Panellists at Bentley Systems for the Emerging Technologies in Architecture event. Photo Credit: Hrisi Arabadzhieva
Past events
AIA UK’s calendar was packed as usual this spring season. From lectures to tours to our signature Design Awards Gala, we are grateful to all our board volunteers for their work to make these events successful. Here is a selection.
Lectures and Panel Discussions
On 29 April, AIA UK and our host Bentley Systems brought together four speakers working at the edge of architectural technology - Joshua Foxley, Johan Hanegraaf, Jean Santos, and Miroslav Naskov - for a panel on Emerging Technologies in Architecture. The speakers led a wide-ranging conversation on issues the profession is grappling with - how can AI and immersive tools expand our creativity, not restrict it? And how do architects retain their agency and control the process?
We also welcomed Younha Rhee of Atelier Ten for a Sustainability Lecture on Adaptive Reuse in a Heritage Context on 13 May, all about the process of successfully retrofitting the Grade II-listed Space House.
Tours
As part of our Building Tour series, on 16 April, we were treated to an in-depth look at one of the largest recent infrastructure projects in Europe - The Elizabeth Line. Grimshaw Architects first presented the design development of the line, which has transformed travel across London, before taking the group on a guided visit, so they could experience first-hand the carefully considered architecture, detailing, materiality, and passenger environment.
We also got the opportunity to leave London (and its heatwave) behind on the recent Bike Tour of The Dengie Peninsula in Essex. Led by Ben O’Looney, the group was able to spend the day sketching, swimming, and cycling, finishing with a drink at the quayside in Burnham-on-Crouch.
2026 AIA UK Design Awards Gala
Finally, the annual Design Awards Gala, held at the Royal College of Physicians on Regent’s Park on 28 May, was a real highlight, as usual. AIA UK members and friends gathered to celebrate the winners of this year’s AIA UK Excellence in Design Awards; this year, this included the announcement of the Noel Hill Student Research Award. We also got to enjoy drinks, snacks and networking in the beautiful Royal College of Physicians gardens and a raffle with generous prizes courtesy of our sponsor Herman Miller.
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