Cultural Amplifier

This exhibition showcases work by winners of an ideas design competition hosted by the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee (UD|DC) and the AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union (AADU). 

In the past, cities were often direct manifestations of their culture. The ability for civic gatherings, the exchange of ideas and values and for cultural celebration reflected in the public realm and programming of the urban fabric. During the 21st century we have experienced unprecedented global integration. Advances in technology and international economic policies have reduced many barriers to the free flow of goods, services, capital, and people. This rapid pace of globalization has fueled economic opportunities and brought with it many other benefits, but it has also begun to diffuse cultural identity in cities. The exhibit illustrates design ideas that respond to social transmission and infrastructure in Washington, DC on creating cultural destinations, not another monumental landmark.

Background/Context

The Challenge/Competition

Winner: Culture House

Awarded to Aaron Greiner & Rishika Dhawan

Runner-up: Reconstruction of Open-Spaces in Washington, DC China Town

Awarded to Rita Wu

Jurors

• Kevin Storm, AIA, AICP, LEED AP | Partner, Beyer Blinder Belle
  
• Saakshi Terway, Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate | Designer at Wiencek + Associates Architects + Planners, Inc and past chair of AIA Urban Design Committee
  
• Shixiang (Andy) Zheng, LEED AP-BD+C, Assoc. AIA | Chair Asian American Design Union
  

Acknowledgements

Cultural Amplifier is organzied by the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee and AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union in cooperation with the AIA|DC and exclusively online.

   

About AIA|DC Urban Design Committee
The mission of the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee (UD|DC) is to improve the quality of cities and people's lives through the engagement, promotion, and advocacy of urban design thinking across actors in city making. The Committee explores big ideas about cities: planning, transit, landscape, policy, architecture, and design are common themes of our lectures, panels, tours, and discussions.

About AIA|DC Asian American Designers Union
The Asian American Designers Union (AADU) is a platform for empowering Asian American professionals working in the built environment disciplines to grow personally and collectively. AADU's goal is to motivate professional development, foster leadership skills, and promote collaboration within and beyond the Washington, DC area.

Support
Exhibitions are supported, in part, by our Sustaining Firm Affiliate Members