AIA Committee on Design Spring Conference 2026
Registration is open for the Committee on Design Spring Conference 2026!
Register today for COD Spring Conference 2026
This spring, the AIA Committee on Design turns its attention to Chicago—the “Second City” that stands proud and plays second fiddle to none. Shaped by its lake, river, and canals, Chicago’s waterways have long influenced how the city functions, grows, and connects with its people. We are excited to open the conference with an iconic architectural boat tour, offering a uniquely Chicago perspective on design, infrastructure, and civic life.
Chicago provides the perfect backdrop for this year’s theme: Third Places—Architecture that Belongs to Everyone. Third places exist beyond home (the first place) and work (the second place); they are the settings where people gather, linger, socialize, and build community. In Chicago, these places are found everywhere—from riverwalks and neighborhood parks to libraries, cultural institutions, streetscapes, and informal civic spaces shaped by everyday use.
Throughout the conference, we will explore third places across a range of scales, settings, and neighborhoods, examining both their shared qualities and their distinctions. We will experience the design strategies that make these spaces inclusive, resilient, and engaging—places that invite participation and foster a sense of belonging. The program will celebrate Chicago’s internationally recognized architectural landmarks alongside lesser-known yet equally meaningful contemporary and modern works, revealing how architecture can serve as a powerful framework for public life.
Book your hotel by March 18
The deadline to book your room is March 18, 2026—secure your spot today before rooms sell out!
Discover how discrete event simulation can optimize health care facility design by improving patient flow, resource use, and operational performance through data-driven, evidence-based design
