Nearly 300 architects gathered on June 10 for The Edge Condition in Global Architecture Practice, the annual edition of AIA International's signature workshop at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26) in San Diego.
Organized and hosted by Jason Holland, AIA, the half-day workshop brought together professional leaders and practitioners from North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia to explore one central question:
How do architects create meaningful places at the edges where cultures, climates, technologies, and ideas meet?
Jason Holland, AIA
Leading at the Edge
The workshop opened with ‘Leadership at the Edge’, featuring AIA President Illya Azaroff, RIBA President Chris Williamson, and AIA International President Segene Park, who discussed the opportunities—and responsibilities—of architectural practice in an increasingly interconnected world and the importance of collaboration among professional institutes.
Reflecting on the discussion, Chris Williamson remarked:
““It was wonderful to be able to discuss global challenges and opportunities with Architecture Institutes throughout the world. Sharing knowledge and resources is vital to collaborate and ensure a better sustainable built environment.””
Speakers left to right - Segene Park, Chris WIlliamson, Illya Azaroff
Practicing at the Edge
The workshop demonstrated how global challenges are addressed through local action. Speakers explored topics including mass timber and evolving construction cultures in Latin America, climate-responsive design rooted in Southeast Asian vernacular traditions, humanitarian sheltering, and memorial architecture that balances history, symbolism, and contemporary expression.
Architect and Emmy-nominated filmmaker Mark E. Breeze shared insights and film clips from his documentary work examining humanitarian shelter, challenging attendees to reconsider architecture's role in responding to displacement and one of the world's most pressing humanitarian challenges.
Matt Pearson and Paul Schelechow explored the intersection of memory, symbolism, and place through the design of a World War II monument on the beaches of Normandy.
Manon Koestoer (Singapore) and Khiem Nguyen (Vietnam) presented climate-responsive strategies rooted in tropical design traditions, while Vicente Bonilla (Uruguay) demonstrated how digital delivery and emerging mass timber technologies are reshaping construction practice in his home country.
Speakers left to right - Jason Holland, Arne Emerson, Julian Parsley, Chris Williamson, Paul Schelechow, Matt Pearson.
Looking to the Future
The workshop concluded with two forward-looking presentations. Julian Parsley of Buro Happold explored how engineering innovation is shaping the next generation of sustainable museums in ‘From Art to Atmosphere’, while Arne Emerson, Partner at Morphosis, delivered ‘Future at the Edge’, a provocative reflection on design leadership and the future of global architectural practice. Together, the sessions reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration as architects and engineers respond to increasingly complex global challenges.
Reflecting on the workshop, Vicente Bonilla, AIA International Country Representative for Uruguay, shared:
““The AIA International Workshop demonstrates the true value of a global professional community. Bringing together architects from different countries to exchange knowledge, build relationships, and explore shared challenges creates opportunities that extend well beyond the conference itself.””
Conclusion
More than a successful workshop, The Edge Condition demonstrated AIA International's growing role as a platform for global thought leadership. By convening internationally recognized speakers, professional leaders, and practitioners around a shared theme, the event strengthened AIA International's visibility within the broader AIA26 conference while reinforcing the value of international collaboration across the profession.
And a special thanks to Christine Bruckner for highlighting the value of design awards that formally recognize the achievements of the global community.
AIA International thanks the speakers, attendees, volunteers, and conference organizers who contributed to the success of this year's event and looks forward to continuing the conversation at AIA27, the AIA Conference on Architecture and Design next year in Philadelphia.
By Jason Holland, AIA
