The 2016 AIA Convention has come and gone. As an “emerging architect,” this was my first experience at an AIA Convention and it was marvelous. In addition to working a full, 40+ hour work week complete with a Friday submittal deadline, I was able to run over to the convention center for a few lectures.

I attended a Thursday session titled “Design for Public Engagement: The City of Dreams Pavilion Competition”which featured Jessica Sheridan, Jason Klimoski, David Koren, and Ekaterina Zavyalova. The lecture focused on the City of Dreams Pavilion Design Competition which takes place each year on Governor’s Island as part of FIGMENT NYC, a free festival focused on creative learning, community engagement, and interactive sculptures.

If you’re not familiar with Metcalfe, our designs stem heavily from our beliefs in “empathetic architecture.” We create spaces which involve the integration of learning and play, experience and functionality all incorporated into a larger, sustainable existence.

The City of Dreams Pavilions invoke all of these design beliefs in fascinating, temporary installations. Here’s a taste of the lecture using a series of photos found on the FIGMENT NYC City of Dreams Pavilion flickr, posted by “figmentphotos.”

All of the projects featured were incredibly inspiring. I am excited to see what pavilion FIGMENT NYC unveils this summer!