From May 19–21, more than 19,000 architects and design professionals gathered in Philadelphia. They came for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Convention 2016, or #AIACon16.

Keynote speakers included a mix of industry professionals and public figures, such as well-known architects Neri Oxman, Rem Koolhaas and Mohsen Mostafavi. The speakers discussed upcoming trends in architecture and design. The current focus now is on innovation and sustainability.

Taking an Unconventional Approach at #AIACon16

Hon. FAIA and Pritzker Prize–winning architect Rem Koolhaasspoke about taking an unconventional approach to architecture.

Koolhaas discussed the importance of uniting preservation and innovation in architecture. Building on older structures and ideas means that a design is rooted in the history and community of its location. He explored a few ways existing architecture could benefit European refugees. As he put it, “In eastern Germany, there is an area where cities are almost completely abandoned and, partly with the help of architects, there’s an experiment of seeing if Syrian refugees who are highly educated, motivated, and committed can re-inhabit those territories.”

He said that strong architectural design isn’t just about architects. It’s also formed by the equally important contributions of engineers.

Seeing Sustainability as Integral to Design

On Day 2 of #AIACon16, Nexi Oxman—architect, designer and MIT professor—focused on the topic of “material ecology.”

Oxman views the future as one in which architecture will integrate biology, robotics and computational design. Her MIT lab is exploring the intersections between biology and design. For example, they’re researching the use of chitin (the material used in the exoskeletons of insects) in construction and design.

“The moment we generate a choice between beauty and utility is the moment we compromise our calling as designers,” said Oxman. She showed a slideshow presentation of innovative concepts explored at MIT. These projects fuse nature with design. One example is a pavilion that was woven by an army of silkworms.

Putting Buildings on a Diet

There’s an increasing movement toward more sustainable building materials. Architecture is no longer just focused on sustainability. It’s moving toward regenerative design. That means buildings that can contribute to their environment in a positive manner.

During one seminar, the speakers advocated the use of simple, natural building materials. They likened it to architects putting buildings on a diet.
Many commonly used building materials contain harmful elements like lead, mercury, BPA and PVC. They can help keep costs down as well as aid in fireproof and scratch resistance. But they create detrimental effects on our health and the environment.

#AIACon16 provided insightful and forward-thinking views from the brightest minds in the industry. The emphasis on sustainable innovation shows that the AEC industry is focused on global trends.

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