In a recent visit at the graveyard of some of the most influential architects who have graced the landscape with their creative genius, I began to reflect about the kind of legacy I would leave behind.
One thing unique about the architecture profession is that it allows you to build a career that could literally span an entire lifetime. Once a building gets constructed, its visual and functional impact becomes part of the built environment. These are some of the legacies architects leave behind.
It’s a misnomer that one can only begin building a legacy when one is already a licensed architect let alone an established one. There are other avenues that those interested in or studying architecture can participate.
Legacies Are Built from Kingspan on Vimeo.
During the recent
American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention in New Orleans, I came across a unique campaign called
Legacies Are Built. It is based on the notion that architects have an important role to play in inspiring and creating lasting buildings.
If buildings are meant to last 10 or 25 years, it is important that architects choose the right materials and products that could also withstand the legacy for which they were built.
Alongside this campaign is a competition that challenges architects and architectural students to build a model that would represent what legacy is all about. To participate, register for the competition online and download contest materials from the microsite, or request that
Kingspan mail the necessary materials. The first-place winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship in their name to an educational institution of their choice, as well as an
Apple MacBook Pro. In addition, the winning entry will be published as part of an ad in the November issue of
Architect magazine. Second and third place winners will each receive an Apple iPad 2. Winners will be announced at
Greenbuild 2011 in Toronto, Oct. 4-7.
To register for the
Kingspan Legacy Contest or vote for the winning entry, visit
www.legaciesarebuilt.com.
What legacies are you building today?
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