The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.
The Most Famous Least Known American Architect [Midweek Vibe]
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Today is the anniversary of Thomas Ustick Walter's birthday. Born in Philadelphia in 1804, Walter worked for his father as a bricklayer and later learned architecture as an apprentice under William Strickland (a former pupil of Benjamin Henry Latrobe). He grappled with core questions, from blending history with personal style to leveraging new materials. He delved into the evolving role of communication tech, the dynamics between engineers, builders, and architects, and the interplay of technical expertise and creative vision. His design for Founders Hall at Girard College for Orphans (1832) was his most important early commission. Before that, there was Spruce Street Baptist Church (Philadelphia, PA), First Presbyterian Church of West Chester, and Bank of Chester County (West Chester, PA). He was one of the founders and second President of the American Institute of Architects. Still not ringing any bells? This may help. He was the fourth Architect of the Capitol and was responsible for adding the north (Senate) and south (House) wings and the central cast-iron dome, which is predominantly the current appearance of the U.S. Capitol building (the most famous of Walter's constructions). As the Architect of the Capitol, Walter is credited for designing the East and West wings of the Old Patent Office Building, now the Smithsonian American Art Museum. As well as the preliminary design of the expansion of the Treasury Building and the expansion of the General Post Office, among other projects. After his Washington career ended in 1865, Walter retired briefly before financial reversals forced him back to work. That trend hasn't changed. Has it? He was the Chief Assistant to the Architect of Philadelphia City Hall from 1873 until his death in 1887. Walter labored for a half-century, working side-by-side with the masons whose traditions he respected and who was willing to go toe-to-toe against engineers whose incursions he resented. How this titan has fallen through the cracks is truly a mystery. Today is his birthday. We should have cake. -The A-Team |
American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)
The American Institute of Building Design (AIBD) is a professional association that promotes the highest standards of excellence in residential building design. AIBD offers a variety of resources to its members, including continuing education, networking opportunities, and marketing assistance. AIBD is a valuable resource for anyone interested in a career in residential building design. If you want to improve your skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends, AIBD is the perfect organization for you.
September 16, 2024, Edition Ignite your mind and improve the way you are #CreatingWherePeopleLive Email servers may truncate this newsletter for being too long. Read the complete Monday Minute at AIBD.org/mondayminute If you received this as a forward, become one of our many delighted subscribers. Get insider access by signing up! The Monday Minute Weekly Newsletter Timeless Columns in Contemporary Design Are you passionate about design and architecture? Explore two of Steve's favorite...
On this day in 1941, the construction of the Pentagon commenced. Sixteen months later, it was completed and dedicated on January 15, 1943. This was an amazing feat considering that this was no ordinary office building but the world’s largest, with over 6.5 million square feet under the roof to support the work of about 30,000 people. Sixty years later, on this day, In 2001, the Pentagon was gravely damaged when a Boeing 757-223 hijacked by terrorists crashed into it, killing all 64 on the...
Hello Reader, Although we mention all upcoming events in our Monday Minute newsletter, sometimes it helps to be reminded elsewhere. So, we wanted to send you an email about Tuesdays in September. Here's what's happening this month on Tuesdays (click on the links for more information): Today at 2 PM Eastern, we have a Tuesday At 2 webinar. Next Tuesday, we have the High Performance Homes Team at 4 PM Eastern. And the last Tuesday of September is another Tuesday At 2; this one a CE watch-party!...