Inevitably, change moves us forward without stopping. My children are already in high school and relish when they can identify another grey hair on my head and any evidence that I am, as they claim, “from the age of the dinosaurs.” Their case grows stronger when I have to admit that hand-held calculators were the new technology of the day when I was in high school. Laptop computers, the internet, emails and cell phones just did not exist when I was their age. Changes in communications and information technologies over my lifetime have accelerated faster than ever.
We often forget, however, that humans are wired to change slowly. Some think that all this technology makes working and learning in the presence of others a thing of the past, but that’s not the preference that people have exhibited. Edward Glaeser, professor of economics at Harvard University, in his brilliant new book entitled Triumph of the City says “faxes, e-mails, and video conferencing were all supposed to eliminate the need for face-to-face meetings, yet business travel has soared over the last twenty years. To defeat the human need for face-to-face contact, our technological marvels would need to defeat millions of years of human evolution that has made us into machines for learning from the people next to us.”
This reminds me of an AIA board meeting we had last year at Virginia Tech. About two thirds of the board went to Virginia Tech and one third decided to connect by video conference. Even though video and audio reception was great, we felt disconnected from those on the video. Why? Perhaps the answer is in Blink, a book by Michael Gladwell. He describes that our very subtle body and facial gestures play a significant role in how we communicate with others. The resulting impact of communication is so much more powerful when we are physically next to someone. It’s like the difference between visiting a building in person and reading a book about a building. The experience of being there has an entirely different dimension.
Our regional Associate AIA director pointed out that the AIA creates many events where we can meet, but we must work to make them more relevant. That is precisely what the Virginia Society AIA has done when shaping this year’s program for ArchEx. Architecture Exchange East — our regional conference in Richmond, Virginia — is the mid-Atlantic’s largest conference and expo for architects. Sessions are relevant to students, emerging professionals and seasoned professionals. ArchEx brings real experiences and people together in one location.
If you are an emerging professional or student, take part in a series of sessions that are tailored to your needs. There are sessions about interviewing in this tough economy, designing your best mentoring experience, portfolio reviews, and much more. Celebrate newly registered architects at CONNECTIONS, our opening reception. Most of all, you will have the opportunity to meet architects who want to help you create a successful career path in architecture.
Custom prefab by Michelle Kaufmann, photo by John Swain
Hear from top designers in architecture, including ArchEx’s Keynote Speaker Michelle Kaufmann as she proposes rethinking the business of architecture. She is called the “Henry Ford of green homes.” If you are like me, you will buy a signed copy of her new book, Prefab Green, in the convention products exhibition hall.
Practioners, women and designers – there is something for each one of you! We are fortunate to have the National AIA Practice Knowledge Community bring a provocative and inspirational program about practice management to challenge existing paradigms. Virginia Women in Design will have a series discussing the challenges faced by women in the profession. Designers will have their choice of tours, presentations about Master Architects, a series about sacred architecture, and more. Hear critiques and commentary directly from the jury chairs for the design award programs.
I’m just touching the tip of the iceberg, but see for yourself! ArchEx is the place to get together, exchange information, and learn. I hope to see you there in person on November 2–4!
JIM
James P. Clark, AIA
VSAIA President