The American Institute of Architects (AIA) - Florida Gulf Coast Chapter's biennial design conference has brought nationally- and internationally- recognized designers working at the cutting edge of the architecture profession to share their work with the local community for 32 years. And now, with the conference opening to virtual attendance, the conference plans on going broadening its bandwidth from local to global. Inspired by the topsy-turvey year of 2020, this year’s theme, Design With Vision, examines the various facets of “vision” —  including how vision and visualization shapes a project, architectural practice, and the role of architecture in the community. While our physical and social environments have undergone radical changes in recent months, the importance of having a vision has become more evident and crucial. Attendees will be able to listen to speakers from around the world speak on visionary topics, engage in follow-up discussions, learn about modern technology, infrastructure, ideology and administration that contribute to the making of great architecture.

This year’s six speakers hail from four different countries — including Shahjay Bhooshan, Senior Associate at Zaha Hadid Architects; Bradley Lukanic, CEO of CannonDesign; Takashi Fujino of Ikimono Architects; Rozana Montiel of Mexico City-based Estudio de Arquitectura; and Ron Rochon of Miller Hull Partnership. In addition to this exciting lineup of industry namesakes, Jonathan Glancey, Hon FRIBA — acclaimed British architectural critic, journalist, author, curator, radio and television broadcaster — will be the Design Award speaker and presenter at the ceremony, held at The Art Ovation Hotel, Thursday, October 29. SRQ checked in with Glancey, currently in the UK, on his thoughts about 'Design With Vision.' As the moderator for the Conference panel discussion on Saturday, October 31, also held at the Art Ovation Hotel, he will kick off the discussion topic with the prompt query, "What do we mean when we speak of ‘Visionary Architecture?'"

“Architecture ideals can be exciting and infectious because of the personal force/charisma of particular characters, because certain drawings/visualizations are highly charged and attractive," he says. "The buildings and cities we build that might look visionary (Venice, Manhattan skyline) have been shaped for the most part by pretty practical reasons. And, it’s here in practical, useful, everyday buildings, developments and cities that we can find the work of true visionaries, those who use design to raise standards for all of us. This kind of visionary design can be seen, experienced and created at any scale — from a door handle to a downtown block. It comes not from asserting an aesthetic/ideal, but from enriching what is there before our eyes.” 

The AIA Florida Gulf Coast Chapter will host the Sarasota Design Conference from Thursday, October 29 - Sunday, November 1, 2020. Register for virtual attendance and partake in online workshops, virtual tours, discussions and seminars at SRQDESIGNCONFERENCE.COM. Check out the full events schedule here.

Read Jonathan Glancey's full bio here.