Pittsburgh Architecture Week focuses on a wide variety of ways to engage people in what architects do, how architecture impacts our lives, and the value of good design.

What we offer people that is likely different than other events, is an understanding of what is at stake with our built environment, what is possible, and how to participate in what our future could look like. For example, we will be at the downtown Farmer’s Market on Oct. 3rd asking people how they want to see the built environment evolve and change over the next 25 years. Then an architect will sketch some of those answers to visualize them.

One of the themes of Pittsburgh Architecture Week this year is that design can have a substantial impact on our health. Architects know this as designers of buildings and spaces, but it is not widely discussed by others. In the last 10-15 years there has been a growing scientific evidence base from fields like neuroscience, behavioral psychology and sociology that reveals why and how the human brain is affected by natural light, spatial dimensions, colors, how a space flows or how stairs ask you to move.

We have a discussion on Tuesday evening among architects and urban planners from Pittsburgh and Sweden exploring how the design of spaces and buildings impacts human well-being. Then there is a Friday panel on ‘How to Advocate for Healthy Change through Architecture’ why and how well-designed spaces can support social, emotional and physical health. Then we go a step further and share ways to advocate for well-design buildings and places, which include public spaces and community infrastructure. If you know you have choices – and which choices are better for you, your family or your community – then you can advocate for them. This might be in community meetings, writing a letter to the editor, in a discussion with a developer or contractor, or simply informing personal choices for your home.

All events are open to the public and most are free, but all require registration. More information and how to register can be found on our website: https://aiapgh.org/events/architecture-week-2024/

Quotes by: Michelle Fanzo, Executive Director, AIA Pittsburgh