District Architecture Center

ShadeDC Deadline is just a couple of weeks away! This ideas competition looks at shade for DC's many bridges. Like many other cities on the east coast, Washington’s summers are hotter and heat waves last longer than anticipated just a few years ago. While vehicle drivers of all kinds (cars, bikes, scooters and mopeds) can keep cool through air conditioning or at least the movement of air at speed, pedestrians do not share in that advantage. Consequently, walking in areas without shade can be an unwelcome and sometimes dangerously hot enterprise. We are looking for well-designed flexible shade systems that can be used in areas where other means of shade, such as tree planting, are not possible. Submissions will be on view to the public in May and the jury will be held in June. For more information or to register click here:

We're here for you. The March/April issue of DAC News was posted this morning on buff.ly/N6cV5Zv. There are a lot of articles but one thing we want to make clear is that for those you affected by the federal government firings and cutbacks, we are here for you. It's the top issue on the front page. We also have resources on the website and we'll keep adding to those as we get them. Also look for a new session on leveraging your public service in the private sector coming up at the end of March. To read this latest issue look for newsletters under the Professional Resources tab.

Special pricing for AIA|DC and DAC Members for the March 12 Facades+ Conference. Register today!

Architecture Month 2025 is only one month away! Join us for tours, lectures and classes. We're opening Month with Blackjack at DAC - our great casino night event. Each ticket includes $300,000 in DAC bucks, not legal tender, for you to try your hand at blackjack, poker, craps and roulette. You can't lose but high scorers put themselves in line for fabulous prizes. It's fun and supports the important community work of the District Architecture Center. If you'd like to join us register here: https://buff.ly/4h9eF6p

ArchitectureDC's Summer Issue will feature Interiors. AIA|DC seeks submissions of interior architecture projects (including new construction and renovations) for possible publication in the Summer 2025 issue of ArchitectureDC magazine. To be considered, projects must be located in the Washington metropolitan area. Priority will be given to projects that have been completed within the past two years, and which have not yet been widely published in local magazines or newspapers. For more information on how to submit visit https://buff.ly/41q4ENG

Are you or a family member impacted by the federal firings? DAC is here for you. We've added a page to our website that includes a lot of resources that we collected from our meetings on the Hill last week. It's a tough time but you aren't alone. Please visit https://buff.ly/4blJ9Rs or reach out us at [email protected]

AIA|DC Annual Meeting is next week! Don't forget to sign up for this free program. This program will be held online at 12PM on February 27. Register here:https://buff.ly/4k1x1cj

ShadeDC Deadline is just one month a way! Like many other cities on the east coast, Washington’s summers are hotter and heat waves last longer than anticipated just a few years ago. While vehicle drivers of all kinds (cars, bikes, scooters and mopeds) can keep cool through air conditioning or at least the movement of air at speed, pedestrians do not share in that advantage. Consequently, walking in areas without shade can be an unwelcome and sometimes dangerously hot enterprise. This ideas competition seeks to provide a well-designed flexible shade system or systems that can be used in areas where other means of shade, such as tree planting, are not possible. These areas include major bridges that carry both pedestrian and vehicular traffic, pedestrian-only bridges and transit-related open plazas. The ideal system will be durable and easily maintained. For more information or to register click here:

Meet AIA|DC President @Alison Pavilonis and the rest of the AIA|DC Board for our first networking session of the year. Come and learn how you can help the Chapter do great things for Washington DC. This networking hour will include food and beverage and a touch of fun!

We are so excited to announce the new fellows for AIA Washington DC! Lisa Cholmondeley, FAIA Arathi Gowda, FAIA Benjamin Kasdan, FAIA Suzanne Klein, FAIA Regal Leftwich, FAIA We look forward to your official Chapter welcome at the Fellows Celebration Dinner on April 11! Save the date!