NewSchool of Architecture and Design Hosts AIAS West Quad Summit on “Leadership Through Civic Involvement”

NewSchool of Architecture and Design Hosts AIAS West Quad
Summit on “Leadership Through Civic Involvement”

SAN DIEGO, Calif.—August 26, 2009—Student leaders at the NewSchool of Architecture and Design in San Diego (http://www.newschoolarch.edu/) will welcome professional role models and peers from schools in 12 states Thursday through Sunday to explore civic leadership through architecture and design. Themes include the notion of “citizen architects” and the impact of “design thinking” on communities. 

Presentations and workshops will consider case studies on universal design, social equity, and the sustainable community. Lighter moments will include the Reverse Crit, when students analyze the work of practicing architects. 

“This is the first time in nearly a decade that the AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) is collaborating on such a large regional scale with professionals on these topics,” says Tyler Ashworth, LEED AP, an architecture student at the University of Idaho and president-elect of the national student organization. He adds that the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is a strong supporter of AIAS, and leaders of both organizations speak frequently about professional issues. In fact, speakers are paying their own way to San Diego and will not receive honoraria.

One recent discussion about the decline of the global economy and how it affects community design led to this week’s summit, according to Lauren Pasion, president of the NewSchool chapter of AIAS and the event chair. Speakers include Clark Manus, CEO of Heller Manus Architects, San Francisco, and AIA 2011 president-elect; Dr. Richard Farson, psychologist, author, educator, and president of the Western Behavioral Sciences Institute; Brooks Rainwater, AIA director of Local Relations; Ric Licata, AIA, regional director, Western Mountain Region; Pam Touschner, FAIA, the AIA regional director, California Council; and Pat Onishi, AIA regional director, Northwest and Pacific Region.

To cover the summit or to speak with participants, please use the contact information at the top of this document.

About NewSchool of Architecture and Design
NewSchool of Architecture & Design, founded in 1980, is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. NewSchool offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, and a Master of Landscape Architecture. For more information, visit http://www.newschoolarch.edu/