Designs for a Metal Building System

In a former life, I worked on a large trade show, and had behind-the-scenes access that is rare for trade publication editors. I saw all the hard work being done months and even a year before the show floor opened, making sure the right exhibitors and there, ensuring everyone’s booths are flawless, and creating a compelling conference program. It’s an impressive undertaking.

But for most of my professional life, I’ve been on the outside, walking the aisles, talking to exhibitors and attendees while covering these large events for my magazines. Despite the toll it takes on my feet, I’ve come to enjoy trade shows. So it comes as no surprise that I’m very much looking forward to the upcoming AIA 2010 National Convention and Design Exposition this June in Miami.

It will be my first time to attend this event, and I’m sensing a certain “buzz” in the industry regarding this opportunity for the architectural and design community to come together. As the economy has affected everyone, events like these are even more important to help facilitate face-to-face business relationships, bringing together like-minded people who can help each other out while working toward the same goal. They say a rising tide lifts all ships, and an event like the AIA Convention and Expo can play an important part in making that happen.

In our upcoming May issue, we provide a preview of the 2010 AIA Convention and Expo beginning on page 34, detailing the networking opportunities and educational sessions that should be on your day planner for the show.

May' cover story takes a look at how U.S. architects and firms are affected by taking work abroad. Of course, there is a certain financial impact as firms are looking for work outside of their traditional markets to make up for a lagging construction industry in the United States. But in addition, architects will likely find themselves either influencing their foreign counterparts, or being influenced by them. Take a look at the cover story on page 18 to discover if the “American style” of metal architecture is incorporating aspects of other regional styles, and how U.S. firms manage work abroad.

Don't forget, the July issue of Metal Architecture will feature our 2010 Metal Architecture Design Awards, so if you're interested in submitting your designs, the forms are available on our homepage, www.MetalArchitecture.com, under the 'Contest Forms’ tab.

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