The American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) is holding its annual grassroots meeting in Washington, D.C. July 27–29 to catch up on institute activities and take a serious look at the studio culture.

Among the activities were the Mall Crawl tour of memorials in D.C., including the National Japanese American Memorial, which opened June 29, and a visit with World War II Memorial sculptor Ray Kaskey at the University of Maryland.

The afternoon of July 27 featured a discussion among the Five Presidents' Panel of the challenges and benefits of the studio-centric culture prevalent among students in U.S. schools of architecture. Past AIAS President Scott Baldermann moderated the panel of AIA President John D. Anderson, FAIA; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards President William C. Bevins, AIA; Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture President Frances Bronet; AIAS President Matthew Herb; and National Architectural Accrediting Board President Rodney B. Wright, AIA.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.