Experience Architecture

Architectura Obscura Photography Exhibition

Exhibit opens Friday October 1^st, runs through November 15^th | Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Experience architecture through photography! View entries to this year’s Architectura Obscura competition, displayed at the new American Institute of Architects California (AIA CA) zero-net carbon office: aiacalifornia.org/virtual-office-tour/

The purpose of the competition is to highlight the value and impact of architecture, both globally and within the Sacramento region, through the submission of high quality printed and electronic images.

Design|Access: Open Projects

Fri Oct 1st | 12 – 4 pm
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This popular program gives attendees a behind-the-scenes opportunity to see both known and “tucked-away” architecture projects first-hand in our region. Last year’s video submissions were so successful that moving forward the event will include a combination of in-person and video tours.  The on-site (in-person tour) locations will have an AIA architect available to discuss the project, provide information and answer questions.

This year’s tour focuses on rejuvenation and housing and features two stellar office renovation projects, a multi-family affordable apartment housing and a video tour of a new student housing project at UC Davis.

Kids Draw Architecture: Floyd Farms

Sun Oct 3rd | 10am – 12pm
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Kid’s Draw was originally created in 1988 by the Architectural Foundation of Santa Barbara to connect architects with children. This year we are excited to visit and draw Floyd Farms, a new state-of-the-art, green facility designed for the non-profit Food Literacy Center.

The 2.5-acre project includes a cooking school, where students will learn how to cook healthy meals, and a prep kitchen and training space for Center staff and volunteers to prepare future instructors and manage day-to-day operations. The project is the result of a partnership with the Sacramento City Unified School District (SCUSD), the City of Sacramento, The Mill at Broadway (which neighbors the school campus) and HMC Architects.

Kid’s Draw Architecture is open to children of all ages, who must come with a parent or guardian 18 or older to participate with them. Drawing materials, a light snack and water will be provided.  Bring your creativity and curiosity and come draw with architects!

The Time Has Come to Make the Fair Oaks Blvd. Corridor Plan a Reality

Mon Oct 4th | 5 – 6:30pm | Virtual
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The Corridor Plan presents concepts, goals and principles that frame a vision of Fair Oaks Boulevard as a “main street” fronted by tree-lined pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, storefront buildings and a balanced mix of commercial and residential uses, a beautiful boulevard creating a sense of place for those working, living and visiting Carmichael.

We’ll begin the session by reviewing what’s been done and remains to be done to achieve this vision. Our panel will then discuss what its realization could mean towards meeting the ever-more pressing need to build sustainable, equitable and affordable communities.

AIA CA Design Series: How We House / Central Valley

Wed Oct 6th | 12 – 1:30pm | Virtual | $0-15
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Co-hosted by the Council of Component Executives of California (CACE), How We House focuses on California’s housing crisis, its impact on different regions across the state, and local design approaches to providing housing solutions.

The four-part series started in August. The October session, co-presented by the AIA Central Valley desigNarrative Committee, will focus on the Central Valley region and include topics such as: the range of affordable housing types, energy and the California Utility Allowance Calculator (CUAC), how funding effects design and the viability of projects, the impact of location and community creation on residents, and suggested topics of legislative advocacy for the deign and building community.

Learn more about the series and view videos of the previous sessions here.

Please note, for this event, register directly with AIA CA (link above).

Celebrating Sacramento’s Living Certified Projects: Now & In the Future, in partnership with the City of Sacramento

Thu Oct 7th | 12 – 1:30pm | Virtual
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Did you know that Sacramento’s Arch Nexus office building is both the first Living Certified re-use project in the world, and the first Living Certified project in California? Or that the City of Sacramento is the first city in the world to achieve a Living Community Challenge Vision Plan for the new Sacramento Valley Station’s intermodel transportation hub? Sacramento is leading the way!

Attend this panel discussion to learn more about these two incredible groundbreaking projects and about the aspirational Living Building Challenge, a program that sets bold, yet achievable, goals that provide impactful and much-needed outcomes for our environment and the climate.

Panelists include Greg Taylor, AIA, Sacramento Valley Station Project Manager and Bruce Monighan, AIA Urban Design Manager, with the City of Sacramento; Patty Karapinar, AIA LEED-AP BD+C, WELL-AP and Brian Cassil of Arch Nexus.

2021 Excellence in Design Awards Presentation

Sat Oct 9th | 6 – 9 pm
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Join this virtual event to learn in-depth about the projects selected to receive an AIACV Design Award from the architects who designed them!

Presentation will include Regional Recognition, Divine Detail and Emerging Professional “Housing on the Edge” projects as well.

Giving Sunday: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento

Sun Oct 10th
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Each year as part of Experience Architecture, AIA Central Valley selects a local non-profit to center a community service day and donation drive. With housing as our theme, Habitat for Humanity is our benefactor this year. Please consider partnering with the Chapter in support of the impactful work this organization provides.

For more information visit the Habitat for Humanity website.