| Volume 15, No. 4 - April 28, 2021 |
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 Capital Yacht Club, by Cunningham | Quill Architects (more info) |
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This issue of BLAST is sponsored by Ames & Gough Insurance / Risk Management Inc., CH Briggs and Loewen Windows & Doors |
Save the Date - Spring Social on May 12 Our Spring Social offers a chance for us all to get together and visit, in a virtual way. We are using Gather to create a meeting space to interact with colleagues and friends in real time. Watch for your invitation soon.Thank you to our Spring Social Patron, E.E. Reed Construction-East Coast, LLC, and our Spring Social Sponsors: CADD Microsystems, CH BRIGGS, Potomac Valley Brick, Shannon Mullins & Wright, LLP and TW Perry Celebrating Equity through DeafSpace Design: An Exploration of Gallaudet University April 30, 12:30p What would our cities and campuses look like if they were designed to be inclusive for the deaf and hard of hearing?  DeafSpace is an emerging approach to design and architecture that is informed by the unique sensory experience and culture of those who rely on visual and tactile environments. Join the AIA Northern Virginia Committee on Architecture for Education, AIA Virginia, and Gallaudet University for a jointly held virtual film and discussion to learn more about this type of equitable design and how it can improve our learning environments and cities.The panelists are:
Sketches Competition – Deadline Extended to May 3 Architects and architecture students in the Northern Virginia area are invited to submit up to three travel sketches which will be juried by artists from the Torpedo Factory Arts Center. Details on submission requirements are available here. Demand for Design Services Continues to Rapidly Escalate  Strengthening to a score not seen since pre-Great Recession, the Architecture Billings Index (ABI) logged its second positive mark since the beginning of the pandemic, according to a report issued on April 21 by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).AIA's ABI score for March rose to 55.6 compared to 53.3 in February (any score above 50 indicates an increase in billings). Scores for both new projects inquiries and new design contracts strengthened to 66.9 and 55.7 respectively. March also marked the first time in three years all building sectors and regions posted positive scores. "As business activity at architecture firms moves sharply toward recovery, it is very encouraging to simultaneously see such positive indicators of future project work increasing in the pipeline," said AIA Chief Economist, Kermit Baker, Hon. AIA, PhD. "The activity architecture firms are seeing is a positive bellwether not only for the construction outlook, but also for the larger economy." Key ABI highlights for March include:
 WIA Communications Workshop: Active Listening, Self-Awareness in Communication Style, & EmpathyThe WIA Communications series continues with this session, presented by Jen Brown, founder of The Engaging Educator. Active listening and thoughtful responding are two incredible ways to tap into your own skills and build connections in an authentic manner. Participants will leave with actionable steps to level up communication skills and a handout with further learning and readings. All are welcome to attend. The workshop series is sponsored by Shalom Baranes Associates. Learn more. Quick Notes... AIA Conference on Architecture 2021 ... announces José Andrés as keynote speaker on June 17... other sessions on July 8, July 29, and August 19 [info]... SolarizeAlexandria helps residents and business owners install affordable solar power systems... the program runs through June 30 [info]... AIA Young Architects Forum releases publication Connection... Q1 focuses on climate action [info]... Architect's primer on renewable energy... AIA's starter guide to help members meet their client’s goals while contributing to a more sustainable, distributed electric grid... [info]... ARE Prep Series continues... three sessions remain in May, June and July [info]... Awards and Opportunities Due May 1 – 2021 AIA National Photography Competition Due May 3 – AIA Northern Virginia Travel Sketches Due Due May 5 – 2021 AIA/ACSA Intersections Research Conference Call for Papers Due June 2 – Modernism in America Awards |
Design News
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 Job BoardAs a benefit to our members, we maintain a Job Board of local postings. Pay us a visit for postings from: Bowie Gridley Architects, Maginniss + del Ninno Architects, LeMay Erickson Willcox Architects, Architecture, Incorporated, George Mason University – Facilities Planning, Design and Construction, MV+A Architects, Powers Brown Architecture, Convene Architecture, O’Brien & Keane, and Moseley Architects. While always free for Chapter members, we are waiving all Job Board fees to share as many job opportunities as we can. We also maintain a resume library and share resumes with firms that are hiring. So please send us your resume to us at aianova@aianova.org. |
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Capital Yacht Club |
 Located in The Wharf redevelopment along the Washington Channel, the Capital Yacht Club is an iconic visual element that serves as a bridge, connecting both passersby and occupants of the building with the water.Responding to climate change, the building is situated 18" above the base flood elevation and sits atop a marine pier above the Channel (water side) and is anchored by the pedestrian promenade (land side). On level one, the entrance lobby aligns with a glass enclosed conference room and the building’s footprint is shifted off axis of the connecting street to ensure pedestrians walking along the promenade maintain a consistent visual connection to the river. Designed as a place of gathering and respite for the boating community, once you enter the building, you are immediately connected to and enveloped by the water. On level two, the large community room’s roof form tilts skyward to flood the space with natural daylight and unhindered views of the marina via a NanaWall, allowing a section of the facade to open completely onto the balcony. Stretching the entire waterside length of the building, the gracious balcony provides the viewer a connection with nature as if on the bow of a ship. Grounded in its 'place' on the river just beyond the cascading rapids of the Fall Line, layered variegated bluestone was chosen from a regional quarry to anchor the land side of the building. A nod to the copper sheathing of British ship hulls from the 1800's, pre-patinated silver-green zinc was selected for cladding the water side, augmented by large areas of glass. Horizontal wood louvers softly filter light into the building and wood soffits add an additional level of detail and warmth reminiscent of a boat’s trim and decking.  Photography © Alan Karchmer Architectural Photography |
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JUNE CALENDAR 3 |  WIA Committee Meeting6:00p. [info] 4 | Improving Indoor Air Quality 12:00p. [info] 5 | Protected Membrane Roof (PMR) Systems for Low Slope Roof Assemblies 12:30p. [info] 6 | Build It: Recyclable Design Competition Awards Ceremony 6:30p. [info] 10 | AIA Northern Virginia Board Meeting 4:30p. [info] 12 | Spring Social 5:00p. [info] 13 | Ceiling Systems for High Performing Schools 12:00p. [info] 15 | ARE Exam Series: Project Planning & Design 10:00a. [info] 17 | Legislative & Governments Affairs Planning Meeting 7:00p. [info] 18 | Brownfields: Restoring Value to Properties & the Community 12:00p. [info] 19 | Just Hanging Out on the Wall - Masonry Rainscreens 12:30p. [info] 20 | CAE Meeting (Committee on Architecture in Education) 12:00p. [info] 27 | Advanced Environmental Finishes for Windows and Doors 12:00p. [info] 27 | AIA Virginia: Large Firm Roundtable Meeting 12:00p. [info] 27 | AIA Virginia: Mid-Sized Firm Roundtable Meeting 12:00p. [info] 27 | AIA Virginia: Small Firm Roundtable Meeting 12:00p. [info] 27 | Emerging Professionals Roundtable Meeting 12:00p. [info] 28 | Design Awards Committee Meeting 12:30p. [info] Upcoming Dates to Note: June 1 - Lighting & Plug Load Controls June 12 - ARE Exam Series: Project Development and Documentation June 15 - Design Award Submissions Due Combined Virginia / West Virginia Event Calendar Now you can find all the webinars and architecture events in the region in one place. AIA chapters across Virginia and West Virginia are contributing to a combined calendar on the Inform Magazine site. AIA Northern Virginia Calendar | AIA|DC Calendar | AIA Potomac Valley Calendar | AIA Virginia Calendar | Branch Museum Calendar For additional information on any of these events, please contact the Chapter House at aianova@aianova.org. The Chapter House is located at 1101 Duke Street, Alexandria 22314. |