Greetings from Miami Beach where the activity at the AIA Convention is as hot as the weather. Although I have no official information, it appears that attendance is high. The exhibit floor is packed with architects looking for new products. Sustainability rules the day as manufacturers are offering new solutions for solar shading devices, building integrated PV's, 1-part flush urinals, LED lighting systems, coconut palm flooring, and much more. A large number of seminars and programs are also focused on sustainability, some more well presented than others, but it clearly has grabbed everyone's attention.
And of course there are the parties! The University of Virgina alumni gathered on the roof of the Sanctuary, a small boutique hotel that also has a great restaurant named Ola that I sampled on Wednesday evening. Then it was on to the AIA New York Chapter party at the Mondrian South Beach. The place was packed! You can always count on New Yorkers to party it up, and the all white decor and gorgeous views of downtown Miami certainly helped.
And of course there are the parties! The University of Virgina alumni gathered on the roof of the Sanctuary, a small boutique hotel that also has a great restaurant named Ola that I sampled on Wednesday evening. Then it was on to the AIA New York Chapter party at the Mondrian South Beach. The place was packed! You can always count on New Yorkers to party it up, and the all white decor and gorgeous views of downtown Miami certainly helped.