This week marks the beginning of the sixth annual Architecture Week, a series of tours, workshops and competitions organized to celebrate Washington’s architecture. The event is sponsored by the D.C. chapter of the American Institute of Architecture, an organization founded in 1857 to promote architectural awareness.
Although Georgetown students have already missed the chance to tour neighborhood architecture firms, there are still many great events coming up.
This weekend, teams of the area’s best architects will compete in the annual CANstruction Build-Out, where the professionals display their creativity in the unique medium of soup cans. Creations range from classical temples and fire engines to farm animals and VW Bugs. The competition also helps to feed the homeless. At the end of the week, the can sculptures will be taken apart and donated to the Capital Area Food Bank. According to chapter director Mary Fitch, AIA DC has donated more than 200 tons of canned goods over the past six years. To vote in the competition, on-lookers can stop by 2000 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW all next week with canned food.
Canned food is not the only thing Washington architects give back to the community. During last year’s Architecture Week they designed a memorial garden at Leckie Elementary (4201 Martin Luther King Avenue SW) to honor the members of the school community who lost their lives on Sept 11, 2001. This year, the group will add to the garden by planting a new tree that will be dedicated on Saturday.
Among this year’s most innovative presentations is next Friday’s opening, Architecture Untethered, at the Numark Gallery (625 E Street NW). Modern artists use state of the art technology to create works inspired by architecture. All the artists will be present to discuss their work.
Below are some other promising events:
Walking Tour of 14th Street NW
Sunday, Sept 12
From 1 to 3 this Sunday take a tour of Washington’s revitalized 14th Street, as expert guides discuss the area’s rehabilitation. The tour begins at Luther Place Memorial Church, 1226 Vermont Avenue NW.
How to Work With an Architect
Monday, Sept 13
Learn the ins and outs of working with a Washington architect in this practical workshop.
AIA National, 1735 New York Ave. NW
Festival of Building Arts
Sunday, Sept 18
People of all ages can explore the world of building through interactive exhibits, including a house of cards. The festival is from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW.
All events are free. For more information, a full list of events and reservations, see the web site www.aiadc.com or call AIA DC at 202-667-1798.
