Cutting-edge discussions on artificial intelligence (AI), net-zero energy, and adaptive reuse rank high among agenda items at the American Institute of Architects Conference on Architecture & Design, AIA24, June 5-8 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C.. More than 10,000 professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sectors will attend the event set to foster networking, share knowledge, and drive innovative solutions aimed at creating a better world.
According to Lakisha Ann Woods, CAE, EVP and CEO of AIA, the conference will be a pivotal platform for the industry. "This year we’re looking forward to welcoming attendees to D.C., home to AIA’s new global campus, several AIA chapters, and some of the most influential architecture, design firms and manufacturers in the world," Woods says. She highlights the event's role as a "beacon for innovation," committed to addressing critical global challenges.
AIA24 will feature a robust agenda including discussions on net zero energy, adaptive reuse for changing downtowns, the integration of AI in architecture, and the creation of health-focused community spaces. The conference will also offer a large expo, educational events, and networking opportunities to encourage cross-industry collaboration.
Three keynote presentations are among the conference's highlights:
Arthur C. Brooks, a New York Times bestselling author and happiness expert, will present "Build the Life You Want," on Thursday June 6.
CNN's chief medical correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, will take the stage on Friday June 7, with his keynote on "Designing for Health & Safety."
Academy Award-winning designer Ruth Carter will discuss "Storytelling & Representation" on Saturday June 8.
On Friday June 7, AIA will host the AIA Awards Gala to announce the highly anticipated project-based award winners for 2024. For the first time, AIA will celebrate all award winners, including new AIA Fellows at one inclusive event.
Education and Networking Opportunities
The convention provides an excellent opportunity for learning and networking. Here are a few sessions we have our eyes on:
WE404 – The Circular Workplace: The Resilient Living Lab & Product Sustainability
Wednesday, June 5: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. / Room 150
A team at Gensler will be speaking about workplace circularity within the context of a building’s lifecycle. In this presentation, Gensler will present examples in the form of two important case studies: The Resilient Living Lab and Gensler Product Sustainability standards. Discover how their firm is implementing processes to further develop the circular economy and identify how the collective AEC industry can bolster and encourage reuse processes.
EV203 – COTE Open Forum: Climate Advocacy & Market Transformation
Thursday, June 6: 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. / Room 144
This session will provide the opportunity for architects to exchange best practices, including how we're translating advocacy into the transformation of the profession and the communities it serves. Lindsey Falasca, Director of Federal Net Zero Buildings from the White House Council on Environmental Quality will set the stage by sharing how the Biden-Harris Administration is accelerating the clean energy transition, followed by a case study about advocacy for circularity. The final hour will feature curated discussions around advocacy and other key topics prioritized by the 60-chapter COTE network
TH115 - How Design Creates Value in Public Housing
Thursday, June 6: 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. / Room 143
This panel discussion with Thor Nelson of the DC Housing Authority andAmanda Loper of David Baker Architects, Mark Lawrence of EL Studio, and
Chad Holtzinger of ShopWorks will discuss how you get to better affordable housing design, and will examine the patterns, playbooks, and engagement tools to build better communities.
EV219 AIA's Climate Action by Design Networking Reception, Presented by COTE
Thursday, June 6: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. / Additional $80 fee, registration required
Held at the Marriott Marquis Atrium
Presented by the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), in partnership with all of AIA's Climate Action member groups, this valuable networking opportunity networking allows other architects, designers, students, and AEC professionals to connect and share knowledge with like-minded peers on integrating design outcomes for zero carbon, equity, resilience, and health in the built environment.
EV303 – Committee on Design Forum: A Conversation with Quinn Evans
Friday, June 7: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. / Room 201
This conversation between 2024 AIA Firm Award winner Quinn Evans and three AIA Knowledge Communities: the Committee on Design (COD), Historic Resources Committee, and the Committee on the Environment will discuss Quinn Evans' recent work in addressing the crises of climate change and social inequity.
PRO300 – Pro Series: A Dialogue with Kimberly N. Dowdell & Muyiwa Oki—Navigating Architecture, Sustainability, & Equity
Friday, June 7: 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. / Convention Center Ballroom AB
Join 2024 AIA President Kimberly N. Dowdell, AIA, and Muyiwa Oki, President of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for what promises to be a compelling conversation aimed at making the field of architecture more sustainable and equitable. You’re guaranteed to come away energized to combat climate change and making the world a better place to live through sustainable design practices.
Make Sure to Visit ARCHITECT and Zonda at Booth #238!
Also visit ARCHITECT at booth #238 on the Expo floor. ARCHITECT Editor-in-Chief Paul Makovsky will host a meet-and-greet with AIA24 attendees at 2 to 3 p.m. on both expo days, Thursday, June 6 and Friday, June 7.
In addition, stop by the booth during AIA24 Expo hours for a fun photo op at our selfie station, complete with an ARCHITECT backdrop on the red carpet. Then grab limited-edition ARCHITECT swag (while supplies last).
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