Here's a rundown of several design and architecture-related exhibits, conferences, and other special events to help you kick off the summer.
recently opened (may 22)—san diego designers mix it up: The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego in La Jolla, Calif., recently opened Mix: Nine San Diego Architects and Designers, an exhibition of the work of local architects and designers who are redefining housing design, development, and urbanization in the region. For the exhibition, each participant has created site-specific presentations of their work. Click here for the full list of architects and designers featured and for more details. The exhibition runs through Sept. 6, 2009.
june 4—national building museum honors leaders in sustainability: The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., will hold the 2009 Honor Awards Gala in its great hall. This year's awards recognize the vision of the U.S. Green Building Council and its president and CEO, S. Richard Fedrizzi; Mayor Richard M. Daley and the city of Chicago; Majora Carter, president of the Majora Carter Group and founder of Sustainable South Bronx; and United Technologies Corp. and its president and CEO, Louis R. Chênevert. A VIP reception will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a general reception at 7 p.m. The awards program begins at 7:45. Visit the National Building Museum's website for tickets and more details.
june 5-7—celebrating buckminster fuller: The Buckminster Fuller Institute will hold three days of programming celebrating the life and work of Buckminster Fuller at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago. Scheduled events include the prize-conferring ceremony for the 2009 Buckminster Fuller Challenge, a presentation by the recipient, and a panel discussion with jurors. For more information, visit challenge.bfi.org/.
june 6—architectural league holds annual "ball": The Architectural League of New York will host Beaux Arts Ball 2009: MANUFACTURE at The Old American Can Factory in Brooklyn, N.Y. Participants will be able to wander the open studios at the factory complex to observe the activities of artisans, fabricators, artists, designers, filmmakers, publishers, and nonprofit organizations and to learn about different types of manufacturing. The program begins with the opening of a temporary collaborative creation space called The Factory from 9 p.m. until midnight. From midnight until 3 a.m., the complex's courtyard will feature music, food, drinks, and dancing. Visit the Architectural League's website to purchase tickets.
june 21—eames house hosts 60th anniversary fundraiser event: The Eames Foundation will hold a fundraiser to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Eames House at the Petaluma, Calif., home of designer Lucia Eames, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Furniture, films, and exhibit displays from Lucia Eames' personal collection will be on view, and visitors will be led on a tour of the Eames archives and encouraged to participate in kite- and model-making activities. A silent auction will open for bidding online, which will conclude at the fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the foundation's outreach and capital repair programs. Visit www.eamesfoundation.org/fundraiser.php to purchase tickets.
june 25-27—aia los angeles' professional development conference: MOBIUS LA, the AIA Los Angeles Chapter's annual conference, will be held in conjunction with Dwell on Design at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The event will feature educational sessions, lectures, panel discussions, and special events, including the 2009 AIA/LA Restaurant Design Awards. This year's educational curriculum—especially courses scheduled for June 27 that are open to the general public—includes subjects of interest to both professionals and enthusiasts of architecture and design. Visit www.aialosangeles.org/events/mobiusla.html to register.
june 29-30—"telesummit" on sustainable design: The Green Design Summit, organized by interior designers and Design Success University founders Gail Doby and Erin Weir, is a 100 percent online business event for the design community. Via webcast, architects, interior designers, and entrepreneurs—including author and architect Sarah Susanka, FAIA; Interior Design magazine green blogger Penny Bonda, FASID; Mayor Bob Dixson of Greensburg, Kan.; and HGTV star and author Libby Langdon—will present educational sessions that will help interior designers and architects learn about green business practices, green design choices, and the latest marketing tools. Five percent of Green Design Summit proceeds will benefit the rebuilding of public facilities in Greensburg, which was devastated by a tornado in May 2007. For more speaker and presentation details, and to register, visit www.greendesignsummit.com.
closing Aug. 23—virginia society aia exhibit celebrates regional design:Pitch Perfect: Design Excellence in the Region, on display at the Virginia Center for Architecture in Richmond, Va., features 17 projects from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region that were recognized with a 2009 Virginia Society AIA Award for Excellence. Visit www.virginiaarchitecture.org for exhibit hours and details.
