MADISON- In a move that celebrates the vital role of architecture in shaping our communities and enhancing our quality of life, Governor Tony Evers has officially proclaimed October 2023 ‘Architecture Awareness Month’ in partnership with the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) and AIA Wisconsin, the statewide chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
“I was glad to proclaim October Architecture Awareness Month to join the American Institute of Architects, firms, and organizations across the state in celebrating the good work of the architecture and design community. I encourage folks across the state to join in celebrating this month through AIA Wisconsin’s ARCHtoberfest events,” Governor Evers stated.
On Tuesday, October 3, 2023, the proclamation was presented to AIA Wisconsin Executive Director Lisa Kennedy, FAIA, by Department of Safety and Professional Services Secretary-designee Dan Hereth after a tour of the UW-Madison Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center.
“This facility and its design represent priorities of the Evers Administration and our department, including inclusivity and sustainability,” said Hereth. “As the state agency that licenses Wisconsin architects, we’re glad to see AIA Wisconsin and the architecture industry celebrating some of those same priorities as they kick off Archtoberfest.”
The tour provided representatives of AIA Wisconsin, the Department of Safety and Professional Services, and the Department of Health Services with an inside look at the structure’s design with sustainability as a top priority, courtesy of UW-Madison Recreation & Wellbeing staff, Adam Bastjan, AIA, and Council on Building Sustainability Chairperson Missy Nergard.
Adam Bastjan, AIA of Kahler Slater, one of the architectural firms involved in the design and creation of the structure, said of the Bakke Recreation and Wellbeing Center: “Most notably, the design revolves around creating a welcoming and inspiring place for everyone to be well. From the Wellness Suite to the open, four-story fitness area, to the sport simulators, there truly is a space for everyone on campus and in the community. This, along with more traditional sustainable features, will help keep the Bakke Recreation & Wellbeing Center an integral component in campus health & wellness for many years to come.”
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,” noted AIA Wisconsin Executive Director Lisa Kennedy, FAIA. “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.”
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.
All events listed are open to the public.
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.
