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St. Luke's Episcopal Church--Calvin T. S. Brent completed 1876.

“Master Builders of the Nation’s Capital” Viewing
Friday, May 18
10:00 AM – 12:15 PM
Walter E. Washington Convention Center
Social Media Lounge, Expo Floor

Join us in the Social Media Lounge on the Expo Floor for “Master Builders of the Nation’s Capital.” This 90-minute documentary features the histories and biographies of African-American architects in DC. A panel discussion will follow.

“Master Builders: A Documentary Featuring African American Architects in the Nation’s Capital,” is the first in this genre to showcase the life and projects of pioneering African American architects at the end of the 19th century. Featured profiles include Calvin T.S. Brent, who is recognized as the first African American architect in Washington, DC, to declare himself an architect, and residential architect Lewis W. Giles, Sr., who is on record for having over 1,000 projects built in DC. This documentary tells an untold story of numerous other African American architects who paved the way, made countless contributions to the residents of Washington, DC and some would say to the United States, but most importantly contributions to the profession of architecture.

RSVP by May 9, by emailing diversityandinclusion@aia.org.

Phil Freelon, FAIA, of Freelon Adjaye Bond, and Lonnie Bunch, Director of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture

EV406 Celebrating Culture and Diversity in Architecture
Saturday, May 19
7:30 – 10:00 PM Time changed to 7:00 – 9:00 pm
$35

Join special guests Phil Freelon, FAIA, of Freelon Adjaye Bond and Dr. Lonnie Bunch, Director of the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, as they present “The National Museum of African American History and Culture: Design and History.”

Then remain with peers, friends, and allied professionals as we celebrate diversity in architecture in all of its forms—people, culture, practice, and more. Enter for your chance to win a 4-night island getaway for two, courtesy of Uptown Professional. Chill, party, mix, mingle, and network during this closing celebration in one of D.C.'s premier nightlife districts! Sponsored by The Smithsonian, Uptown Professional, and the AIA Diversity Council. Transportation not provided.

The panel discussion will focus on:
Architecture in the service of National Identity: Museums tell stories, the NMAAHC is the American story viewed through the lens of an underserved community, and how its tragedy, optimism, resiliency and beliefs have shaped American History.

Siting of a Museum on a National landmark: The siting of this Museum on the National Mall, and its connection to the urban local fabric, its pivotal, functional and symbolic place on the National Mall and in the history of the United States.

A National Museum as a response to model best practices in building design and construction and public process of engagement: Design and sustainability goals, involvement of reviewing agencies, and the Smithsonian outreach process.

Museum Design: Current trends of Museum Design and design of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

How To Register:
Attending Convention? Please register for this event by logging into the 2012 AIA National Convention web site.

Not attending convention? Onsite registration is available. RSVP at diversityandinclusion@aia.org.