Scenes from the August Happy Hour

Thanks so much for coming out, everyone!

2013 Summer | Philly AYAC Young Alumni Event

The A-School Young Alumni Council (AYAC) would like to welcome the 2013 graduates who are now settling in the area. Let's celebrate with a happy hour! Please join us at Morgan's Pier (map) on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 for snacks and tasty beverages. Look for the UVa banner!

Hope to see you there :D

AYAC | PHILADELPHIA REGION

Fatima Olivieri [MArch] 

Sophia Lee [MArch] 

Sarah Bolivar [B. Urban & Environmnetal Planning] 

Megan Bucknum [MUEP] 

[Attribute: the photo of Morgans Pier came from this flickr user. Thanks for the great photo!]

Alan Metcalfe presents "Out on a Limb" at Morris Arboretum!

 

On Saturday, May 18, thirteen UVa School of Architecture Alumni and friends gathered at Morris Arboretum's "Out on a Limb" with the designer of exhibit, Alan Metcalfe of Metcalfe Architecture and Design.

Alan began by giving us some history and context about Morris Arboretum. Rather than the more rigid style of gardening that is exemplified by Versailles Gardens, the founders John and Lydia Morris preferred the more Picturesque style of the English. 

The challenge was to create an exhibit showcasing trees and their stewardship that could attract a younger clientele who have at their disposal a dizzying array of attention-grabbing video games. And yet, Alan, with a very multidisciplinary team, was able to do so with "Out on a Limb."

Paul Meyer (pictured above), the Executive Director of Morris Arboretum, also dropped by briefly to tell us about the incredible success of "Out on a Limb." When other kinds of funding was dropping off, their membership and visiting rates increased as much as 30%, and he attributes that in strong part to the popularity of this exhibit.

Alan then led us to the ceremonial gateway of the walk. The pathway desires to instill a certain "perception of fear" - that thrill that makes an experience truly memorable, especially for kids. To achieve this sense, Alan and his team explored methods of "dematerializing" the pathway. A parallel goal was to rarefy the pathway to throw the focus on the surrounding trees which are the true subject of the exhibit, but this needed to be balanced by the need to accomodate strollers and absolute safety. What emerged is the structurally-sound walkway that begins as solid wood, and then visually melts underfoot with transparent bar grate and even gives way in a net!

The pavilion emerged as a fascinating dialogue between wood craftsmen and steelworkers. They quite literally had to design a joint that would unify the two trades in one unified whole. 

From the pavilion, we visited the bird's nest, where Alan and his team took great pains to scale the space down to a child's space. The windows and openings, for example, are placed so a seated child can peer out at the wilderness. 

Back through the pavilion, we headed out to hang amongst the tree canopy. There are three layers of netting, and it's tested for safety regularly, but there's really nothing quite like the experience of walking on swaying netting!

We concluded by taking a quick walk underneath the structure where the Metcalfe Architecture and Design team worked hard to design it just as rigorously as every other aspect of this exhibit, even though it was less likely to be seen by the public. Here, Alan explained that components can collapse independently without harming the entire structure. Also, in the event that a nearb tree collapses on to the structure, components can be dismantled and moved elsewhere. They placed the pile footings with utmost care not to destroy near by tree roots. Even the diagonal bracing was designed less symmetrically and more randomly to be more in tune with the natural pattern of tree branches.

We all had a truly wonderful time. Thanks again, Alan Metcalfe!

Photos and article all by Sophia Lee.

Dining Out for Life

Left: the donation envelopes (via Instagram - user wilderbahn | Right: Aprons worn by volunteers to give out envelopes, stickers, and pens (photo courtesy of Alaya White)

Dining Out For Life is a fundraising dinner that was founded in Philadelphia by ActionAIDS in 1991 and has expanded to over 60 cities in North America.  This year's event occurred on Thursday, April 25th, at an incredible number of the participating restaurants. Volunteers helped spread awareness of the fundraiser and answered questions about the organization.  A third of each diner’s food bill was donated to local AIDS service organizations, and the volunteers helped raise additional contributions from individual patrons. Anyone that donated $25 or more is eligible for 20% Off Tuesdays for the rest of the year!

Two of our AYAC members participated in "Dining Out for Life." Megan Bucknum had a wonderful time South Philly Taproom, while Sophia Lee joined ActionAIDS volunteers Marian and Alaya at Route 6.

We had a great time, and we collected many additional envelopes from generous customers. Thank you to the restaurant patrons, the restaurants, and to Megan Bucknum for sending this volunteer opportunity along to the rest of the UVa AYAC members! We are making great progress for our "13 in 2013" service initiative!

Left: the donation envelopes (via Instagram - user wilderbahn | Right: Aprons worn by volunteers to give out envelopes, stickers, and pens (photo courtesy of Alaya White)

Above: Volunteers were encouraged to make reservations and invite friends to dine out too - Route 6 has amazing food - I'll definitely be back! (via Instagram - user wilderbahn)

Above: Group Photo - thanks for sending it along, Alaya!

PHS Bare Root Tree Planting

Through the PHS-led One Million Trees initiative, UVa AYAC member Sarah Bolivar and A-School Alumna Lisa Bonitatibus volunteered with Friends of the Schuylkill River Park Tree Tenders to plant street trees, such as small cherry and maple cultivars.  It was a great opportunity to talk to passersby and residents about the importance of our urban forest.  Also, we had a great time digging pits and playing in the dirt.  If you'd like to become a tree tender in your own community, you can visit the PHS webpage.

This is just one of the many volunteer opportunities you can join for "Thirteen in 2013."

 Digging the pit and making sure the hole is wide enough for the roots to stretch

 Another pit!

Admiring our great work :D

Join us for Thirteen in 2013!

As part of the AYAC mission, we strive to create linkages among alumni, regional, and UVa networks.  To embody these goals, AYAC Philly is embarking upon an initiative through Cavaliers Care, called Thirteen in 2013.  Our mission is to obtain 13 (and more!) hours of community service during the year 2013.  Please join us for any of our upcoming projects.  We are kicking it off by volunteering through the PHS Flower Show, but there are many more opportunities to come!  From vegetable gardening to woodworking, we'll find a project to accommodate all interests and skills.

To sign on up with Thirteen in 2013, register here and e-mail bolivar.sarah@gmail.com.  Please view upcoming projects on our fresh new calendar! 

Best,

AYAC Philly – Fatima, Sophia, Sarah and Megan

Remembering Blair Phillips : Call for Submissions

We have suffered a great loss in the passing of our friend, colleague and former student Blair Phillips.  over these past few weeks we have witnessed an incredible outpouring of support for Blair, his family and friends, something we hope to transform into something beautiful and uplifting: a collective and tangible expression of our love for Blair.

Please prepare a note to, for, or about Blair and his full life - a memory, a lesson learned, a virtuous trait, etc.  These small notes (approximate size 4"x5") will be a part of a larger collage to be posted in the halls of campbell hall, the school of architecture, and later collected and presented to the Phillips family. This will serve as a way to inform others of the impact Blair has had on so many of our lives, as well as help his memory live on in our own hearts and minds. The exhibit will be on display starting on Sunday, February 3, 2013, accepting notes from now until it is sent to the family in a few weeks time, exact date TBD. Notes can be posted in person at the school on the second floor curving wall starting Monday February 4, or can be mailed to the following address:

school of architecture foundation

re: Blair Phillips Memorial

campbell hall

p.o. box 400122

charlottesville va 22904–4122

Please pass this information on to others you know who would be interested in participating; this is open to any and everyone, just as Blair would have liked.

Thank you again for all of your support up to now and moving forward, We are confident this will be an incredibly moving installation, especially with your participation.  Please contact Sophia Lee at sjl6pe@virginia.edu if you have any questions. 

For further information about the exhibit, please take a look at this article. 

sincerely,

the uva school of architecture class of 2011

AYAC PHL Extern Week | Open Studio @ KieranTimberlake

A-School Alums,

The Philadelphia Region of AYAC is collaborating with the SARC Foundation and KieranTimberlake to host an Open Studio / reception Wednesday, January 9th at 6:30pm. This is a great time to meet the A-School student externs who will be working in the Philly area January 7-11. Warren Buford, Executive Director of the SARC Foundation will also be in attendance to give an update of the School. Spaces are limited so please RSVP via email to Fatima Olivieri [folivieri@kierantimberlake.com] no later than Wednesday, January 2, 2013. 

See you there!

AYAC | PHILADELPHIA REGION

1st PHL Happy Hour | Awesome!

The Philly branch of UVa AYAC had our first happy hour last night. So many people came out - thanks so much! We missed a few of you (Pete and Sarah, I'm looking at you :D) but definitely keep an eye out for our January Externship event!

Cheers,

- UVa AYAC PHL

2012 Fall | Kick-off Happy Hour Event!

The New A-School Young Alumni Council (AYAC) would like to invite alums in the Philadelphia region to a kick-off HAPPY HOUR event. Whether you are new to the city of brotherly love or have been here awhile - we hope to see you. Bring your A-School friends!

When: Thursday, Decemter 6, 2012 | 6pm

Location: National Mechanics | 22 South 3rd Street Philadelphia, PA 19106

(3rd Street between Market & Chestnut)

Look for the UVA banner!

Philly AYAC - UVA A-School Alum Meeting!

Hello Everyone! This past week, Philly AYAC met up with UVa A-School alum Bob Nalls, principle of Nalls Architecture Inc. and a respected adjunct associate professor at Drexel University. We have lots of exciting events planned for the holiday season and the New Year. Stay tuned!