Open Architecture Network

The American Institute of Architects San Joaquin Chapter is proud to announce the anniversary exhibit of ArcHop. A little over a year ago this was just an idea. After four successful exhibits that continue to grow in ambition and popularity, it is clear that our commitment to this idea is a success.
<\br>
What was the idea? To improve the San Joaquin Valley’s built environment through education and interaction. While that is a long term goal, we are making strides in that direction.

The fifth and most ambitious of the ArcHop exhibits opens this Thursday, October 2nd 5-9pm in the Broadway Studios, 1416 Broadway @ Tuolumne in downtown Fresno. The topic is “art and architecture”. For the anniversary event we felt it appropriate to reinforce the links between the two discipline as well as acknowledge the genesis of ArcHop from Art Hop.

We will be pairing the artwork of local architects with artists to look at them in a common light. The exhibit is sponsored by Parrish Hansen Structural Engineers and DKSJ Architects. Below is a list of those whose work will be on display and available for purchase in silent auction.

9 artists: Adam Longatti, Adam Wall, Dean Dallin, Joan Sharma, Linda Koch, Frank Jackson, Ramiro Martinez, Robert Weibel, and Steve Dzerigian
7 architects: John Wiens, Marvin Armstrong AIA, Riitta Vepsalainen, Robin Gay McCline AIAE, Xinyi Pan AIA, Gene Zelmer AIA, Michael Fennacy AIA, and Imelda Golik
3 architecture associates: Brianna Smeds, Haley Gipe, and Kiel Famellos-Schmidt

Also on display is an installation designed by artist Ramiro Martinez in collaboration with architect and Fresno State professor Riitta Vepsalainen. This design was made reality through material donatins of Patton Air Conditioning and the volunteer work of Fresno State interior design students and Fresno City architecture students. The resultant 23 foot long 9 foot tall interactive installation is wonderfully unique and a must see/experience.

Along with pride and joy, I must also express sadness. Wednesday September 24th legendary artist and architect, Robin Gay McCline, passed away. You may know Gay for his art, architecture, community involvement, or kind heart. I know him best for his support and involvement in ArcHop. He was on our Legends panel discussion in April and his donation of two water color paintings to be shown at the upcoming ArcHop exhibit on Thursday. With his passing the gesture now carries so much more meaning.

We will be taking a moment at ArcHop before the 7pm panel discussion to honor Gay, and his lifelong commitment to art, architecture, and Fresno.

Please join us in enjoying the fusion of art and architecture, as well as cerebrate success and remembering one of Fresno’s greatest artist and architect

Thank you,

Kiel Famellos-Schmidt
ArcHop curator
archop@gmail.com

In loving memory of Robin Gay McCline.

architecture students engage in cutting edge design to push themselves, the profession and the built environment forward. architecture schools emit a culture of creativity and rigor.

in the san joaquin valley that energy isn't captured with the lack of a school of architecture. in july we gather valley students for a regional exhibit. from them we will learn about design outside the valley walls and witness the talent they have.

a panel of distinguished educators will discuss architectural education, including all of its competition, diversity, creativity, and sleepless nights.

The goal of April’s archop is to show the public what makes an award winning building or landscape and why awards are important. A design award should be more than a pat on the back and a plaque on the wall. Awards set the bar for quality design and acknowledge achievement. We invite you to exhibit your award winning design.

The first archop panel discussion, filled the seats and had others standing eager to hear about architecture, landscape, and planning. In April, we bring together many of Fresno’s legends of design. We will engage them in discussion about their decades of experience, with the hope of learning from their success.

What a Technical month this was! Lucky for the reader, one of my special powers is to absorb the "technical fire balls" and turn them into "eye-opening words of light".

Ever wondered what people mean when they say "you need to operate like a well-oiled machine"? Well, the first and only step: Stop wondering!

Here is how the well-oiled FFH Kenya machine worked this month(in A,B,C format):
I must first of all say, WHAT A TEAM! this is.

step 1: April (Design Architect) sends Design drawings to Andrew (Architect of Record).

step 2: Andrew prepares Architectural/ Council drawings.

step 3: Andrew then sends Architectural drawings to Mike(Structural Engineer) and Peter (Electrical Consultant)

step 4: Architectural, Structural and Electrical drawings were then sent to Bobby (Quantity Surveyor).

step 5: Bobby is now preparing Bills of Quantities.

Finally, all Drawings and BOQs will then be sent to AFH in early October for review.

P.S. I have not forgotten those that like seeing pictures, images and drawings. These will be uploaded asap.

This is the superhero signing out and will be back towards the end of next month to save another day. Watch this space......