The Center for Architecture and Design

The Center for Architecture performs the charitable and educational work of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Philadelphia and serves as the physical home for the Chapter in Center City Philadelphia.

The Center for Architecture was envisioned with three core principals in mind:

Public Engagement

• Bringing citizens in touch with their physical environment not only through exhibits, but also through active participation in competitions, symposia, press conferences, and workshops.
• Supporting communities in understanding the existing conditions and the future potential of their physical environments.
• Encouraging civic discourse and an open, transparent, and sustained public dialogue.

Collaboration

• Connecting professionals, community, and civic leaders to build high quality environments.
• Fostering collegiality and exchange between industry professionals and providing professional development opportunities for them.
• Bridging the gap between the suburbs and city on regional issues such as the environment.

Design Excellence

• Challenging design and construction professionals to advance their individual skills in reaching truly integrated design.
• Providing a forum for professional and citizen dialogue about the importance of quality design, beautiful public spaces, good civic architecture, and sustainable, family-friendly neighborhoods.
• Celebrating the design achievements of the region and presenting the design accomplishments of other parts of the world in a manner that raises our aspirations.