2023 Fall Lecture Recap

Meejin Yoon, AIA, FAAR presented “Verify in Field: Projects by Howeler + Yoon” on October 26th for the 2023 AIA Central PA Fall Lecture. Meejin is the Dean of Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning and the former Professor and Head of the Department of Architecture at MIT, where she began teaching in 2001. Howeler + Yoon is an 18-year-old firm with a reputation for work that is formally and technologically innovative, socially engaged, and conceptually rigorous.

Meejin presented a rich array of work from around the world, ranging from shade structures in Arizona (Shadow Play) to multi-family housing in Boston (212 Stuart Street) to sculptural bridges in China (Moongate Bridge) to memorials (MIT Collier Memorial in Boston and the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers at UVA in Charlottesville). She framed the work thru the lenses of understanding a project’s context, including the history of the site, and the creative work of translating ideas into reality.                

The work of Howeler + Yoon is inspiring, particularly in its aspiration to improve the profession and our world and Meejin presents it in an accessible manner that feels inclusive, like a rallying cry to join them in responding to the imperatives of our time.

The social time after the lecture, as well as before, are welcome opportunities to not only catch up with colleagues but also have a chance to have a more personal exchange with the speaker. The spaces at Armstrong are beautiful, and the reception area makes for a comfortable evening.

Thank You to all the Sponsors – 12 sponsors made the lecture possible – and all the Attendees – we had another strong turnout. Special thanks to Armstrong for being such tremendous hosts.

Capitol Advocacy and Education

Please continue to support AIA Pennsylvania Advocacy and Education.  See all of the new information here.

Venues wanted in York, PA for the 2024 Conference and Expo

Next year’s event planning is already underway and is expected to be held in York, PA as we rotate around our geographical area.  We are looking for potential event spaces and recommendations on continuing education seminars – including tours of recently completed projects in York as well as recommendations for our keynote speaker.  If any members have any ideas on a unique venue space or speakers please pass them our way! Please email any ideas to Rachel Haynes at rhaynes@tippettsweaver.com. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

New Book Release

GREGORY  SCOTT TO RELEASE BOOK ON LANCASTER’S MOST PROLIFIC ARCHITECT, C. EMLEN URBAN

Lancaster, PA. (November, 2023) – Gregory J. Scott, FAIA, co-founder of RLPS architectural firm in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has been researching and teaching the community about C. Emlen Urban’s life and architectural legacy for over 20 years. Scott is proud to announce the long-awaited release of his first book profiling Lancaster’s most prolific architect. The 200+ page book is titled Urban Legend and is a never-before-told story of C. Emlen Urban and 25 of the architectural masterpieces which left an indelible mark on the City of Lancaster. 

About the book:  

  1. Emlen Urban began his architectural practice one-hundred-forty-years ago and designed everything of significance and note in Lancaster City from 1885 to 1935, yet there has never been a book written about him or the impact he had on our city’s built environment. With no formal education beyond high school, he went on to design over six-hundred-forty-five (645) commissions, practiced in six states and was described by Milton S Hershey as “my architect’. 

With stunning photography and captivating stories about the people behind Urban’s commissions, Urban Legend: The Life and Legacy of C. Emlen Urban is a never-before-seen look into the man who singlehandedly transitioned Lancaster City from the era of eighteenth-century Colonial architecture to the era of worldly sophistication including Beaux Arts, Italian Renaissance and French Baroque. His passion, his genius and his drive remain unparalleled in modern history.

Created as a collaborative endeavor and produced in its entirety by Lancaster-based talent, Urban Legend celebrates one of the city’s most significant contributors in a beautiful hard-bound publication that will bring joy and pride to anyone who loves Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Egg & Dart Books was born out of a sense of awe and appreciation for the structures that have shaped our built environment, defined our cities, and provided us with refuge. We celebrate our architectural artisans with the hope that these stories will inspire the preservation of our beloved cities for generations to come. 

About the Author:

Gregory J. Scott is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and a founding partner of RLPS Architects. He has shared his expertise through his ongoing architectural column in Lancaster Newspapers and as an architectural correspondent for Lancaster NBC affiliate WGAL. Gregg has been honored twice with the Journalist and Educator Award presented by the Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County. He is also proud to be named an Eagle Scout.

Current Board and Community involvement positions include Northeast Harbor Neighborhood House, Mount Desert Island Housing Trust and Lancaster County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Gregg and his spouse Terri Scott reside in Northeast Harbor, ME and Lancaster, PA. 

 

AIA Central PA Volunteers Needed

Volunteering for AIA Central Pennsylvania’s leadership team can be a fantastic way to advance your career and make a positive impact on your local architecture community. Here are some potential benefits of getting involved:

  1. Professional Growth: Volunteering allows you to gain valuable experience and skills that can enhance your professional development. You can learn about leadership, project management, event planning, and more.
  2. Networking Opportunities: By becoming a part of the leadership team, you’ll have the chance to connect with other local architects and professionals in your field. This can lead to new collaborations and career opportunities.
  3. Community Involvement: Volunteering for your local AIA chapter is a way to give back to your profession and your community. It’s a chance to contribute to the growth and development of the architecture field in your region.
  4. Personal Satisfaction: Many people find personal satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment in volunteering. Knowing that you’re making a difference and helping your professional community can be very rewarding.
  5. Knowledge Sharing: AIA Central Pennsylvania’s leadership team seeks volunteers with outstanding talent and experience. This is an excellent platform to share your knowledge and expertise with others and contribute to the growth of the profession.
  6. Leadership Experience: Serving on a leadership team provides an opportunity to develop your leadership skills. This experience can be valuable in your career and open up leadership roles in other organizations.

If you’re interested in volunteering, consider reaching out to Brett Hallacher (bhallacher@rlps.com) to express your interest and learn more about the specific opportunities available. It’s a great way to get more involved in your passion and profession and to help AIA Central Pennsylvania continue to thrive in the years ahead.

Call for Member Articles

AIA Central PA would like to feature scholarly articles / blogs related to our profession in each quarterly newsletter. This is an excellent opportunity to have your article published and available to your fellow architects / engineers in Central PA. If you are interested in submitting an article or blog please send your inquiries to Brett Hallacher at bhallacher@rlps.com.  This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your expertise and contribute to the professional development of your peers.

Membership Notes

Membership renewal reminder. This is the time of year to renew your membership in AIA! The annual call for dues has been sent from AIA National!  We thank you for renewing your membership for 2024.  We value you all as members and want to continue to provide events and information at the local level for you all with relevant content and opportunities.  When you renew on line, take a moment to update your profile and sign up for knowledge communities that are of interest to you.  Please reach out to Susan Frear at any time.   Please let Susan Frear at AIA PA know if you have any question about dues or membership.  sfrear@aiapa.org

Upcoming Events

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