If your weekend plans do not involve watching the Super Bowl, then there are plenty of alternatives available for you to get off the sofa and get inspired. Visit the National Building Museum and see how 18th-century designers imagined the D.C. structure landscape. Or go onto a self-guided walking tour of Indianapolis and learn about the background behind downtown venues like the Lucas Oil stadium. If you’re looking for ways to be inspired or simply love getting out amid additional design lovers, here are five picks of things to do and see today.
National Archives
EXHIBIT — During May 28, 2012
Unbuilt Washington
National Building Museum
401 F Street NW, Washington, D.C.
The architectural landscape of Washington D.C. and also the National Mall is familiar to many: the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument and much more. Watch what 18th-century architects and designers suggested for a few of the most noteworthy architectural and urban design projects in the U.S. funding. The exhibit explores how the town might be different now if some of those projects had been assembled, and addresses the political, economical, cultural, or technical reasons these proposals were not implemented.
thecjm.org
EXHIBIT — During October 16, 2012
Stanley Saitowitz: Judaica
Contemporary Jewish Museum
736 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
Research the Most Recent work from San Francisco-based architect Stanley Saitowitz of Natoma Architects: a series of 13 traditional objects used in Jewish worship left in a slick, contemporary aesthetic. Saitowitz is known for designing private residences, institutions, public and commercial areas throughout the planet, as well as distinguished Jewish areas such the Holocaust Memorial on Boston’s Freedom Trail and the Temple Beth Shalom in San Francisco’s Richmond District. This exhibit showcases the same clean lines, rational proportions, and smooth, unembellished surfaces that define his architecture. Objects range from the menorah to more festival-specific objects, like the etrog box (pictured), utilized during the harvest festival of Sukkoth to maintain a lemon-like fruit.
walkindianapolis.org
WALKING TOUR — February 4-5, 2012
Walk Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN
In case you’re in Indianapolis and not lucky enough to have tickets to the Super Bowl (or just not a football fan), lace up your shoes and choose a self-guided excursion of some of the town’s most prominent downtown architecture, including the stadium where the game occurs. Embark on the Downtown Tour that includes commentary on nine distinct venues, including the NCAA headquarters, Victory Field, as well as the favorite 8-mile Cultural Path. Or Monuments and Memorials that takes you through Hilbert Circle Theater, Artsgarden and much more. You are going to need a smart device; download the excursion through iTunes here.
The tour is narrated by Indianapolis architects and takes under an hour. It was developed by the American Institute of Architects Indianapolis and Indianapolis Convention and Visitors Association.
Barnes & Noble
PANEL — February 9, 2012, 6:30 — 8 p.m.
“Jane Jacobs, Undone,”Featuring Timothy Mennel and Margaret Crawford; Isabel Bader Theatre, Victoria University, 93 Charles Street West, Toronto, ON Canada
Join American Planning Association editor Timothy Mennel and professor Margaret Crawford as they discuss the work of author and activist Jane Jacobs. Jacobs composed The Death and Life of Great American Cities, and her ideas about what makes a healthy, lively, and productive town have affected planning and urban design practices throughout the world. As cities continue to grow and evolve, Mennel and Crawford will examine the influence and value of Jacobs’ work now.
The event is free, tickets are required. Register here.
Amazon
TALK — February 15, 2012, 7 p.m.
Beyond Shelter: Architecture and Individual Dignity
Scholastic Auditorium, 557 Broadway, New York, NY
1.5 HSW AIA and New York State CEUs
Join professor and editor Marie J. Aquilino, MASS Design Group founding partner Michael Murphy, and senior technical advisor for UN-HABITAT Maggie Stephenson since they discuss the methods in how architects and engineers perform an effective role in disaster recovery and mitigation. The participants may look at successes and failures in Haiti and other regions of the planet.
Tickets are free for League members; $10 to get non-members. Email [email protected]. Non-members may buy tickets here beginning February 8.
More 2012 design occasions: Jan. 20-Feb. 10, Jan. 27-Feb. 17, 2012
What’s on your calendar? Let us know in the comments!