In solidarity with the surge of support for the BLM movement following George Floyd's death, the AIA UK issued a Board Statement on Systemic Racial Injustice. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion are integral to the mission of the board. To forefront these issues, the board created an EDI chair and contact; for further information, please email edi@aiauk.org.
credit: BDP
Operating in the ongoing shadow of the Covid-19 pandemic, the AIA UK continues to offer opportunities for education and networking, albeit in a more remote context. The "Architects on the Frontline" series on the AIA UK blog also lighights the work our members are doing to improve health and wellbeing during this crisis, including the design of the Nightingale Hospital by BDP.
credit: Grimshaw Architects
Building Tours have always been a well-attended part of the AIA UK's annual programme. This year, social distancing means our summer tours are being held remotely - but they're still a highlight for our membership. We held our first Virtual Building Tour in June: Grimshaw Architects guided attendees around their RIBA Sterling Prize shortlisted London Bridge Station. The recording can now be viewed via the AIA IR website HERE. Future tours are in the works, including a tour of the Londoner Hotel, which features one of the deepest habitable basements in the world.
credit: Karen Fugle
The UK chapter has also continued to hold events for Emerging Professionals including a webinar on US Licencing co-hosted with NCARB, and an interactive session on "Building Your Powerbase" with Executive Coach, Karen Fugle.
Sketch Credit: B. O’Looney
Upcoming events for the Chapter include a (socially-distanced) Bike & Sketching Tour from Slade Green to Greenwich due to take place in September, and the Annual Design Awards Gala which will be hosted at The Barbican Centre in October.
