Design represents the first signal of human intention; it is the first indication that we understand our surroundings and wish to place our mark upon them. In his book Cradle to Cradle, William McDonough says, “ ... I think as designers we realize that design is a signal of intention but it also has to occur within a world... we have to understand that world in order to imbue our designs with inherent intelligence...”


We are at a turning point in the realm of design, where creatively driven high design is beginning to receive criticism for its lack of social awareness. Today, design aesthetics are giving way to ecological sustainability, but we have to understand that these two ideas (aesthetics and sustainability) are not mutually exclusive. As humans we don’t want to reside in beautiful buildings at the cost of the environment, nor do we want to inhabit sustainable boxes. There must be a balance struck between these two factors and our intention as designers must be to find that balance.


The Miller House,
designed in 1988 by architect Jose Oubrerie, was a commission by Robert Miller of Lexington, KY.  At the time, Jose was the Dean of the College of Architecture, who had many accomplishments throughout his career as an assistant to the acclaimed architect Le Corbusier.  Completed in 1992, the house became an international symbol for Modern architecture, being featured  in   several   publications across the globe.  To learn more about the history of the Miller House and the organization, dedicated to its preservation, the Foundation for Advanced Architecture, please click here.
 
What does $5,000 mean to charities such as Sunflower Kids and Aids Volunteers (AVOL) of Lexington?  Being the the largest, student-run, non-profit organization in the state of Kentucky, the Beaux-Arts Ball Foundation of the College of Design at the University of Kentucky strives to provide donations to local charities like these every year  by doing  what  college students do best: partying!  This annual celebration of diversity and creativity  has  grown  to  become  not   only  a  community-wide  event,  but  state-and nation-wide.  Last year $45,000 dollars was
raised, and this year 4 acres will be dedicated to this amazing ball in Lexington’s Distillery District.  Join the other +3,000 people with crazy costumes, live DJs, and plenty of drinks!  Click here for videos,  photos, and more information on the ball!
 
Known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” Lexington, Kentucky has made a name for itself socially, economically, and culturally.  The commonwealth of Kentucky is known for thoroughbred racehorses, bourbon distilleries, tobacco production, and college basketball. The city of Lexington itself is an icon of prosperity and a diverse cityscape.  The use of an urban services boundary around the city supports inner city development while protecting the surrounding icons of Kentucky, such as the bluegrass and horse farms.  There are many notable historic locations throughout, such as the Kentucky Theatre, Keeneland Racetracks, the Distillery District, and many more.  Experience the “Unbridled Spirit!”
 

The Kentucky Theatre Auditorium

“The University of Kentucky architectural design response to the 2009 Solar Decathlon presents an optimized living and learning environment that actively engages the landscape through an integrated design approach.  This holistic design motif demonstrates a range of integrated possibilities for site-malleable and contextual solutions for living under the sun today.”  For more information on the s.ky blue house, visit the website here.
 

Copyright 2010

American Institute of Architecture Students

University of Kentucky Chapter

Every Spring and Fall, an AIAS chapter within each quad hosts a conference over various architectural themes. The conference provides opportunities for architecture students within their region to meet and communicate with one another outside of the classroom.