Ninth Annual Structures for Inclusion Conference (SFI) for architecture students and graduates focuses on architecture as a community solution
By Juliette Coulter, The Coulter Group
Mar 14, 2009
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SFI Held for First Time in Dallas on March 20-22, 2009 

DALLAS, Texas (March 13, 2009) – The 9th annual Structures for Inclusion (SFI) conference, presented by DESIGN CORPS, the buildingcommunity WORKSHOP and Texas School of Architecture, will be held for the first time ever in Dallas from March 20-22, 2009, at the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in downtown Dallas, 2501 Flora Street.

Entitled “GENERATE.ACTIVATE.MAINTAIN,” SFI explores the process of community-based practice and, ultimately, how to insert oneself into the cycle of thought and action. 

Bryan Bell of Design Corps said, “This conference will explore how to address community-based projects, how to work on these projects, and the importance of using architecture to solve community issues.” 

Design Corps, in association with a local non-profit organization or school, hosts its SFI conference primarily targeted for architecture and design students attending college and those recent graduates.  This year’s conference will also feature a networking event on Friday night to attract professionals and the community interested in community-based work from the architectural and design perspective. 

Each SFI uniquely exposes attendees to both pathways to pursue alternative community-based work and the evidence of impact and influence that such work has. From its inception in 2000, SFI’s mission is two-fold:

1)    Showcase design efforts that reach out to and serve a diverse clientele;

2)     Provide information on alternative career paths available to students and young designers. 

To register, review a complete schedule and organize carpools:

http://www.designcorps.org/SFI_Conference/Registration.htm

Rates: Student - $25, Young Professional - $50, Seasoned Professional - $100 

To stay connected with other conference attendees on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=137933675696&ref=mf 

About Design Corps: Founded in 2000, Design Corps' mission is to create positive change in communities by providing architecture and planning services. Our vision is realized when people are involved in the decisions that shape their lives, including the built environment.  More information can be founding by emailing bryan@designcorps.org or by visiting http://www.designcorps.org. 

About buildingcommunity WORKSHOP: Founded in 2005, as a multi-disciplinary Dallas community design center, the bcWORKSHOP seeks to improve the livability and viability of communities through the practice of thoughtful design and building.  More information can be found by emailing brent@bcworkshop.org or by visiting our website at www.bcworkshop.org. 

Friday, March 20, 2009 

6:00 – 6:15 p.m.

Welcome: Bryan Bell, Design Corps Founder and Executive Director 

6:15 – 7:15 p.m.

Keynote: Peter Fattinger, Vienna University of Technology 

8:30 – 12:00 midnight

            Kick-off Party 

 Saturday, March 21, 2009

 

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

            Introduction

 

9:15 – 10:00 a.m.

            Panel I: Social Economic Environmental Design (SEED)

            Nonya Grenader, 99k House Competition

            Mary Graham, Practical Small Projects

            Kathleen Johnson, Katrina Chicken Coop

 

10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

            Audience Questions + Breakout Session

 

11:30 – 12:30 p.m.

            Lunch

 

12:30 – 12:45 p.m.

            Announcements

 

12:45 – 1:45 p.m.

Panel II: Community-Based Learning

Simon Mance, Studio 804

            Benje Feehan, building communityWORKSHOP/ UTA Studio

            Brad Deal, Alley Flat Initiative

            Dan Stanislaw, Design Corps Summer Studio

 

1:45 – 3:00 p.m..

            Audience Questions + Coffee Break + Breakout Session

 

3:15 – 4:15 p.m.

            Panel III: Integrated Practice

            Peter Gluck, Peter L Gluck and Partners

            John Bielenberg, Project M

            Morgan Hare, Hester Street Collaborative

            John Cary, Public Architecture

 

4:15 – 5:45 p.m.

Audience Questions + Breakout Session

 

5:45 – 6:00 p.m.

Concluding Remarks

 

8:30 – 12:00 midnight

Saturday Night Social

 

Sunday, March 22, 2009

 

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Networking Breakfast

 

10:00 – 12:00 p.m.

Call for Projects Workshops