MADISON- October 3, 2023- In a move that celebrates the vital role of architecture in shaping our communities and enhancing our quality of life, Governor Tony Evers will officially proclaim October 2023 as “Architecture Awareness Month” in partnership with the Department of Safety and Professional Services and AIA Wisconsin, the statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The proclamation will be presented to AIA Wisconsin President Robert Wheat, AIA, by Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary-designee Dan Hereth on October 3, 2023, at a tour of the UW-Madison Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center.
Architecture Awareness Month, branded ARCHtoberfest by AIA Wisconsin, will provide Wisconsin residents with opportunities to explore, appreciate, and engage with the built environment around them. The proclamation highlights the importance of educating the public on the value of the profession of architecture, as well as architecture’s economic, environmental, and cultural impacts.
“Architecture is the backdrop of our lives. We all live, work, and play in built spaces, yet few people have direct contact with the architects behind these environments. Our goal is to raise awareness of the work of architects in Wisconsin and to inspire a more diverse next generation in the architecture profession,” said AIA Wisconsin Executive Director Lisa Kennedy, FAIA.
Throughout the month of October, various ARCHtoberfest events and activities will take place to promote architectural awareness and education. These events include (but are not limited to):
1. Wright Design Series: (October 5 & 24) Monona Terrace in Madison will host 2 Wright Design Series Lectures during ARCHtoberfest, which are free and open to the public and available to attend both in person and virtually. Initially a series focused on famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright, these lectures have expanded to cover a variety of architecture-related topics.
2. 50 Years of Architectural Photography: The Work of Eric Oxendorf: Wisconsin-based architectural photographer Eric Oxendorf will host an exhibit of his work spanning his 50-year career in architectural photography. The exhibit will travel to both Milwaukee (Oct. 5-7) and Madison (Oct. 12-14) and is free and open to the public.
3. Trees First, Wood Next™: Connecting People with Urban and Community Forests and Their Resources: (October 7) Wudeward Urban Forest Products, in conjunction with AIA Wisconsin and the USDA Forest Service, will host a tree-planting event that will take place at Lynden Hill Park in Milwaukee. In addition to a tree planting, the event will include a presentation on the use of urban wood products in the built environment as well as a Kids’ Tree Climbing activity by the City of Milwaukee Forestry Division and other children’s activities.
Join us in celebrating the importance of architecture and good design in our communities throughout the month of October and beyond. Find a full list of ARCHtoberfest events and more details here: ARCHtoberfest Events. To learn more about AIA Wisconsin, please visit aia.org/wisconsin.
Find the Architecture Awareness Month Proclamation here.
