Northeast Fall Quad: Toronto

AIAS members in Toronto

Capitol Dome Tours x2

For those of you who weren't able to go on a tour of the capitol dome you can still check out the view from the top by checking out the album online. Thanks for your interest!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2049617&l=cf0a7&id=21203524

Upcoming Events

Forum info meeting:

Thursday November 6th, 12 noon in Miller Exhibition Space

Beaux Arts Ball Committee Meeting:

Thursday November 13th, 12 noon in Mezzanine Lounge

Capitol Tours Confirmation

Several Spots are still available for the tours today and tomorrow! If interest email us at aiasatcua@gmail.com. If your name is listed here your should have received a confirmation email with exact details.

Spots were reserved based on the time you sent your request via email, your time preference and your AIAS membership status. (See the 45 dollars was worth it! and if you're not a member you can still join!) The following people have spots reserved for the Capitol tours:

Wednesday October 22nd

11 am Capitol Dome Tour FULL

1. Stacey Carbone
2. Adam Achrati
3. Amanda Cross
4. Craig Toocheck
5. Spencer Udelson
6. Ryan Gebhart
7. Marcus Johnson (leader)

12 pm Capitol Dome Tour FULL

1. Andrew Laux
2. Nina Africa (leader)
3. Marisa Colligan
4. Adam Greene
5. Philip Goolkasian
6. Charles McClellan
7. George Todorovic

2 pm Capitol Visitors Center Tour OPEN

1. Nina Africa & Mikey Ticzon (leader)
2. Charles McClellan
3. Alex Zondlo
4. Kyle O'Donnell
5. Laura Keating
6. Daniel Rojo
7. Open

Thursday October 23rd

11 am Capitol Dome Tour FULL

1. Hawra Esmaeil
2. Irene Jorden (leader)
3. Michelle Rinehart
4. Sashi Murthy
5. Amy Willard
6. Mary Lombardo
7. Patrick Morgan

2 pm Capitol Visitor Center Tour FULL

1. Matt Harenchar
2. Yousef Bushehri
3. Kevin Anaya
4. Marcus Johnson (leader)
5. Katie Miller
6. Shafiq Arif
7. Sean Scofield
8. Sarah Rinehart
9. Lauren Babiak
10. Fajer Alqattan
11. David Hathcock
12. Jessica Harrington
13. Annastassia Kowalski
14. Alyssa Franco

Beax Arts Ball Committee

INTERESTED IN PARTY PLANNING?!?

The Beaux Arts Ball Committee is having a meeting on Wednesday, October 29 at 12:00 pm in the AIAS office in the Mezzanine.

This is a great and exciting event! Faculty, staff, and students look forward to this every year. We would like as much student involvement as possible, because without your thoughts and ideas, Beaux Arts Ball wouldn't be a success.

If you have any questions, email Kristin Lipinoga at k.lipinoga@gmail.com.

Freedom by Design

There will be a Freedom by Design (FBD) General Meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 6:30 pm in the Locraft Room.

FBD has several projects and they are very excited to start! Please come to the meeting and be involved in a great outreach organization.

Just a reminder: Since FBD is an orginization under AIAS, its members must be AIAS members as well. If you haven't already, please fill out an AIAS Membership Form and put it in the AIAS mailbox in the front office.

If you have any questions, email Sam Weaver or Jessie Euler.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

What: Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest
Who: AIAS & CUArch
When: Friday, October 31, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Where: Judging takes place on the front steps of the Crough Center

AIAS is sposnoring the CUArch Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest! It is open to the entire University so anyone can enter. Feel free to purchase a pumpkin or buy one from AIAS. All pumpkins must be carved and ready at 6 pm on Halloween. This is a fun and creative relief from all of your architecture related stresses. Faculty members will pick winners and those who are lucky will receive prizes!

If you have any questions, email us at AIASatCUA@gmail.com.

General Meeting

Hi guys!

Just to let you know that the next General Meeting will be on Thursday, October 30th at 6:15 pm. The location will be determined soon, so watch out for emails and updates!

Also, committees are in full swing. The chairs run those meetings and if you're still interested in being involved, send me an email.

If you have any questions please let one of the officers know. Thanks!

US Capitol Dome Tours

The Capitol Dome Tours are tomorrow!

Early this afternoon AIAS received confirmation that CUArch students will have an exclusive tour of the US Capitol Dome (not available to the general public), tomorrow Wednesday October 22nd and Thursday October 23rd!

You will get to climb up inside the dome and look over Washington, DC! Check out the sweet stuff you can see online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/justindc/152756592/in/set-72157594144394760/.

To reserve your spot email us at aiasatcua@gmail.com with your name and first and second time preference. (Please make sure to attend your advising session if there is a conflict.) It is first come, first serve so please don’t delay. AIAS members with paid memberships get priority. Faculty spots for those not advising students will also on a first come first serve basis.

We will send out a confirmation email at 9:30 pm this evening with the lists for tomorrow’s tours.

Tour Times and Dates:

Wednesday October 22, 2008

11:00 am Capitol Dome Tour

Leave Catholic at 10:15 am, return by 12:15 pm

12:00 pm Capitol Dome Tour – Visit with Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers

Leave Catholic at 11:15 am, return by 1:15 pm

2:00 pm Capitol Visitors Center Tour

Leave Catholic at 1:30 pm, return by 3:00 pm

Thursday October 23rd, 2008

11:00 am Capitol Dome Tour

Leave Catholic at 10:15 am, return by 12:15 pm

2:00 pm Capitol Visitors Center Tour

Leave Catholic at 1:30 pm, return by 3:00 pm

The Architect of the Capitol also offered us a tour of the Capitol Visitors Center, the brand new addition to the US Capitol designed by Washington firm RTKL. You can see more about the CVC by visiting http://dcmetrocentric.com/2008/04/15/exclusive-pictures-of-the-capitol-visitors-center/ or http://www.aoc.gov/cvc/project_info/index.cfm.
I visited it over the summer and it is definitely worth the time, especially if you are interested in how modern architecture can be introduced into historic buildings.


Also the 12 pm tour tomorrow will have an opportunity to meet the Acting Architect of the Capitol, Stephen T. Ayers, who is in charge of all the buildings on Capitol Hill the US Capitol, Supreme Court and US Botanic Garden.

We also need tour group leaders as exec board members can’t be at each tour. Let me know if you want to help out.

Questions? aiasatcua@gmail.com

Hope to see you all there!

Marcus Johnson
CUA AIAS Vice President

AIAS Habitat for Humanity Day Trip

GET Hammered!

Join AIAS for a Habitat for Humanity day trip to Arundel, Maryland on Saturday October 4th to build stuff and help provide quality housing for low income residents.

Sign ups will be posted Monday September 29th at 9 am on the back of the Miller Space in the Main Hall of the Crough Center. This event is reserved exclusively for architecture students.
AIAS members with paid memberships get priority in sign ups meaning available spaces will first go to AIAS members and then to other architecture students. There are only 10 spots so sign up fast!

Those who are attending the event will be emailed more specific instructions during the week.

Questions? email us at aiasatcua@gmail.com.

Thanks CUA Habitat for Humanity!

This week at CUArch...

Here are some things going on in our school.

Freedom By Design is having two meetings this week. One on Tuesday, September 23 at 1pm and another on Wednesday, September 24 at 6:30 pm. Be on the lookout for flyers around the school.

AIAS is having a meeting on Wednesday, September 24 right after the FBD meeting.

Membership forms are due on Wendesday, September 24 in the AIAS mailbox in the front office.

The travel committee is sponsoring trips to visit graduate schools. Please email Craig Toocheck (82toocheck@cua.edu) suggestions of different cities, grad schools, ideas, etc. If you are interested in participating, let us know!

Habitat for Humanity is sponsoring a day trip just for AIAS members! It is on Saturday, October 4. Keep an eye out for flyers for more details.

If you have any other questions, feel free to email any of the officers or AIAS (aiasatcua@gmail.com).

Freedom By Design

Good news! CUA's chapter of Freedom by Design (FBD) is in full swing. We've got a great team this year and they are very enthusiastic about being involved within the university and the community. If you are still interested, you can contact Sam Weaver (67weaver@cua.edu) or Jessie Euler (17euler@cua.edu). AIAS will keep you updated on everything that FBD is up to.

NCARB came to Catholic

So maybe you decided you would rather have Pryz food than the free pizza at the NCARB info session...



Regardless you can still get the details provided by NCARB about the steps to becoming an Architect after school. The presenter encouraged attendees to contact her with questions, her contact info is below. She would be happy to answer any questions you might have whether you were able to attend the session or not. I would also encourage you to check out the website at ncarb.org which has all the materials she gave as handouts.

NCARB Contact:

Rachel Allegra Kros, AIA
Manager, Programs
NCARB 1801 K Street NW Suite 700K
Washington, DC 20006
202 783 6500 Main
202 461 3945 Direct
202 783 0290 Fax
rkros@ncarb.org



Thanks to all those who attended, and would anyone be interested in a LEED certification info session?

AIAS Update

Hey guys! If you weren't able to attend our first general meeting, fear not. Here are some things we went over.

Membership forms are due on September 24. Give them to one of the officers or put it in the AIAS mailbox in the front office.

Committee sign up sheets are available. If you are interested in being involved in any one of our committees, give me your name and email. Here are our current committees: Beaux Arts Ball, Forum and Travel, Newsletter, Pecha Kucha, Quad Conference, and the T-Shirt Design Competition. If you would like to participate or not be in a committee, let me know and we'll keep you posted.

We have many fun programs going on this semester. Some things to look out for are the Annual BBQ, an NCARB presentation on the Intern Development Program (IDP), Quad Conference in Toronto, and Forum in Denver.

I hope the start of the school year went well for everyone and I hope to see more of you!

Member List for Job Fair

Member List as of 03/24/09 for early admittance to Career Fair:

Adam Achrati
Joseph Addeo
Giannina Africa
Fajer Alqattan
Marisa Aschettino
Corey August
Lauren Babiak
Alexander Bautz
Lauren Blodgett
Vincent Bracco
Yousef Bushehri
Sheila Cahill
Stacey Carbone
Branden Carter
Anna Cero
Marisa Colligan
Amanda Cowan
Stephanie Coxe
Amanda Cross
Rebecca Crow
Jose DaSilva Guerreiro
Lindsey Dehenzel
Matthew DiFrisco
Alexander DiMichele
Erica Donnelly
Brian Duffley
Kristen Dunham
Mateusz Dzierzanowski
Hawra Esmaeil
Elizabeth Esposito
Jessica Euler
Devin Farro
Justin Fosbenner
Alyssa Franco
Christina Franz
Jacqueline Freedman
Philip Goolkasian
William Gorman
Roberto Granados
Adam Greene
Matthew Harenchar
Val Hawkins
Erik Herman
Christian Hernandez
Alec Higinbotham
Michael Hoak
Joshua Humphries
Michael Iskandar
Marcus Johnson
Lauren Jomes
Irene Jorden
Kirk Kasa
Gentry Kowall
John Lang
Andrew Laux
Kirstin Lipinoga
Mary Lombardo
Gabriela Lontos
Matthew Luongo
Andrea Mango
Donald Moore
Patrick Morgan
Deanna Murphy
Sashi Murthy
Brandon Newcomer
Lisa Nucera
Aryan Ofeany
Joshua Orsini
Antonio Paz
Sandra Pinto Visalot
Abbie Rolando
Hilary Roth
Stephanie Snopek
Teresa Taylor
Michael Ticzon
Craig Toocheck
Megan Voorhees
Samuel Weaver
Maria Whyne
Amy Willard
Erin Woods
Brigid Wright

If you're name isn't on this list and you were expecting it to be please email Nina immediately at 82africa@cua.edu. Otherwise you will not receive this exclusive member benefit.

My Freshman Year

Hey there cuAIAS Bloggers! My name is Michael, but feel free to call me Mikey. I will be a sophomore this upcoming fall. I want to commend you for choosing such a rigorous major to pursue. Architecture will be an arduous yet creative road ahead of you with countless of opportunities at your fingertips. I know this may sound a little cliché, but it honestly does feel like it was only yesterday when I entered CUA's campus and started my college career as a freshman. All the experiences and friends I've had this past year are without a doubt timeless memories. Recollecting on a few would simply take days, but let me try to give you a few snippets from each semester…

Fall semester definitely started a little earlier than expected, but it was no biggie at all. The courses I took that were relevant to architecture were ARCH 100 - Introduction to the Designed Environment and ARCH 135 - History of Architecture I. Both classes were absolutely enlightening; introducing me to the power of a sketchbook. ARCH 100 allowed me to practice sketching and all sorts of techniques to help me along. There were several lectures from very influential people (some even architects), movies, and demonstrations that were unbelievably valuable. ARCH 136 exposed me to architecture from all over the world. I know it sounds so boring, but just sitting through class made me so excited. I felt like the class took you back in time and to the exact location of each piece. It was also great studying a few places that I traveled to before! The assignments, projects, and tests are demanding for both classes, but without a doubt, anyone can handle it. During the fall, I also got involved with the school's chapter of AIAS - the American Institute of Architecture Students. It's a small organization, but that allowed me to get close to the rest of the members. We discussed several topics, not only Architecture, arranged a few events during the fall like cool “movie nights” and the organization itself was another resource for great events, volunteer opportunities, and competitions around the area!

For the spring semester, I took ARCH 104 - Introduction to Architectural Presentation/Graphics, ARCH 115 - Introduction to Digital Tools, and ARCH 136 - History of Architecture II. ARCH 136 is definitely like ARCH 135, just later time periods. ARCH 115 was absolutely so much fun! You get to use your personal laptop and mess around with the plethora of programs that you will encounter throughout a career in architecture. I felt like a savvy, technical nerd because I was actually learning how to use such complex software programs! The work and projects didn't feel like horrible, agonizing tasks; it was fun more than anything. Now, ARCH 104 was the real shocker. This was my studio time. First, we were divided into groups of ten or so with TA's (Teacher Assistants) managing us. Then, we were assigned to our specific location in the building. I was ecstatic, just jumping off the walls when I got my own space, desk , and supplies. But the work and assignments came right from the get go, usually announced in the exhibition space. Everything assigned seemed overwhelming and confusing at first, but my TA was there for me with my never-ending questions. The work is positively hard and time consuming, but nonetheless, manageable. You must, must, must manage your time well and pace yourself and your work. Sleepless nights are avoidable, but that wasn't the case for me sometimes. I honestly didn't mind though, you usually weren't alone. Once you're done a project, you have juries to present your work. Now, they were intimidating at first, however you get use to them. A jury is a chance for you just to explain your ideas and processes during the time it took you to complete whatever assignment. If you're happy with your work and confident, it's just simple talking. In studio, I felt like I was an actual architect, it was pretty awesome. Being able to work whenever you wanted to, having your own workspace, and of course being around your friends were all just phenomenal! One last thing to include about spring semester is the Beaux Arts Ball. This was a fabulous event out in the city, planned by AIAS, where you dance, dine and enjoy the company of your friends and teachers all dressed to impress! This year it was held at the fantastic, ultra hip Lotus Lounge. It was frankly a blast and totally great just to sit back, eat, relax, and mingle!

Now, I know that I am sounding pretty jolly about my freshman year and everything sounds sugar coated, but I just had an unforgettable, great year that I cannot complain one bit! Good people, good experiences, good memories that have all made me realize how happy architecture makes me feel. Each of you will have your own individual journey at Catholic, but I can assure you it won't be less than ordinary.

“Dare to disturb the Universe.”
----Robert Cormier, The Chocolate War

Me encanta Barcelona

Hey everyone! I'm the President of AIAS at CUA for the 2008-2009 year and I spent the spring semester studying abroad in Barcelona. Just wanted to share some of my experience!

The Mediterranean breeze blew across the beach as our group walked to the glinting fish sculpture designed by Frank Gehry. It’s the middle of January and seventeen of us, all architecture students from Catholic University, began to explore our new home in Barcelona. Lindsey Dehenzel, one of the juniors studying here, called the beginning of our trip our “honeymoon period” filled with naïve bliss and joy in everything we find. Slowly as the weeks passed we waited for life and reality to fall around us, and for our love for the city to dim, signaling an end to the honeymoon.

In Barcelona, we took classes under the direction of Eric Jenkins and Christy Cole, both traveling with us from CUA. Eric ran our studio class, while Christy directed our sketching and field trip adventures. They worked together to create an incredible experience for us as we learn about urban design. We were able to walk through the old parts of the city and soak in the sunny Placas and courtyards in the morning and then dissect urban history with Cece Tham, a Harvard graduate and practicing architect in Barcelona, in the afternoon. They layer their classes so that all our learning is very cohesive.

We visit iconic architecture by Mies van de Rohe, Callatrava, and Gaudi. One day we even traveled below the street level to explore the Roman ruins of the city that have been built upon. Our classes also explored the dynamics of other urban environments, through extended field trips. We had a week of touring Spain; exploring Madrid and its famous housing projects; Cordoba and its Arab bath; Granada and the Alhambra; and finally, the historical and pastoral Seville. Our adventures also took us to Morocco in the Spring, a highlight of the semester.

On the roof of Sagrada Familia by Gaudi on our hard hat tour

We enjoyed our café con leches and croissants, and most afternoons we stopped by the Boccaria market to pick up fresh produce for dinner. We picked up wine at the corner market for a few Euros and every evening we looked out over the Plaza Universitat and its ever changing inhabitants; whether they were skateboarders, acrobats, Evangelical Christians, or just families strolling with their children on bicycles. The city has a pace much slower than D.C.’s. In some cases, like when we wanted our Internet fixed, the lack of urgency is a nuisance. Most of the time, however, we just enjoyed our siestas.

During our free time on the weekends we explored more of the city. One of the first weekends in the city we took an adventure up to Montjuic, the Mountain of the Jews, to explore a
fortress built in the 17th century. The view was amazing. We could see the whole city before us and as we began to travel down the mountain, we venture through the Olympic Village and the MNAC, Barcelona’s National Art Museum, and finally arriving at Mies van de Rohe’s Pavilion. The iconic building makes for a graceful walk-through experience.

Skipping around the MNAC

Being in Europe we also take the time to country hop. I was able to visit out other program in Rome one weekend to celebrate my birthday. I was able to explore the history of the city and sample Italian culture and cuisine. My Easter break was spent in the Muslim county of Turkey, discovering the beauty of the ancient mosques of Istanbul.

When we stayed in the city we'd sometimes go out to enjoy the Barcelona nightlife- clubs that spill out onto the beach, or pubs that line pedestrian streets and spill into each other. If you come home before 5 AM, you’re obviously not a local. Locals themselves are usually friendly and considerate, especially since the majority of us absolutely butcher their language.

After almost four months in this "foreign land" I decided that I have found a perfect match with Barcelona and consider it another home. The honeymoon lasted until the day I had to leave and I hope to return soon, to visit the friends I made and the city I fell in love with.

To learn more about our love for this wonderful city you can read our student blogs. Links for all the student’s blogs can be found at http://cuabarcelona2008.blogspot.com/….and since I’m a total nerd and self promoter, read mine: jordenbcn2008.blogspot.com.

Ciao, Roma, ciao!

In January, I packed two suitcases and headed for what would undoubtedly be one of the best experiences of my life. I was excited, yet anxious. I did not know what lay ahead of me. I was one of nineteen architecture students who had the opportunity to study in Rome for one semester. Overall, the program was successful. We took advantage of our location and used the city as our classroom. Everyday, we were out in the city learning about its urban development and its history. The history of Rome is reflected in its architecture. Ancient Roman buildings are preserved while modern buildings are being constructed. We also had overnight field trips to Florence & Siena, northern Italy and southern Italy. Everyday was a learning experience. There was so much to see and take in. During spring break, I visited Basel, Switzerland and Munich and at the end of the semester, I went to London. The cities were architecturally "refreshing". It was exciting to see modern European architecture that was different from Rome.

Our apartments were in Campo de Fiori, right in the heart of the historic center of Rome. During the day, the Campo is an open air market where fresh food is always available. Not only is Campo de Fiori known for its market, it is also known for its nightlife. Our convenient location provided us with the opportunity to explore the city with ease. We were a five minute walk from the Pantheon and about a twenty minute walk from the Vatican. Italians are very hospitable and friendly. Talking to the locals was always fun. Most know how to speak English, but it was always appreciated when conversations were in Italian. My Italian was a bit shaky, but I soon gained confidence and my speaking skills improved throughout the semester. The city is very busy and, to my surprise, fast paced. It was a little intimidating to walk around by myself, but after a while I was fine with venturing out on my own. We walked 70% of the time. When places were too far, we took the buses. By the end of the semester, I'm sure we walked the entire city.

Four months was not enough. I didn't want to leave. I loved being immersed in the Italian culture and living in Rome. The memories will stay close to my heart. All the stories and adventures throughout Italy and Europe would fill this blog up and I've definitely learned a lot about architecture and about myself. I am very grateful for this opportunity to be in Rome. Without the program, I don't think I would have done everything that we did. It added to my love for architecture as well as my passion for traveling.

Roma, tu sei il mio amore.

Grassroots Leadership Conference 08

From July 17-20th Irene and I attended the Grassroots Leadership Conference here in Washington DC. We met so many cool people!

Each year officers from all of the national AIAS chapters converge on DC to learn more about how to enhance membership experience, leadership and exchange ideas to improve our schools. We met the new officers from University of Maryland and Howard University. Next year we will be collaborating on at least one after studio social as well as attending the Northeast Quad conference at UMD in spring 2008. Oh yeah and the Fall Northeast Conference is in Toronto Canada!

The thing that stuck with us from the conference was the enormity of AIAS. Across the nation there are so many people just like us, with studio and professors that face most of the challenges we do at CUA. I also never realized the professional connections AIAS provides. We met the leadership from national organizations like NCARB and the president of AIA. Being in DC gives our chapter a great opportunity to take advantage of these connections. Grassroots taught us how to make the most of AIAS at the National level. Look out for new events and more about Grassroots in the first few weeks of fall semester!

Hello from Exec Board 2008-2009!

Hello! This is Catholic University's AIAS official Blog, run by the exec board members. Over the year we hope to bring you information about AIAS, the school of architecture, competitions, National events, and links to the professional world.

First off I want to introduce you to your exec board for the 2008-2009 school year.



Irene Jorden
President
44jorden@cua.edu

Marcus Johnson
Vice President
20johnsm@cua.edu

Nina Africa
Secretary
82africa@cua.edu

Mikey Ticzon
Treasurer
04ticzon@cua.edu

Mateusz Dzierzanowski
Program Planning Coordinator
61dzierzanow@cua.edu


Please feel free to contact any of us if you have questions, comments or concerns. Also check out the links on the right hand side of the blog to learn more about AIAS at a national level and architecture at our university.