2023 Experience Architecture

Architectura Obscura Photography Exhibition & Reception

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Experience architecture through photography! View entries from this year’s public Architectura Obscura Photography Competition at the exhibit (open to the public!) and attend the reception on October 4th!

Both the exhibit and reception will take place at The Winn Center for Architecture and Construction—which houses Consumnes River College’s construction, architecture, pharmacy technology, and photography programs.

Check out the exhibit on weekdays, from October 4th to October 26th. Attend the Reception / Award Presentation on Wednesday, October 4, from 5:30-7:00 p.m where we will honor the winners and celebrate all 2023 Architectura Obscura Photography Competition entrants.

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.

Giving Sunday: in support of Futures Explored

Sun, Oct. 8th | All-day | Virtual
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Futures Explored has a vision that aligns with AIA Central Valley’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion: creating inclusive futures for all. They envision a world where individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities have equal opportunities, are included, and are empowered to make their own decisions. Led by the choices of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, Futures Explored creates equitable access to relevant programs, supports, and advocacy. Their programs and services include: Community Connections, Employment + Education, Film + Media, and Personal Wellness.

Their story began on January 6, 1964 in Lafayette, California, with a small group of young adults, their parents and the founding Director, Helen Young. The group included six individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities who made hand-crafted items for sale and the program was staffed mostly by volunteer parents. At the time there were few, if any, programs and services for adults with developmental disabilities. Decades later, Futures Explored provides impactful programming that benefits neurodiverse individuals across Northern California.

AIACV invites you to donate and support the important work of Futures Explored as part of Experience Architecture. You may also visit the Sacramento location of Futures Explored by attending Re-framing the American Dream: 2500 R Street Case Study; they are our host for the presentation portion of this event.

Re-framing the American Dream: 2500 R Street Case Study

Thurs. Oct 12th | 5 – 7 pm
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Located on a two-acre site along the R Street light rail corridor in Midtown Sacramento, this 34-unit single-family home community designed by Ellis Architecture for Pacific Housing Inc. is oriented to take full advantage of solar power. These energy-efficient homes which start at 1300 sf and have single-car garages were designed to generate and store electricity with a unique battery storage system.  

The design responds to the challenge of relating to the context of the traditional homes in the neighborhood and the pace and industrial nature of the R Street corridor. Although close in proximity to neighboring homes, thoughtfully placed windows, balconies, and varied articulation of the façade give a sense of individuality and privacy for each home in relationship to the design of the urban community as a whole.

This session provides an opportunity to look back and consider lessons learned that may be applied to future projects.

Hands-On Architecture: Learn, Build, Sketch & Color for Kids

Sat. Oct 15th | 12 – 1:30 pm REGISTER

A family-friendly activity designed to help children 12 and under learn about architecture through children’s books on architecture and hands-on activities including building, sketching, and coloring.

The event will have two stations: a book reading and hands-on activity from the Chapter’s Architecture by the Book program and a coloring station.

Activities are led by architect volunteers, and are designed for kids up to middle-school age, who must come with a parent or guardian. All materials will be provided. 

Sac State + AIACV Social Mixer & SAY IT LOUD Exhibit

Tues, Oct. 17th | 4 – 5:30 pm
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Come join us for an informal meet and greet with the upcoming talent from the Sacramento State Interior Architecture program. 

Check out student reflections from the A’23 conference, learn more about our local SAY IT LOUD professionals, and hear about exciting opportunities for partnership with Sac State’s evolving programs. We are also pleased to bring the internationally-recognized exhibition, SAY IT LOUD – California by Beyond the Built Environment, to this great event to elevate the contributions of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and women designers and architects.

Tour d’architecture Bike Ride

Sat, Oct. 21st | 10 am – 1 pm
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Hop on your bike for an approximately 8 – 10 mile ride through Downtown Sacramento.

Hop on your bike for an 8 to 10 mile-loop through downtown Sacramento that includes secret tours and insider views of exciting new projects. We will make about a dozen stops to visit new housing projects, offices, rooftop terraces, and parks, with commentary from the design Architects and other team members. Slated projects include:

• Richards Boulevard Office Complex – 1,250,00 SF campus comprising 4 mid-rise office buildings on a 17.4 acre site (Hensel Phelps, ZGF, Dreyfuss & Blackford)
• Sacramento Criminal Courthouse – 18-story, 543,000 SF Courthouse in the Sacramento Railyards (Clark, NBBJ)
• ARY Place Affordable Housing – Newest CADA complex comprising 159 affordable apartments, public and commercial/retail space. (CADA, CY Development, Kuchman Architects)
• 9B – Award-winning duplex townhouse project on the Broadway corridor, now nearing completion. (Indie Capital, Johnsen Schmaling Architects
• LPAS Headquarters – a 100+ year old industrial building, repurposed as a 21st century architectural studio. (LPAS Architects))

This event typically sells out, please register early!

UCDH California Tower – Designing for the Future
Presented by the AAH Committee

Tue, Oct. 24th | 4 – 6 pm
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The University of California Davis Health’s California Tower project is a million square feet, 334-bed patient tower located at the medical center in Sacramento. At $3.7B construction, it is the largest hospital progressive design-build project in the country.

UC Davis Health, McCarthy Construction Companies and SmithGroup will present a comprehensive overview of the project. Topics covered will include exterior and interior design concepts, medical planning innovations specific to the adaptable acuity patient room, and the opportunities and challenges of delivering this megaproject via progressive design/build. Additionally, the team will share their collective perspectives about how to invest time and resources to align the entire 600-person team for the benefit of the project. We will reserve a significant amount of time for Q&A for the audience.

Join the chapter’s AAH Committee, SmithGroup, UC Davis Health, and McCarthy Construction Company for a wonderful opportunity to network and learn more about this project!

Design Awards Celebration

Thurs, Oct. 26th | 6 – 9 pm
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Enjoy an evening of design excellence as AIA Central Valley honors its 2023 Design Awards and Emerging Professional Design Competition recipients! The event includes a reception, exhibition, delicious meal, and fast-paced presentations on the award-winning projects. Join us at the lovely Hyatt House and its Star Lounge for this special event organized by the AIA Central Valley Design Awards Committee.

The AIA Central Valley Design Awards Program recognizes excellence in the categories of architecture, interior architecture and reconstruction / renovation with opportunities for additional recognition of sustainable design (COTE) and healthcare projects (AAH). The program also includes a Divine Detail category, which Design Award entrants may enter at no additional charge, and a Regional Recognition Award, which is open to AIA members from other AIA Chapters for projects located within our 17-county Chapter area.