AN EMERGING PROFESSIONAL’S PERSPECTIVE ON A’22
For the first time in three years, AIA’s annual conference was held in person, with A’22 taking place in Chicago from June 22-26. Lauren Kuhens, a member of AIAPV’s Emerging Professional Awards Program (EPAP) Class of 2022, was a first-time conference attendee and shares her impressions in the following article.
By Lauren Kuhens, Assoc. AIA
As published in Potomac Valley Architect – July 13, 2022
A few weeks ago, I had the exciting opportunity to attend the annual AIA Conference on Architecture in Chicago. Following two years of COVID-19 lockdowns and many days working isolated at home, it was a pleasure to be surrounded by so many inspiring professionals. Aside from the expansive exposition floor and the many fantastic architectural tours offered by the AIA, this year’s conference included several influential speakers—including Lakisha Woods, Jeanne Gang, Vishaan Chakrabarti, and former President Barack Obama.
TOP LEFT: LAKISHA WOODS AND JULIA GAMOLINA ON THE MAIN STAGE AT
THE AIA CONFERENCE ON ARCHITECTURE 2022.
TOP RIGHT: LEE BEY, JEANNE GANG, VISHAAN CHAKRABARTI, RENÉE CHENG Image Credits: AIA
After four fantastic days attending various events and seminars, what resonated with me the most was the common focus on an architect’s role in influencing climate change action and social impact. For example, while at the conference, the AIA awarded Brooks + Scarpa Architects with the AIA Gold Medal for their work in affordable housing in California. MASS Design Group won Firm of the Year for the philanthropic work abroad. I attended six different seminars related to climate disaster adaptation, innovations in affordable housing, and how architects can drive equitable development through policy and community engagement. To me, this focus symbolizes an important period in the profession of architecture—a period dedicated to the importance of being a citizen-architect and using our expertise to not just achieve design excellence, but also implement design that improves the environmental and human condition.
TOP LEFT: THE SIX AFFORDABLE VETERANS HOUSING, LOS ANGELES, CA Image Credit: Tara Wujcik
TOP RIGHT: RWANDA INSTITUTE OF CONSERVATION AGRICULTURE Image Credit: MASS Design Group
As former President Barack Obama mentioned during his keynote speech, right now we are divided as a nation—we lack a common narrative and empathy for each other. This makes it difficult as a community to create lasting, impactful change.
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA ADDRESSES A'22 ATTENDEES IN CHICAGO. Image Credit: AIA
There is a spatial element to our divisions, and human-centered architecture can help reinvigorate a sense of community and duty to each other. It can also be used as a teaching tool for climate action and repairing inequitable growth. Architects have the responsibility to get involved, influence change where possible, and use good design as a tool for equity.
Lauren Kuhens, Assoc. AIA earned her Master’s in Architecture and a Master’s in Community Planning from the University of Maryland, and currently works in Grimm + Parker’s Residential and Urban Design Studio. Lauren has worked on a range of international and domestic projects. She has a passion for meaningful architecture and urban planning that address today’s urgent issues, particularly sustainability, affordability, and social justice.
