A'22: Chicago - Beacon of light for Architecture: Now and the Future...

Frank Sinatra bets his bottom dollar, whereas I bet from atop the Willis Tower's Skydeck...no matter where, it's guaranteed you'll have fun in Chicago!

In preparation for traveling to The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Annual Conference in Chicago (A'22), I had literally leapt at times at the prospect meeting other AIA members and community liaisons. There is nothing like meeting in-person, trading the proverbial computer screen for human interaction in the wake of COVID-19. Working with building product manufacturers remains on case-by-case , whether they prefer regular visits or pure satellite communication from their home base. The opportunity to meet new people and see familiar faces, especially some building product manufacturers I've only known via electronic correspondence, was a highlight amongst myself and many others.

Saint Louis Architecture is robust at the moment - not only do you have HOK's new US Soccer Stadium (across from the Union Station Downtown) estimated for completion this summer, many more mixed-use, hospitality, and multi-family projects are written on the docket.

Chicago's urban center certainly has a different vibe, but one to be inspired by! Once immersed in the landscape of skyscrapers, towers, and unique attractions, you can't help but feel infatuated with Chicago trust me, the Architectural Boat Tour is just the beginning! My first night, As I stood on the 103rd floor Skydeck at Willis Tower and gazed ahead towards to the glistening sunset, all pedestrian matters fell to the wayside. Instead you feel so high you can touch the sky and the sun. Further out you can see and higher you feel, the possibilities are endless!

Further out you can see and higher you feel, the possibilities are endless!
        

Partaking in business - the time spent amongst AEC professionals made my experience that much more valuable! Three years now into my role as Manager of The Resource Center @ AIA St. Louis , I have since met some of the most dedicated, caring, and intelligent people ever in my career! Building quality relationships, whether long-term or for a brief photo-op (with my new bestie Pink Panther with Owens Corning), is what keeps architecture alive and attracts new faces toward the profession! From the building manufacturer rep to the A&D practitioner, everyone makes a difference in the building.

"Building quality relationships, both long-term and for photo-ops (like with my new bestie Pink Panther with Owens Corning), is what keeps architecture alive and attracts new faces toward the profession!"        

Moving forward, the future of architecture has yet to truly define itself. Ranging from consultations with clients, sourcing materials, unexpected time delays, and simple , we all have a lot to consider. Perhaps all of these buildings may oversaturate an already ballooning market contractors are speeding to catch up -- maybe the types of structures architects create won't be well received by public (especially its community members) -- potentially we'll look toward building out-of-this-world towers literally off Earth! Who knows?! What I do know is that the exhilaration I already feel in seeing the possibilities grew exponentially at A'22!

Social constructs are challenging us to better connect with each other. As a society, we owe our fellow citizens the right to grow and adapt along said architecture. I propose while designing, we keep mindful of these points:

1. Engage and enlighten those who will eventually incorporate these buildings into their daily lives.
2. Invite community members to the "drawing table" so they can share ideas on how they will most benefit from architecture.
3. Inspire - as we fill the pipeline for future architects, show us all how Architecture unites and encourages. One takeaway from President Obama's keynote speech is that despite averting from his dream of practicing architecture, "[his] love for architecture has never gone away."

I say let's act in the same love which drew us all into architecture in the first place!