AIA Rhode Island Education Expo, co-sponsored by and held at RWU July 26, 2012

The American Institute of Architects Rhode Island held its annual Education Expo and Corporate Affiliates Fair at the SAAHP on July 26, co-sponsored by Roger Williams University. The program, “Why Wait:  Interim Development of the I-195 Parcels?” focused on presentations, discussion and brainstorming involving innovative possibilities of temporary development in Providence on land vacated by the relocation of the Interstate 195 highway. Providence Preservation Society (PPS) Executive Director James Hall, City of Providence Interim Director of Planning Bob Azar and RI State Representative Chris Blazejewski addressed issues, current status of lands, and policy and civic engagement related to the I-195 Commission. Strategies and ideas for development were raised by Kite Architects Principal Christine West, Russell Preston of Principle Group on tactical urbanism, and RWU Visiting Professor Vikram Bhatt from McGill University addressed agricultural urbanism potentials. Presentations were followed by Workshop Groups and a mini-charrette, and capped by the annual Corporate Affiliates Fair and appreciation, and of course the lobsterfest under the tent.