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National Architecture Week has come again. This is an annual celebration supported by the American Institute of Architects. This year it landed on 4/8-4/14 but locally we decided to celebrate the following week. National Architecture Week, or ArchWeek, as I like to call it is a time to showcase the positive role architects play in our communities and highlight the power of design.

From recent history, in 2009, we went on a blogging marathon. In 2010, AIA San Joaquin hosted a full slate of engaging events related to architecture. In 2011 we did another action packed series of events.
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This year we are partnering with a few groups (AIA San Joaquin, Creative Fresno, Central California CAL Bears Alumni Association, and the Downtown and Community Revitalization Division, City of Fresno) to bring you more design, architecture, and history. Please check out the schedule below.
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Monday 4/16 – PechaKucha Night Fresno Volume 15

Kick off National Architecture Week 20×20 with PechaKucha Night Fresno. PechaKucha is a longstanding Creative Fresno event that started in Tokyo. It highlights design professionals in a creative format. Presenters show 20 images for 20 seconds each. The result is a dynamic presentation under 7 minutes long. Theme for the evening is Structure.

7pm
Fulton 55
Fulton & Divisadero (map)
$5 general, $3 CF or AIA members

Tuesday 4/17 – Fresno’s Architectural Heritage: the Cal Connection

From Julia Morgan (1894) and Ernest Kump Jr. (1932) to more recent grads such as Paul Halajian (1984, 1988), U.C. Berkeley has profoundly shaped Fresno’s architectural landscape. The forum: “Fresno’s Architectural Heritage: the Cal Connection” will explore how Berkeley pedagogy and philosophy have been adapted to the climate and demographics of the San Joaquin Valley.

The free program will include a slide overview by Karana Hattersley-Drayton (1978, 1996) of the Fresno work of 15 or so Berkeley grads. Following Ms. Drayton’s presentation, Paul Halajian will chair a panel of Cal Bears including James Oakes (1951), Martin Temple (1958) and Robin Goldbeck (1980). Kiel Famellos-Schmidt (2005) will conclude the evening with a Pecha-Kucha style presentation on the work of Berkeley architects in this area.

7pm
Fulton 55
Fulton & Divisadero (map)
Free

Wednesday 4/18 – Chapter Social

Meet architect and fans of architecture alike at an informal gathering at a local firm. Mingling with your colleagues and meet others passionate about architecture. Appetizers and drinks will be provided by AIA San Joaquin. The location will be the Central California offices of HMC Architects.

6pm
HMC Architects
1827 E. Fir Avenue, Studio 103 (map)

Many thanks to our partners and a s/o to Anti Laboratories for the sharp design work.
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PechaKucha Night was devised in Tokyo in February 2003 as an event for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

It has turned into a massive celebration, with events happening in hundreds of cities around the world, inspiring creatives worldwide. Drawing its name from the Japanese term for the sound of “chit chat”, it rests on a presentation format that is based on a simple idea: 20 images x 20 seconds. It’s a format that makes presentations concise, and keeps things moving at a rapid pace. Read more from PechaKucha Global.

PechaKucha Night was brought to you by Creative Fresno in December of 2008. We’ve now on our 7th volume of the event. After this event we will have showcased 74 creative presentations in this concise format to full capacity crowds. This presentations have led to an increased awareness about design in Fresno, has led to collaborations, and even business for local creatives.

For the 2nd day of National Architecture Week, please join us Monday evening at The Starline. Come at 7pm to get a drink and a good seat. Presentations will begin a 7:30. It will be a great creative evening that bridges architecture, photography, education, graphic design and mural art.

List of presenters