In a move some found surprising, the Society of Architectural Historians (SAH) came out in support of the removal of Confederate monuments from public spaces in a statement on June 19, 2020.
More »AIA Launches Sixth Annual Film Challenge
Design has the power to solve some of the biggest issues facing cities today. The sixth annual AIA Film Challenge, which launched on June 25, 2020, is a film contest that amplifies these stories — architects partnering with communities and civic leaders to design a healthy, sustainable, just world that improves lives. The challenge is open to anyone and the creator of the winning 60- to 90-second documentary could take home up to $7,000.
More »On the Shelf: Subtle Acts of Exclusion
While overt racism, sexism, ableism, and other forms of discrimination are fairly easy to spot, you shouldn’t overlook the subtler, everyday actions that normalize exclusion at work.
More »May the 4th Be with You: Our Favorite Star Wars Architecture Posts
It’s that most sacred of annual celebrations: Star Wars Day. And, May the 4th Be with You.
Here’s a compendium of our favorite articles on the architecture and design of Star Wars and how they have influenced our world.
More »Book Review: Managing Design
Through reflective case studies and commentary, architect and author Michael Alan LeFevre, FAIA shares insights and best practices gleaned over a half century of boundary-breaking work as designer and design manager. Called a “self-help book” for those who design, Managing Design (June 5, 2019; Wiley) offers insightful, diverse perspectives, notions of empathy, inclusion, teamwork, technology, and new value propositions.
More »Historic Polegreen Church: Everything We’re Missing Right Now
Contributor: Margaret Hancock
Contemplative spaces. Houses of worship. Architectural wonders. Historic sites.
These are the reflective places that we as a society need most and yet cannot currently access.
Except for the Historic Polegreen Church.
Located in Hanover, Virginia just twelve miles outside of Richmond, Historic Polegreen delineates the site of a church lost in the Civil War and commemorates the complex history of religious freedom. The silhouette structure designed by Carlton Abbott, FAIA, sits amidst a secluded, rural setting and invites a quiet walk, a look to the skies, and a visual marvel of how successfully man can intersect with nature.
Open sunrise to sunset daily.
Artists Rally to Support Essential Workers
A collective of artists and makers, known as the Richmond Arts and Cultural Workers Coalition came together to produce face masks for health care workers; bus drivers; and other essential workers. The coalition is supported by Studio Two Three and 1708 Gallery, in collaboration with VCUarts, with funding from the VCU da Vinci Center and others. Read more about their work at the VCU Arts blog.
The Coalition also created the COVID-19 Arts and Culture Relief Fund which provides financial assistance for artists in need. They’ve assembled a catalog of resources for artists as well.