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Message from AAO Executive Director Michael Wood
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Over the past several days, the architecture field has been speaking out. It’s a start. But where will it lead us?
I can’t help but think each and every one of us carries regrets that we have not been able to do more to improve our communities. In my mind I keep revisiting a specific moment from our 2014 AAO Conference in Washington, DC when former NEA Design Director Jason Schupbach was interviewing the wonderfully wise Mary Rowe. Mary had been delivering remarks about ways architecture organizations can build coalitions to strengthen cities. An audience member asked her about resilience, and, without hesitation, Mary said, “If you really want to build more resilient communities, get your race relations right. It all starts there.” And here we are five years later… 50 years later… 100 years later…
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I went back and dug up Mary’s slides. Just look at the coalition she managed to form over a few months in response to Superstorm Sandy. This is what designers do in times of crisis. What’s stopping our field from responding like this now for racial justice?
One of the great powers of the AAO Network is the sharing of ideas. In times like these, it's important to come together and support each other as we grow and change. If you are the leader of an architecture organization, I know it can be trying work. Please, join us at our next meeting. We need to act together.
Sincerely,
Michael Wood
Executive Director
Association of Architecture Organizations
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AAO Network Member Discussions
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AAO is organizing networking meetings for architecture organization staff, including the following:
Visit the AAO Network Meetings webpage often for new additions and resources from past meetings.
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Do you have a topic you'd like to discuss with other AAO members? Contact Us and we'll put you in touch with other organizations facing the same challenges.
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Inspiration From Architecture Organizations
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As many organizations remain closed due to the pandemic, we've seen more and more creative presentations of programming online. Here's a selection of recent virtual programs by AAO Members to inspire your own efforts:
- Story Time: The Westcott House tapped Peter Exley, incoming AIA President, for a reading of "Iggy Peck, Architect."
- Tours: Los Angeles Conservancy presents immersive 360˚ virtual architecture tours using Google Poly.
- Design Education: RIBA has posted a set of unique at-home projects for older kids.
- Fundraising: Remember when we learned about Guess-A-Sketch at the 2013 Conference? This year you can join in the fun via Zoom on June 18.
- Live Lectures from CAMP and SPUR are archived for all to watch: Center for Architecture and Metropolitan Planning (Prague) partnered with Dezeen to present Kengo Kuma; SPUR (California) hosted "What It Will Take to Reopen Cities" with Richard Florida.
For even more inspiration, visit the AAO Member Program Highlights webpage to view a collection of exemplary online offerings.
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Addressing Systemic Racism: Resources for Architecture Orgs
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We've begun to compile a list of resources that focus on practical steps museums, arts/culture, and architecture organizations can take to address systemic racism and racial bias within their own organizations. It's a work in progress; if you or your organization would like to submit tools, reading materials, or other resources you would like to contribute, please email us at aao@architecture.org.
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COVID-19 Resources for Architecture Orgs
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Virtual Conferences
This year, MuseWeb (formerly Museums and the Web) held their conference online and experimented with new ways to use technology to connect people. Pictured above: conference attendees network in a Second Life virtual world as avatars. Read reflections on the conference from both the organizer and an attendee.
Reopening Plans and Language
Taliesin in Wisconsin began in-person tours on June 1. They are taking steps to keep guests and employees safe by reducing capacity, installing plexiglass shields at registers, changing cleaning policies and more. Read how Taliesin describes the changes they've made to limit the spread of COVID-19.
More Resources
For more, view AAO's Resources for New Ways of Working and Learning during the pandemic.
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AAO welcomes new individual member Cindy Olnick (Los Angeles, CA).
If your nonprofit would benefit from networking and sharing resources with other architecture and design organizations, consider joining the Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO).
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Please send e-news submissions or comments to aao@architecture.org.
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About AAO
The Association of Architecture Organizations (AAO) is an international member-based network dedicated to enhancing public dialogue about architecture and design. Learn more at aaonetwork.org.
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AAO Membership
We depend on you. The experience and talent of our members drives the AAO Network and helps forge a collective identity for our growing field of practitioners devoted to enhancing public dialogue about architecture, urbanism, and culture. If you are not a member, show your support and become a member today!
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AAO Funding Partners
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