World Architecture Day 2023

October 2nd, 2023

Created by the International Union of Architects (UIA) in 1985, World Architecture Day is celebrated annually on the first Monday of October in parallel with the United Nations’ (UN) World Habitat Day.

Each year, the UIA selects a theme highlighting essential issues related to architecture, urban planning, and design. These themes promote awareness and discussion about significant architectural challenges and opportunities. This year’s theme, “Architecture for Resilient Communities,” focuses on how climate crises, the global pandemic, and political upheavals have exposed disparities in society, the economy, and the environment.

At Galloway, we care about the impact of our work and seek to understand how it will impact communities and the environment. We engage in thought-provoking conversations on these topics through our diversity and equity initiative. We also hosted a National Organization of Minority Architects event, discussing the juxtaposition of development with community equity and resiliency in detail.

Christian Arndt, RA, senior architectural project manager at Galloway, states there is no single or best way to create solutions but offers some ideas. These include designing buildings for long-term adaptive use versus single-use only and constructing buildings beyond the minimum code requirements for weather protection to reduce insurance premiums.

Architectural project manager and senior associate at Galloway, Blake Olson, AIA, NOMA, NCARB, adds, “As forerunners in the built environment, architects must find a balance in how we develop spaces that foster healthy, viable, resilient, and equitable communities.”