Now is a time for action to step up, speak out, and get involved in shaping a more equitable, sustainable, engaged, and prosperous Philadelphia. AIA Philadelphia needs your voice and creativity to lead the change in our organization to insure that our programs and initiatives are reflective of the values we share as the design community in Philadelphia.
These conversations are timely not only because of the current political climate, but also because we are beginning a strategic planning process for the future of our association.
Recently AIA National composed a statement of values and where they stand on specific issues. The major themes of which are totally relatable from a Chapter standpoint. However, how do we react to those themes, what are Philadelphia architects already doing and what do they wish they could do more of? This is the role of these Town Hall sessions, to take the values laid out by the larger organization and discover how they fit within the context of practicing architects in Philadelphia.
We stand for a sustainable future
We stand for a sustainable future. At a time when the world is feeling the damaging effects of excessive carbon in our atmosphere, AIA will continue to advocate for policies that protect the environment by encouraging the design, preservation and construction of high-performing buildings.
In striving for a sustainable future, we must not lose sight of the value of the past. Previous generations built sustainably not out of choice, but out of necessity; they did not have the option of central air or insulated glass, and they used materials meant to be maintained, rather than replaced. Buildings were intentionally designed to work with their environment.
Within the architectural community, “historic preservation” and “sustainable design” both carry certain assumptions related to philosophy, design, and best practices. They are frequently seen as being at opposite ends of the architectural spectrum, but there is actually a great deal of overlap between the goals of each group that make them natural partners in working together towards building a sustainable future.
Join the AIA Philadelphia Historic Preservation Committee & the Committee on the Environment (COTE) to discuss the complex issues surrounding sustainability using one of the most universal design elements: windows. The committees have invited expert panelists to answer audience questions before breaking into smaller groups for more detailed discussions, ending with a recap from each group. The results will help AIA Philadelphia facilitate programs and initiatives that will foster a stronger bond between the city’s preservation and sustainability practitioners.
Agenda
5:30 - 6:00 Registration & Networking - Prepare some questions for the panel
6:00 - 6:30 Panel discussion (Speakers announced soon)
6:30 - 7:00 Break out group discussions
7:00 - 7:30 Large group discussion
Panel
- John Cluver, AIA - Architect/Member of Historic Commission, Architectural Cmte.
- Jeremy Avellino, AIA – Architect/Passive House Designer
- Katherine Switala Elmhurst, PhD - Program Manager, Temple University Office of Sustainability
- Jill H Gotthelf, AIA, FAPT – Architect/Principal Walter Sedovic Architects
For more information, please contact:
AIA Philadelphia
Julianne Foley
215-569-3186, ext. 101
[email protected]