Following the devastating earthquake in northern Japan, members of AIA Japan, AIA Committee on Design and the AIA Northwest & Pacific Region have been working to refine a dynamic program for our time in Japan this fall. We have carefully assessed the risks of travel to Japan and listened to our colleagues in Tokyo who have counseled us regarding the contribution we can make to their fragile economy by visiting their country. In addition, significant and unique learning opportunities exist for this conference directly following the event of the recent earthquake. It is therefore with great care and a sense of responsibility we have elected to enthusiastically move forward.

We would like to announce that registration opens today. Please visit the conference website http://www.aia.org/craftingthefuture. As you review the program you will find the conference laid out to offer a dynamic look at Tokyo and the region beyond to the south and west. In Part One, The AIA Northwest & Pacific Region's annual conference, we will concentrate on touring key sites in and around Tokyo visiting well known mid century modern buildings as well as recently completed projects by the country's rising young Architects and by well known international practitioners. While in Tokyo you will hear a Keynote talk by 2011 AIA Gold Medal recipient, Fumihiko Maki, Hon. FAIA with an introduction by Dr. Masami Kobayshi, professor of architecture at Meiji University. We are also planning a banquet at Kengo Kuma's recently opened Capitol Hotel Tokyu where the winners of this year's AIA NWPR Design Awards will be announced.

Following 2 1/2 days in Tokyo, Part Two of the conference, hosted by the AIA Committee on Design begins and the group departs by train to Nagoya, carrying on by bus to Takayama and concludes in Kanazawa in western Japan. During this tour we will visit a diverse range of historic work as well as current projects by well known Japanese practitioners. In Nagoya several recent buildings will be highlighted including work by Kengo Kuma Hon. FAIA, Arata Isozaki as well as a visit to the Meiji Mura Village where works of architecture from the Meiji era have been preserved. From there we travel to the Gifu Gero spa for the night and a Japanese style banquet. Then it's on to Takayama a city known for its beautiful attention to the craft of construction. The conference ends in Kanazawa and a visit to the 21st Century Museum by SANAA as well as the Umimirai Library by Coelacanth K&H Architects, (2011) together with several examples of traditional architecture in the city.

This brief summary provides highlights of the planned program. Details are available on the website where you register. The thoughtful planning that has gone into this program reflects the underlying traditions of Japanese architecture and its' attention to craft and the act and art of building. Late Fall in Japan is a beautiful time when viewing nature as it changes is as important as the coming of its more well known cousin, spring. We hope you can join us for the chance to study, learn and engage with each other and the beauty of Japan.

2011 AIA Northwest
& Pacific Region
November 13-16, 2011
ANA InterContinental Tokyo
Tokyo, Japan

2011 AIA Committee on Design
November 16-20, 2011
Tokyo to Kanazawa

Welcome

Schedule - NWPR

Schedule - COD
At-A-Glance - COD
Please note this is a draft itinerary and is subject to change.

Keynote

Awards Banquet

Tours

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Housing (8/13-8/15)

Travel
With the increase in fuel prices
we encourage you to book
your travel early.

Contact Us
aianwprcod@mahlum.com

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