Rewarding Architecture

by Jonas Raab

It means something when architects from around the region flock to one city for more education, and to exchange design philosophies.

To many, Philadelphia is an undisputed leader in architectural achievement, a city that has had its share of famous and great architects. John Haviland—the architect of the Franklin Institute, Eastern State Penitentiary and The Walnut Street Theatre—came to Philadelphia in 1816 and was one of the few professional architects in the city during the early 19th century. The works of Robert Smith have been a part of the Philadelphia skyline for more than two centuries. He is considered by some to be the foremost "carpenter-architect" of the colonial period, and his Christ Church steeple is still an eye-catcher in Old City.

Local design advocates argue that Philadelphia will continue to cultivate new generations of creative and innovative architects. To that end, the Philadelphia chapter of the American Institute of Architects will host Design on the Delaware, a regional professional-education conference, at the Union League next Friday and Saturday (Oct. 15 and 16).

The two-day conference includes courses in four educational disciplines: design, community design, professional practice and building technology. The program will feature keynote speeches by the AIA's Richard Gluckman, the architect for the renovations and additions to the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Steve Badanes, a founder of Jersey Devil, an architectural firm perpetuating the tradition of medieval craftsmen.

Exhibitors include companies from the lighting, glass, brick, paint, furniture, professional practice and technology fields, such as American Floor Systems Inc. and Benjamin Moore and Company.

The AIA will also present their awards for design excellence during an Oct. 14 event at the Loews Hotel, 12th and Market streets. Nineteen awards will be presented in three categories: Built Projects, Un-built Projects and Preservation Projects. The Young Architect Award and the John Harbeson Award for Lifetime Achievement will also be announced.

Along with the awards, the works of 87 AIA member firms in Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Chester counties will be showcased in an exhibit at the Rotunda at the Shops at Liberty Place through Oct. 31. The projects being exhibited range from the Phillies Citizen Bank Park to the Jacksonville (Fla.) Zoo.

For more information, contact Pat Schwartz (e-mail preferred) at pat@aiaphila.org, call 215/569-3186 ext. 105 or see www.aiaphila.org.