Women creating Community:
An Open Discussion About a New, More Diverse Generation of Architects' Influence on Local Communities
April 10

At the National Museum of Women In The Arts

Using information provided by citizens focusing on the AIA's 10 Principles of Livable Communities, a panel of architects created an open dialog exploring the impact of women and minority architects in the community. Using the principles, such as designing on a human scale, encouraging mixed-use development, offering a variety of transportation options, and considering design elements, participants considered communities and how women and minority architects are unique assets in their creation, as well as facilitators in creating positive change. The panel addressed the impact that design has on the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of neighborhoods. Which community design elements work and which don't? What creates strong communities and what hinders them? These were some of the questions that were addressed. To facilitate the discussion, the event featured a panel of distinguished women architects, including: Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA; Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA; and Kate Schwennsen, FAIA.


Kathryn Prigmore, FAIA; Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, FAIA; Kate Schwennsen, FAIA; photo by Debbie Burns

This Blueprint for America event was approved and partially sponsored by AIA National. It is the first of two Blueprinting events that our chapter is producing in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects.

In preparation for the event, a wide range of people were asked, "What makes livable communities?" Their responses were presented during the event as a touch stone. You can view or download a copy the presentation here. If the presentation doesn't display properly, get a free upgrade to the latest version of Adboe Acrobat Reader here.



Women creating Community Reception, photo by James Thompson

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