FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT
Erin Cullerton / Lisa Boquiren
media@aiasf.org
AIASF and Center for Architecture + Design
Build Cultural Destination for the Bay Area
Shape Your City campaign will help grow capacity, expand community programs,
and inspire people of all ages to engage in active design thinking
The San Francisco chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIASF) and its philanthropic arm, the Center for Architecture + Design (CA+D), announces its Shape Your City campaign, which will serve as the major fundraising channel for the two-year renovation project of its San Francisco headquarters.
To date, more than $3.5M has been raised through in-kind contributions of time and materials, along with cash donations. As of November 2021, the Shape Your City campaign aims to raise $4M in cash donations to cover the construction process and grow the Center’s reach and programs to fill its new shoes.
Scheduled to open in late 2022 to mark AIASF’s 141st anniversary, the space will open on the street level of the historic Hallidie Building and will come to life as a new cultural destination that will address the expanding and evolving needs of the architecture and design-focused communities.
“We look forward to welcoming the community to participate in the future thinking of cities and places that are economically vibrant, culturally diverse, and distinctively healthier and more resilient,” says Kamala Subbarayan, Board Chair for the Center for Architecture + Design and Business Partner for Real Estate and Workplace Services at Google.
The 10,000-square-foot facility will be a place to showcase design-forward conversations and a presence that will bring new life to San Francisco’s downtown streetscape. Designed by the award-winning architectural team Aidlin Darling Design, the new building will showcase both organizations’ inclusive, community-minded, and ambitious vision for the future of public programming.
“Through the Center for Architecture + Design and community collaborations, we can significantly expand our educational offerings, making these more accessible to an even broader and diverse audience. As we build on the successes of our current programs, we will host workshops, social gatherings, tours, gallery talks, youth programs, exhibitions, and more in the space,” notes Stacy Williams, AIASF Executive Director.
The new Center will feature a cafe and retail area as well as a flexible lecture hall, designed with state-of-the-art AV and acoustics for hosting large events. Additionally, the Center will provide much-needed gallery spaces, a concierge desk, and expanded meeting rooms that allow concurrent gatherings and accommodate a larger staff.
“Design is about community empowerment and, through the Shape Your City campaign, anyone who cares or is curious about architecture, design, and the vitality of our cities, and the Bay Area, can participate in this effort,” said Joshua Aidlin, FAIA, Founding Partner at Aidlin Darling Design, “The Center is about bringing together people in a physical space—a cultural destination for the community.”
Shape Your City campaign supporters currently include HOK, Page & Turnbull, RMW, and Rutherford + Chekene as well as many generous individuals. For a full list of the project team, collaborators, in-kind donors, and circle of friends, please visit https://aiasf.org/shape-your-city/.
About AIA San Francisco | www.aiasf.org Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Serving the Bay Area for over a century, the American Institute of Architects, San Francisco (AIASF) is committed to enhancing the quality of life in the Bay Area by promoting excellence in architecture, design, and the built environment. AIASF represents members practicing architecture, as well as allied community professionals in San Francisco and Marin counties. As a resource for our members and the public, AIA San Francisco strives to improve the quality of life in the Bay Area through community involvement, education, advocacy, public outreach, and member services.
About Center for Architecture + Design | www.centersf.org Instagram Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
The Center for Architecture + Design (the Center) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to creating a public-focused dialogue on architecture, design, and the built environment in the San Francisco Bay Area. Established in 2005, the Center enhances public appreciation for architecture and design through exhibitions, lectures, tours, film series, and other programs.
About the Shape Your City Campaign | https://centersf.org/shape-your-city/
The Shape Your City Campaign is an ongoing fundraising effort to build the Bay Area’s Center for Architecture + Design and fund an expanded range of design-focused programs such as tours, exhibitions, lectures, and youth education. To get involved or learn more, visit https://centersf.org/shape-your-city/
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