George Smart is an unlikely preservationist, almost an accidental one. The founder and executive director of USModernist, a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and documentation of modern houses, Smart worked for 30 years as a management consultant. “I was doing strategic planning and organization training,” he says. “My wife refers to this whole other project as a 16-year seizure.” Recently I spoke with Smart about his two websites, the podcast, the house tours his organization conducts, and why documentation is such a power preservation tool.
The fourth edition of the Timișoara Architecture Biennial, or Beta, is focusing on the theme of “the City as Common Good”. Through a wide range of events, Beta aims to address topics that are relevant and urgent globally and explore their impact on the local built environment and its response to the needs of the communities. Taking place at various locations in the city of Timișoara, Romania, this year’s festival begins on September 23rd and ends one month later, on October 23rd.
The Jewel Box at the YoungArts Campus in Miami, FL
The iconic national headquarters of National YoungArts Foundation (YoungArts), formerly the Bacardi Buildings Complex, was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 2018. YoungArts acquired the landmark tower and museum buildings in October 2012 and has since converted the buildings into the YoungArts Campus, transforming it into a multidisciplinary arts institution while preserving its beloved structures. In celebration of this prestigious designation, YoungArts is opening its campus to tours, during which visitors can learn more about the unique architectural, historical and cultural significance of the buildings, and its adaptive reuse as
Discover the incredible architectural legacies of Cambodia. Experience the beauty of Angkor and the designs behind it, all while learning how many of those features formed the base of what is now called New Khmer Architecture. The style was created after the country’s independence from France when a generation, led by architect Vann Molyvann, began transforming the face of their country.
WSU McGregor Memorial Conference Center | courtesy of Jeff Dunn
For most of the 20th century, Detroit was our nation’s economic dynamo. This heritage is reflected in the treasure trove of outstanding historic homes, buildings, and factories that still define the cityscape. While Detroit has struggled into the 21st century, its role as a center for architectural innovation is undiminished. With stunning early 20th-century mansions, grand Art Deco skyscrapers, and surprising mid-century masterpieces, the Motor City has more to offer than most realize. Explore the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Lafayette Park, Eastern Market, private homes, and special projects by local preservation organizations. Learn about how Detroit is rebounding while experiencing the innovative and seminal works of great architects like Eliel Saarinen, Daniel Burnham, Cass Gilbert, John Burgee, Albert Kahn, Minoru Yamasaki, and Mies van der Rohe along the way.
Discover the rich architecture of the South West of England as we visit historic Bath and the vibrant city of Bristol. Along the way we take in the stately splendor of Stonor Park and the hidden gem of Bowood House, nestled deep in the Wiltshire countryside. From our base in genteel Bath we explore stunning Georgian architecture and learn more about how Bath was built in the 1800s, with a talk from the curator of the Museum of Bath Architecture.
Brimming with architectural innovation, Vienna stands at the crossroads of Europe. Its location between north and south, east and west has always made it open to new ideas, even as the city carefully groomed its signature refinement and grace.
Immerse yourself in the cultural and architectural heritage of Portugal and Northern Spain on a once-in-a-lifetime 17-day journey with Architectural Adventures. From historic Lisbon to vibrant Barcelona, visit and explore 14 cities and 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites while enjoying world-class accommodations and fine regional dining. Sip Oporto’s famed port wine, see Santiago’s monumental cathedral, tour the Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, and see where the bulls run in Pamplona before traversing the breathtaking Pyrenees Mountains en route to Barcelona and the Mediterranean Sea.
Discover the unique and inventive architecture in three Nordic countries on an 11-day journey with Architectural Adventures. The cutting-edge designs that enliven the skylines and streets of Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo illustrate the rich past and present of this corner of the globe. Delve into the global significance of buildings, rich history of the region, and learn from local architectural experts what drives the innovation in Scandinavian design. Enjoy behind-the-scenes access to award-winning complexes, opera houses, public spaces and cultural centers, learning first-hand from architectural influencers in the region and get an insider’s look at the region’s architectural past, present and future.
Building of the Day: The George Washington Bridge Bus Station (Credit: The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey)
During the month of October, a host of events will take place throughout the five boroughs of New York City as part of the month-long architecture and design festival, Archtober. The well-known Building of the Day series of walking tours continues with highlights including the Sea Glass Carousel, Freshkills Park, and the George Washington Bridge Bust Station.
Discover the beauty of the Rhine and enjoy as you cruise along this scenic ribbon of river through Germany, France and The Netherlands on an eight-day journey with Architectural Adventures.
Join Architectural Adventures this winter to soak in the amazing architectural and cultural wealth of Miami during this five-day small-group trip. Experience historical, architectural, and cultural bliss under tropical skies as we discover South Florida's historic neighborhoods and percolating art and architecture scene. Enjoy a private boat tour on the Biscayne Bay which includes a visit to Stiltsville, accessible only by water.
Architectural Adventures, a travel program from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), is the premier travel provider for architecture, art, and photography enthusiasts, as well as intellectually curious travelers. The program offers a variety of small-group tours specializing in the exploration and appreciation of some of the world’s most remarkable architecture, all while enjoying a destination’s culture, food, and traditions.
