AWARDS
ARCHITECTURA OBSCURA, DESIGN AWARDS & TINY HOME/ADU COMPETITION
Kristopher Barkley, AIA
DESIGN AWARDS &
ARCHITECTURA OBSCURA CHAIR
Dreyfuss + Blackford Architecture
Anyone who has taken an art class has probably been exposed to the idea of seeing. When
drawing or painting an object or landscape, artists are taught to really look at their subject and
see what is there from a much less casual perspective. The artist can then creatively express
an interpretation of what they see and evoke a sense of feeling or personal viewpoint in their
work.
It is the same with photography. As an artistic endeavor, the photographer can take great
care in seeing their subject. As the technology of photography has advanced, now nearly everyone
has the means to capture the world around them and share their artistic vision.
The Architectura Obscura Photography Competition, established by AIA Central Valley
Chapter, has three simple goals: increase awareness of architecture and design; provide a
stronger connection of non-architects to the profession of architecture; and provide a creative
outlet that can be experienced by all who choose to participate.
Our traditional gallery-quality print submissions continue as the core focus of Architectura
Obscura, but the competition also includes digital submissions through Instagram. This
allows everyone to fully participate in seeing architecture in new ways.
The Chapter’s Design Awards Program also provides us with a unique opportunity to
truly “see” architecture and gain a better understanding about why we feel the way we do
when experiencing well-designed spaces. Please visit pages 28-35 to see this year’s awardreceiving
projects, as well as the Emerging Professionals Tiny Home/ADU competition award
recipients.
Enjoy!
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SPECIAL PROMOTIONAL SUPPLEMENT
Go to aiacv.org/exparch to register 27