Every two years, many of the world’s top architects and design professionals gather to discuss topical issues pertaining to the built environment in the heart of the country’s stunning mountainous landscape. Hosted by the Alberta Association of Architects, this year’s conference will be held in the iconic Banff Springs Hotel, a Scottish Baronial-style castle nestled between hot springs, evergreen forests and snow-capped peaks. If there is a single natural setting capable of inspiring creative people, this is surely it.
Banff Springs Hotel; image © Evan Leeson
Now in its 60th year, this year’s conference has been given the theme of “Convergence,” intended to reflect the 21st-century merging of disciplines including psychology, environmental science and economics. The blurring of boundaries between industries — and the way in which each is becoming increasingly influenced by the next — will be discussed by attendees at what the Association describes as “the most prestigious bi-annual gathering of architects and design professionals in Alberta.”
From left to right: Angela Ferguson (futurespace), Charles Walker (Zaha Hadid Architects), Shannon Nichol (Gustafson Guthrie Nichol); images courtesy of the architects
While the destination is characteristically Canadian, architects from all over the world will be in attendance. Keynote speakers include Shannon Nichol of Seattle-based firm Gustafson Guthrie Nichol, Angela Ferguson of Australian studio futurespace and Charles Walker, Director at Zaha Hadid Architects in London. Brigitte Shim and Howard Sutcliffe of Toronto-based firm Shim-Sutcliffe Architects will also give their views, along with J. Robert Hillier of New Jersey practice Studio Hillier.
Banff Session 2016 will be held over Friday, May 13th — including a 60th anniversary gala in the evening — and Saturday, May 14th this spring. For more on the event and to register for conference tickets, check out the Alberta Association of Architects’ dedicated webpage.
Top image: Banff Spring Hotel; via Wikimedia