Irreverent observations from the recent national AIA Convention in Denver: Are conventions good for cities? Are the centers too big? Is face to face encounter still needed in a virtually connected world? Who wants to pay a thousand bucks to see endless Powerpoints?
A percussionist, a bass guitar, a violinist, clouds racing over a giant screen stacked up of irregularly building blocks, a bicycle stunt rider: Plenty of drama for the opening of a convention of professionals. Do conventions need stunts because they are in trouble?
We are in the Bellco Theatre, part
of Denver's Convention Center. 16000 architects came to town, the mayor took notice. Five thousand of them pack the theater to capacity when Mayor
Michael Hancock gives his welcoming address to the AIA conventioneers. "Spend your money in Denver" is his request after claiming that Denver was the most visited convention destination in the world and after the audience had seen an introduction of Denver filmed from the helmet of a bicyclist in time lapse fashion ending in the rider showing up on stage. "Give us your money" is certainly one of the reasons why there are conventions.
Hype is another. Such as the claim that Denver is convention city #1 in the world.
Archplan Inc. Philipsen Architects
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