Chicago overrun by Architects as AIA Convention Looms: Moreno, Gernaga, Luis, Lai and Sterry at the Apple Store

 

For the first time in a decade, the American Institute of Architects national convention rolls into Chicago later this week, and in addition to an almost overwhelming array of keynotes, talks, panels, and tours, there are any number of related events, many of which we've captured on the June Calendar of Chicago Architectural Events.

Starting on Monday, the Royal Institute of British Architects is sponsoring a series of nightly lectures 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Apple Store on Michigan Avenue.  The series, Fringe Benefit Lecture - Architecture Showcase: Diversity in Design, kicks off Monday with  tymedesign's Bohdan Gernaga talking about “embracing color”; NRI Chicago's Ashley Mistry on 3D printing, and architect Juan Moreno of JGMA discussing how his firm's projects are “transforming some of Chicago's diverse neighborhoods.”

On Tuesday, there's Monte Chapin of Graphisoft N.A. showcasing BIMxDocs, his firm's iOS app, Lira Luis presents “fringe ideas for rebuilding after a disaster”, and Zoological Lighting Institute founder James Karl Fischer talks about “photobiology and nocturnal habitats.”   The series concludes on Wednesday, with Jimenz Lai, IDEO Chicago's Sara Frisk, and “design scientist and futurist” Melissa Sterry speculating on “how nature would design a city.”

Chicago-based architect

Sterry will also be giving an RIBA-sponsored lecture at the Doubletree on Thursday, Learning from Life: The Biologically Informed City, the same night there's a special AIA Convention Design+Dining Pecha Kucha at Martyr's, with the participants including Linda Keane, Petra Bachmaier, Catherine di napoli, Jonathan Parker, architects Miguel Del Rio, Carl Sergio and Dan Wheeler, SOM's Eric Keune and Michael Pfeffer and Architectural Record Senior Editor Joann Gonchar, with Peter Exley as MC.

Friday, AIADIV and Chicago Women in Architecture is sponsoring a Global Inclusion Reception at the Hafele Chicago Showroom with Ambassador (Ret) John F. Maisto. 

This is all in addition to major convention keynotes with Jeanne Gang and Theaster Gates, Ed Mazria and Tony Hsieh.  Check out the full convention scheduled on the AIA website, and all the events still to come this month on the June Calendar of Chicago Architecture Events.