september AIA baltimore president's message: Back to school

 

Once again we greet the coming fall wistfully looking back at the end of summer and its unrealized potential. Yet the fall season heralds a time of environmental change as well as a time for pause and retrospection as the educational cycle begins anew. The adventure of new places, experiences and educational opportunities draws the student forward. I still feel the nervous anticipation of the approaching school year, despite being far removed from sequential education. That said, we do go back to school every fall in so many ways.
There is great joy in a new adventure and in exploring unexamined interests. How many times has the clock stood still as we paged through books in our local library or bookstore? How often have you been lost in an exploration of Google Maps? These unstructured times allow us to free-think and imagine a future path or unseen opportunity. These random moments can occur suddenly and must be recognized, nurtured and appreciated as the educational sparks of our adult lives.
Our professional flints, AIA Baltimore and the Baltimore Architecture Foundation, offer many opportunities this fall to ignite our dormant interests in history, the City and design for our future. Collaboration with our organizational partners such as Baltimore Heritage, Preservation Maryland, NDC, BDC, USGBC, ULI, and ABC is increasing by the month. (Perhaps a chance to research an unknown acronym?) Baltimore City government is increasingly aware of our concerns and MICA and Morgan find critical support through our member’s contributions of time and talent. AIA Baltimore is confidently growing our membership and influence through our community involvement, professional programs, organizational collaboration and member commitment across the City and region. We seek and value your contribution to improve the quality of life in Baltimore.
Visit our Events Page regularly for the latest information on the many events on our calendar. One exciting upcoming event is the “Early Women of Architecture in Maryland” exhibit opening reception this Thursday. Explore modernism in Maryland with a Modernism Tour in Havre de Grace on October 10 featuring 24 mid-century buildings by the architect Poldi Hirsch. Historic Resources has a tour of the Parkway Theatre and Centre Theatre renovations on North Avenue on September 15. October is AIA|BAF Architecture Month, when we seek to celebrate and foster an appreciation for the built environment. Many events are scheduled and many opportunities are presented. Most prominently, the Design Awards Celebration is October 9 followed byDoors Open Baltimore on October 24, when over 50 buildings will be open from 10:00 am-4:00 pm. We seek your support in attendance and contributions.
Fall is upon us, school is in session, the joy of education is renewed. Explore our programs, attend an event, and join one of our 26 committee meetings every month. Find your spark. Discover an interest that may lead to a new adventure.
See you at the next one,

Rob Brennan, AIA
President, AIA Baltimore, 2015
Principal, brennan+company architects
View the original article on AIA Baltimore’s website.