This page lists events that are open to the public and are free unless otherwise noted. If you are an architect seeking additional credit-bearing education classes, please visit AIA Philadelphia's events page by clicking here.
Building Philadelphia: Architecture, History, & Politics
10 consecutive Tuesday evenings: March 26 - May 28, 2013, 6 to 8 p.m.
Registration required. To register, click here.
Individual Lectures: $20 General Admission, $15 Member of AIA Philadelphia / Center for Architecture / Preservation Alliance / Landmarks, $10 Students w/ Valid ID
Full Series: $150 General Admission, $100 Member of AIA Philadelphia / Center for Architecture / Preservation Alliance / Landmarks, $50 Students w/Valid ID
Did you ever wonder how Philadelphia got it's skyline? Join us for our entertaining and enlightening annual lecture series, featuring talks by some of Philadelphia's most distinguished scholars on how Philadelphia came to be the city it is today. Topics include architecture, urban planning, history, and social sciences. Those who attend at least eight of the lectures are invited to continue training on Tuesday evenings for several weeks after the series to become volunteer tour guides for the Philadelphia Center for Architecture and/or the Preservation Alliance of Greater Philadelphia - a terrific opportunity for students seeking to expand their immersion in Philadelphia's rich history, for business professionals seeking a creative outlet for their passion for Philadelphia, and for recently retired individuals (or couples!) looking for ways to stay engaged with their community and to share their knowledge with visitors. Discounted pricing is available for those who purchase the entire package.
Schedule of Lectures:
March 26 - Penn's Plan and the Founding of the City
John Andrew Gallery, Former Executive Director
Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
April 2 - From Colonial Capitol to the Athens of America: Georgian, Federal, & Greek Revival
Richard Webster, PhD, Professor Emeritus, West Chester University
April 9 - Romantic Philadelphia: Eclecticism of Style
Richard Webster, PhD, Professor Emeritus, West Chester University
April 16 - The Victorian City
Jeffrey Cohen, PhD, Bryn Mawr College
April 23 - Immigration to the City
Caroline Golab, PhD, Thomas Jefferson University
April 30 - Going on Stilts: The Tall Building in 19th c. Philadelphia
Paula Spilner, PhD, Drexel University
May 07 - Planning the Modern City: The Parkway and Society Hill
David Brownlee, PhD, University of Pennsylvania
May 14 - Digging in the City of Brotherly Love
Rebecca Yamin, PhD, John Milner Associates, Inc.
May 21 - Misfits and Heroes: Modernism in the Delaware Valley
William Whitaker, Curator, Architectural Archives
University of Pennsylvania
May 28 - Ed Bacon and the Future of Philadelphia
TBD
Upcoming Events
Architecture in Film
2012/13 Series Theme: The Future & Futurism
First Monday of each Month, October - June
6:30 p.m. reception & introduction, 7 p.m. film
This monthly series is hosted by John DeFazio, AIA, Architect & Associate Professor @ Drexel University. Films begin with a discussion of the relevant themes and elements to notice during the screening and are followed by an informal discussion. Films are generally shown on the first Monday of each month. Join us before every film at 6:30pm for a wine and cheese reception. $10 donation requested at the door.
June 3 - Barbarella (1968, Roger Vadim)
BOOK TALK: Ed Bacon: Planning, Politics, and the Building of Modern Philadelphia (2013, Gregory Heller)
Thursday, May 15, 2013
6 - 7:30 p.m.
FREE
Registration Required. To register, click here.
Join author Gregory Heller as he shares highlights from his new biography - the first - of world-renowned city planner Ed Bacon (1910-2005), one of Philadelphia's most controversial public figures and a giant force who shaped much of the Philadelphia we know today. This brand-new book will be available for sale at the event and the author will be signing books after his talk.
Design and Philadelphia: Women In Architecture Scholarship fundraiser featuring Inga Saffron
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
6 - 9 p.m.
Presented by: AIA Philadelphia Women In Architecture Committee
Cost: $20 student / $40 AIA / $50 non-AIA/ $250 scholar supporter
Registration required. To register, click here.
Women In Architecture is proud to present its inaugural Scholarship Event to promote open discussion of design topics affecting the Greater Philadelphia region while benefiting a student's pursuit of architecture. The program will begin with a keynote address by Inga Saffron, notable Philadelphia Inquirer Architecture Critic. The program will then continue with a moderated interactive discussion whereby audience input will be formulated into an editorial piece for submission to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Come join us for what is sure to be an exciting and thought provoking event bringing together professionals from throughout the region.
About the scholarship:
Help support the education of a future designer! The proceeds from this event will go towards an inaugural scholarship awarded to a deserving graduating senior female student at The Charter High School For Architecture + Design (CHAD) who will be pursuing a college degree in the field of architecture and design. The scholarship will provide funds towards tuition, books, and/or supplies. The presentation of this award will be made at an upcoming WIA event.
Thank you to our sponsors:
Francis Cauffman, and The Lighting Practice
You can support the scholarship at Scholar level of $250 which comes with one ticket to the program.
Or you can make a contribution of any amount to the scholarship. To make a contribution, please send a check, payable to the Center for Architecture, to WIA Scholarship, AIA Philadelphia, 1218 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA 19107. Sponsor opportunities are available. For information, contact Pat Gourley at pat@aiaphila.org.
Ongoing Events
Emergence of a Modern Metropolis walking tour
Tours depart and tickets available from the AIA Bookstore, located at the front of the Center for Architecture
Warm Season (April - October): Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays @ 2pm
Cold Season (November - March): Saturdays only @ 2pm
$15 Adults, $5 Children under 12
Click here to buy tickets!
Experience the transformation of Philadelphia from an engine of industry to a 21st century capital of business and culture. Featuring the architecture and urban design of the city, the Center for Architecture's walking tour will introduce you to the Modern Metropolis of Philadelphia. The tour explores Philadelphia's diverse range of architecture from the 1870s to the present, discovering the social, economic, and political forces that shaped the modern cityscape.
Design Advocacy Group Monthly Meetings
First Thursday of every month
8 to 10 a.m.
The Design Advocacy Group of Philadelphia is a volunteer organization whose more than 1,300 members come from a broad spectrum of disciplines and share an interest in design, development, and planning. DAG’s mission is to encourage public discussion about design and to advocate for design excellence.
