The Association of Architecture Organizations conducts year-round programs for its members, as well as select events for the general public. The primary function of these activities is to provide educators and representatives from architectural organizations with a forum for networking, resource sharing, and joint learning.
Clockwise from top: AAO Board Chair Sarah Herda opens the conference; funders’ panel with Justin Garrett Moore, Judilee Reed, and Ben Prosky; Owen Nichols explains a multi-layered architectural print during a site visit to a83; José Esparza Chong Cuy shares several Storefront projects; and Andrew Brown leads a community-centered design workshop with Van Alen.
Throughout the tumult of the past year, many architecture organizations distinguished themselves as critical resources for binding their local communities and advancing efforts to make the field of architecture more equitable. At this year's virtual meeting, we celebrate this progress by investigating the work of designers and organizations who are launching new initiatives, conceiving new partnerships, and, in the process, advocating for new thinking.
At this member check-in, 20 participants from 18 organizations shared recent experiences and upcoming plans for virtual, in-person, and hybrid programming. Participants were asked to discuss their greatest challenges, concerns, or curiosities around hybrid programming as well as ensuring public safety for large gatherings.
Thanks to everyone who “traveled” with AAO this winter to Chicago, Boston, Prague, New York, and Los Angeles. We are in the initial stages of planning a second City Walks series for later this year; please stay tuned for details.
If you would like to learn more about AAO programming, please sign up for our monthly e-news here.
Thank you for participating in the 2020 Design Matters Conference
Notes from the Discussion among the directors from 17 AAO member organizations. Meeting hosted by AAO Treasurer Nate Eudaly and AAO Chair Lynn Osmond.
Leaders and CEOs of AAO member organizations are invited to join us for this peer "check-in" to discuss the unique challenges of scenario planning during the COVID-era.
At this check-in meeting, hear from fellow design educators about the major activities they think will form the basis of their respective organizations’ programming in the first half of the next year.
At this meeting, representatives from 31 organizations (for a list of participants click here) across the AAO Network convened a call to check-in on everyone’s progress with virtual programming during COVID-19 and plans for virtual (and even some in-person) programming this fall. In addition to organizational updates from participants, the notes below summarize some of the larger discussion points.
At this meeting, we will reflect on our organizations’ respective experiences pivoting to virtual programs.
At the next A+DEN check-in on Thursday, July 9, we will share early reports from organizations that have embarked on hosting virtual summer camps.
On Tuesday, July 7, our New York City AAO members will host this special session on their organizations’ various responses to the overwhelming social and public health challenges experienced this year.
On this call (6/30), will we discuss current thinking and near-term strategies for the re-opening of of galleries and other relevant concerns that can be addressed through exhibition-making.
At this meeting, representatives from 11 organizations (for a list of participants click here) across the AAO Network convened a call to discuss planning for virtual summer design camps. The following resources were shared amongst participants:
Friday, May 15: At this A+DEN check-in, we will share our organizations’ respective plans for hosting summer design camps. Please come ready to share your plans as well as any resources you’re finding particularly helpful.
Tuesday, May 12: A chance to trade notes with resource development staff from peer architecture organizations. Come ready to discuss our shared challenges, and at least one success or bright spot you’ve enjoyed since our world went on pause.
AAO Tours Network Call, 5/8: Establishing Your Virtual Tour
Hosted by Sarah Lann (Los Angeles Conservatory) and Mary Fichtner (AAO and AIANY/Center for Architecture)
Representatives from 16 organizations across the AAO community convened to discuss plans and opportunities around virutal tours. Please visit this link for this list of participants on the call.
Below is a short list of some of the resources that were shared:
Friday, May 8: At this meeting, we will discuss the ins and outs of hosting audiences online, including ways to prep and support your docents/guides
AAO Exhibitions Network Call: Exhibition Planning During COVID-19 (5/6)
Hosted by Berit Hoff (AIANY/Center for Architecture) and Paige McWhorter (BSA Space)
Representatives from 25 organizations across the AAO community convened to discuss plans and opportunities around virutal tours.Please visit this link for this list of participants on the call.
Wednesday, May 6: Join your peers from other exhibiting organizations to discuss strategies for digitizing exhibitions on architecture.