This morning Tess (the best dog in the universe) and I are sitting in the Architecture Month (AM12) space that has been rented in the West End for the month of April. For the last six years a rather small contingent of AIA Greenville members have volunteered to coordinate an ungodly number of events based on and around the promotion of architecture in Greenville. The events often are collaborative efforts with other organizations and faculty and students from Clemson University. This year the committee decided that having a space as the home base would be best and would offer us the opportunity to have a few month long exhibits in place as well. The City of Greenville, Metropolitan Arts Council and Clemson University’s School of Architecture agreed and have allowed us to stretch the budget and tweak some rules in order to accommodate this temporary gallery and theater.
From the moment you enter the front door you are engaged in the tensile installation created and constructed by Professor Dave Lee’s students at Clemson. You walk under and between the fabric panels tethered to the ceiling structure and weighted to the floor by recycled steel channels identifying the compass points. Clearly you are here and connected to the beginning of what is sure to be a creatively experienced month.
Benches built of recycled wood railing components from the Clemson University School of Architecture are spread throughout the interior and will provide seating for the Tuesday night film series. This is perhaps the most exciting aspect of this year’s events. Every Tuesday evening there will be a film related to architecture shown in the space. In the past we have shown films at the Coffee Underground and Warehouse Theatre but now we are able to host our own events in our own space!
Not only is there work by students here, but also a series of artwork created by architects and interns. This ranges from flatwork (sketches, photographs and paintings) to three-dimensional works in wood and ceramics. Clearly generated by the hands of individuals the work again exudes creative minds at work and play. That is the real story here. Architects are creative problem solvers and are collaborative beings by nature. We don’t just simply make blueprints. This year’s Architecture Month is sure to be unique, and all the events are free and open to the public at 807 S. Main Street, thanks to our generous sponsors!
Catherine Smith
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