WELCOME
A MESSAGE FROM THE FOUNDER : Maria Ogrydziak , AIA
The Central Valley is a distinct , vibrant region of California . The climate , coupled with the drive and heart of its inhabitants , creates a place with a voice all its own .
The Central Valley region ’ s Experience Architecture event began in 2012 , known simply as the “ architecture festival .” As the newly elected president of the AIA Central Valley Chapter , I was inspired by the success of AIA San Francisco ’ s annual Architecture in the City event to create something local and unique to our region . With Kimberly Anderson , Hon . AIA CA , executive director of the AIA Central Valley , I visited AIA San Francisco to learn how the AIASF event was organized and funded . We left that visit excited about the possibilities and energized with ideas .
The outcome was an ambitious , 17-daylong festival with 23 events , custom-made for the Central Valley . AIACV members joined in to lead events where we invited the public to explore the unique design aspects of the region , to see first-hand how we create the built environment , to celebrate local architecture and design talent and to define together what makes our home so special .
The first festival ’ s events included Bike Tours to pedal to public art and architecture , to visit Mid-Century homes and commercial buildings , and explore popular Midtown Sacramento destinations . The Top of the City Tour gave participants exclusive access to amazing views of Sacramento and the surrounding valley landscape from five of its tallest buildings . We held a tour of the Sacramento Water Intake Structure focusing on its iconic design to bring home the concept of water ’ s regional importance and architecture ’ s integral part in the water story . We held an Architectural Photography Exhibit and Film Series ; a TEDx Sacramento at the Crocker Art Museum ; a Pecha Kucha Night on the steps of the Marrs Plaza ; panel discussions that highlighted urban agriculture , regional identity , land use and quality of life with respect to the global migration from rural areas to the city ; an Open House Night that shone the spotlight on Central Valley architecture firms ; and we were thrilled to host a VISIONARY presentation by the world-renowned Bjarke Ingels Group ( BIG ). Many of the original events have grown to become the core of Experience
Architecture . I am so proud of what this event is and will be : a time and place to focus on recognizing and defining Central Valley architecture , to spark conversations and ideas . We have fostered a dialogue within the community and given local architecture and architects greater visibility and a stronger voice locally and California-wide . We ’ ve had wonderful collaborations with community partners such as the City of Sacramento , the Crocker Art Museum , Preservation Sacramento and SacMod , to name just a few . Many of our amazing sponsors have been with us since the inaugural event . We are in awe and appreciation of their incredible support . Experience Architecture even persevered during the pandemic , going completely virtual in 2020 . The continuity of this event through the dedication of the volunteers and participants who make it happen each year has helped lead a movement to make Central Valley architecture understood , appreciated and valued .
As we move into our next decade of Experience Architecture , we intend to center our events as much as possible on specific topics such as housing , which will be our focus this year . We also want to grow our attendance and see more of our community learning , talking and , above all , enjoying the events and activities centered on our built environment .
Paul Menard , AIA | Building Official , UC Davis Health , Facilities Design & Construction Chapter President + 2021 Chair
EXPERIENCE ARCHITECTURE WITH A FOCUS ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING : LET ’ S GET AFTER IT !
Welcome to the AIA Central Valley ’ s 10th Experience Architecture public-outreach event , dedicated to facilitating greater transparency with the public in how architects create our built environment , how architecture impacts their daily lives , and to highlight our region ’ s unique architectural identity . Past Chapter President Maria Ogrydziak , AIA , and Executive Director Kimberly Anderson
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