May 23, 2008
  Freedom, Security, and Humanity: Urban Security for the 21st Century
International panel discusses the false choices, real decisions, and repercussions of contemporary urban security
The Urban Security in the 21st Century panel discussion keynote, Friday, May 16, at the AIA national convention examined issues of urban security and the built environment from geopolitical, tactical, and humanitarian points of view. It connected the twinned priorities of security and architects’ role in providing infrastructural support for those in need. The panel discussion on architecture’s role in contemporary urban security issues looked at the threat of terrorism and infrastructure vulnerability from a diverse array of viewpoints, global and local, to ask the question, as AIA President Marshall Purnell, FAIA, posed it, “Freedom or security—does it have to be a choice?”

AIA Convention Offers Tribute to Piano, McKittrick, Tigerman
Participants at the AIA national convention plenary session on Friday, May 16, paid tribute to 2008 AIA Gold Medal recipient Renzo Piano, Hon. FAIA; Kemper Award recipient Thomas L. McKittrick, FAIA; and Topaz Medallion recipient Stanley Tigerman, FAIA. The group also listened to a report on the legacy activities marking the AIA’s 150th anniversary celebration by AIA Executive Vice President/CEO Christine McEntee and an update on the American Architectural Foundation from Jess Wendover, Assoc. AIA.

‘We the People’ Gather in Boston for the 140th AIA National Convention
“Welcome to Back Bay and the Brahmans of Beacon Hill, Haahvahd and MIT, Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace and Richardson’s glorious Trinity Church, Faneuil Hall and Fenway Park, patriots and pilgrims, chowder and beans . . . Welcome to Boston and the 140th National Convention of The American Institute of Architects!” declared AIA President Marshall E. Purnell, FAIA, as he convened the opening session of the AIA national convention on May 15 in Boston.

Habitat for Humanity Founder Millard Fuller Issues a Challenge to Service
The 2008 AIA Convention’s first keynote speaker calls on architects to do the most for the least
“What are we doing for others?,” AIA President Marshall Purnell, FAIA, quoted Martin Luther King Jr. on May 15 at the opening session of the 2008 AIA Convention. “It’s a question our first speaker had to struggle with before he discovered his own path in life.” From humble beginnings, Millard Fuller made his first million by age 29. But his business success also spelled failings in his health and sense of integrity . . . his family suffered. With equal parts home-spun country wisdom and an apostle-like commitment to service, convention keynote speaker Fuller laid the populist burden upon the architecture profession to help the generations of today and tomorrow unlock their own potential.

 

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