID, physical, mental, and emotional effects on building occupants and the resilience of the surrounding community.

Post-Pandemic Communities
As we wrestle with the impacts of the pandemic and pressing calls to address systemic racism and inequities, we need our communities to thrive and bounce back in climate-responsive and resilient way.

Zero-Carbon Communities
Given our current and future climate challenges highly energy-efficient community-based projects are needed to create carbon free & renewable energy powered resilient places.

Community Localism
Showcasing resilient community-based design responses to one’s own area or region, such as grassroots efforts, community design centers and local ventures, along with attention to material supply chains, local trades education, impact of community culture and engagement, etc.

For more info, click here.