Review of 1999/2000

The work of this year�s committee has focussed on developing our existing program and laying some groundwork for future change. This pamphlet, for instance, has grown from modest beginnings two years ago into a significant resource for the culture of architecture in Ireland. The program of lectures and building visits continues to bring important foreign and local work to an increasing membership. The fora of previous years led this year to the AAI�s first symposium, published extensively in this issue. Last year�s AAI Student Award involved for the first time its own brief-writer and assessor, Cedric Price, who engaged memorably with the entrants in an open seminar. In addition, the panel of assessors for the XV AAI Awards, to open in April, included for the first time an architect who practices through writing, Beatriz Colomina, in addition to architects who practice through building.

None of this could have happened without the work of previous committees. Similarly, there have been some innovations which we hope will be taken up in subsequent years. Last year, for example, the AAI worked with the RIAI in bringing together a series of events to celebrate World Architecture Day. This and other events have been made possible through the generous support of a broadened sponsorship base, which we hope will grow further on receipt of charity status (application currently pending). We are also currently finalising negotiations for a three-year funding contract with the Arts Council, which will mean a substantial increase in the AAI�s annual budget. This will be directed towards the establishment of an office at 8 Merrion Square and the recruitment of a professional Administrator from July 2000. This organisational structure will, we hope, sustain the consolidation and further development of the AAI�s program and profile in the coming years. There is much to be done, and the Association must continually re-examine the content, format and reach of its activities in relation to the contemporary culture and practice of architecture in Ireland.

We welcome any member interested in joining the AAI Committee for the coming year, especially where there is a particular project you are interested in pursuing. We aim to offer you the support and infrastructure to realise these ambitions. Nominations should be seconded by two current AAI members and sent to the Secretary, AAI, 8 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, to arrive by Thursday 04 May.

Conor Moloney, AAI President 1999/2000

Nomination for AAI President for 2000/2001
Peter Cody

Nominations for AAI Committee for 2000/2001
Peter Carroll, Donal Hickey, Ros Kavanagh, Eoin Kingston, Gary Mongey, Darrell O�Donoghue, Sally Starbuck