Visualizing the future of an urban environment through a discussion of how building materials age! The choices we make in building materials determine the lifespan and efficacy of any building, outdoor sculpture, or monument. Taking a look through some case studies of some of the most well known landmarked monuments, sculptures and buildings in NYC, DC and Baltimore; we can see how materials have changed, and what steps we can take to respect, conserve and maintain metals and masonry. Case Studies include Baltimore City Hall, the Roland Water Tower, the U.S. Capitol Building, and Louise Nevelson’s monumental sculpture Night Presence IV in NYC.

In the 1970s, Mayor William Donald Schaefer used arts and culture to sell a new image of Baltimore as quirky and charming to both tourists and business leaders. In this talk, Mary Rizzo will examine forgotten moments from Schaefer’s terms as mayor, from the creation of a failed local version of the Oscars, called “The Don” awards to honor Baltimore’s film business, to the Baltimore Promenade, a public art project designed to integrate city neighborhoods through the act of walking.

To cap off Women’s History Month, we are highlighting two trailblazers who rose to leadership in the community and the profession! 

As part of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Baltimore Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), we are hosting conversations with trailblazing architects in Baltimore, discussing their impact on the profession and our communities. To cap off Women’s History Month, we are highlighting two trailblazers who rose to leadership in the community and the profession who will touch on some of their interesting projects in Baltimore.