“On this day in 1867, Frank Lloyd Wright was born; on this day in 1887, Herman Hollerith received a patent for his punch card calculator; on this day in 1948, Milton Berle hosted the debut of The Texaco Star Theater; on this day in 1959, the USS Barbero and the United States Postal Service attempted the delivery of letters via Missile Mail. And on this date, here in Los Angeles, it’s my privilege to welcome you to the opening of the 137th National Convention of The American Institute of Architects,” said AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee, as she set the tone for Day One of the convention, themed “Innovation.”

McEntee reminded the audience that the AIA is on the threshold, or in the words of this convention’s theme, the “edge” of an extraordinary milestone, as in 2007, the Institute will be “150 years young.” The role of the convention, she said, is preparing for what lies ahead. “Here we will be challenged by 411 speakers who are literally shaping the face of the land. Here we will be inspired by an extraordinary range of best practices in 28 workshops and 146 seminars.

AIA President Kate Schwennsen, FAIA, spoke of the promise of Los Angeles as a thrilling venue for exploration. “Is Los Angeles the face of a more hopeful, creative, multicultural future struggling to be born, a future with global implications; is Los Angeles like life itself: at times excessive and monstrous, but never dull?” she asked. And to help answer, she called upon Los Angeles Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa.

Opportunity to create a dream
Mayor Villaraigosa reminded the architects that the last AIA convention in Los Angeles took place in 1994, as the city was recovering from earthquake and riots. “The city has grown a lot in the last 12 years,” he said, noting the new presence of iconic structures such as the Getty Museum and the Disney Concert Hall. “Our $12 billion downtown housing boom is hitting its stride . . . and the city is changing before our very eyes. The skyline of LA will change, and with it comes a great, unprecedented opportunity.”

Just after he was elected, the mayor said, he asked the residents of Los Angeles to dream with him—of a better life together. “Getting to where you want to be depends on having a vision,” he declared. “We have an opportunity now to create a new form for LA.” The city has reached its outer limits and now must turn inward, toward infill and rebuilding the core, the mayor said. “The goal is not to gentrify our cities, but rather to bring the middle class back so that all classes can live side-by-side. We must see density as having a positive influence on the form of this city.”

“This is the city where the world comes together,” Villaraigosa concluded. “We must design our communities for our residents—not their cars. I challenge you all here today to show us what’s possible.

“Design for us and build for us the city of our dreams.”

Hail to the jefes
Among the honored guests taking part at this year’s convention are a number of past presidents, whom Schwennsen called to the stage. They included: 1981 President R. Randall Vosbeck, FAIA; 1982 President Robert M. Lawrence, FAIA; 1983 President Robert C. Broshar, FAIA; 1986 President John A. Busby Jr., FAIA; 1987 President Donald J. Hackl, FAIA; 1988 President Ted P. Pappas, FAIA; 1990 President Sylvester Damianos, FAIA; 1991 President C. James Lawler, FAIA; 1995 President Chester A. Widom, FAIA; 1998 President Ronald A. Altoon, FAIA; 2000 President Ronald L. Skaggs, FAIA; 2001 President John D. Anderson, FAIA; 2002 President Gordon H. Chong, FAIA; 2003 President Thompson E. Penney, FAIA; 2004 President Eugene C. Hopkins, FAIA; and 2005 President Douglas L Steidl, FAIA.

Predock celebrates the Gold
“The theme of this first day is ‘Innovation,’ and I can’t think of a better flag-bearer for the concept of innovation than Antoine Predock, FAIA, the extraordinary individual who was chosen to be this year’s Gold Medal recipient,” said President Schwennsen.

Predock recalled this year’s Accent on Architecture gala, where he was awarded the Gold Medal. “I spoke about how it’s a kind of miracle when we find our life’s purpose,” he said. The Gold Medal represents to him the culmination of his life’s work. It also is a symbol of the profession in that it “captures that spirit and aspirations of those who come before it,” Predock said.

The Gold Medal recipient also remarked on how personally fitting it was for him to celebrate his award in the City of Angels. “LA is my other favorite world city, in addition to Rome,” he said. “California is central to my practice. For some many reasons, it is fitting for me to celebrate the Gold Medal in my second home.”

In conclusion, Predock said simply, “Thank you to the Board for this great honor. This is a breathtaking year for me and my incredible team.” The audience agreed, and responded with a rousing standing ovation.

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