by: Daniel Fox
Event: Procrastinators’ Days
Location: Center for Architecture, 12.04-06.08
Organizer: AIANY
In an end-of-the-year effort to fulfill their credit requirements, 246 architects broke from their typical workdays to become students again. Trumping that of 2007, this year’s turn-out for the annual Procrastinators’ Days indicated that the economic downturn is not deterring architects from fulfilling their Continuing Education Unit requirements in a range of construction and design related issues, such as lighting technologies, and the use of wood, steel, and masonry. Some of the most popular sessions included Arup’s presentation on the changing city building codes.
Kicking off Saturday’s program, 2009 AIANY President Sherida Paulsen, FAIA, presented recent renovation work of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. Other Chapter members offering presentations included: New Practices Committee co-chair Marc Clemenceau Bailly, AIA, presented 3-D fabrication tools and techniques; AIANY Secretary Abby Suckle, FAIA, LEED AP, and Mary Burke, AIA, IIDA, spoke on specifying furniture; Hector Guillen, AIA, David Peterman, PE, and Robert Paquette, ASI, showcased trading room design trends; Pat Sapinsley, AIA, presented green products; and Margery Perlmutter, AIA, explained new zoning regulations.
The average procrastinator attended a total of seven lectures over the course of three days. Considering the program’s success, some attendees requested additional mid-year Procrastinators’ Days, something the Chapter is considering as it begins to plan for increased day-time programming next year.
Melina Gills is the AIANY Communications Coordinator.