Celebrating World Architecture Day
Since 1985, The International Union of Architects (UIA) has recognized the first Monday in October as World Architecture Day. While World Architecture Day has passed this year, the upcoming Architecture Week 2025 will provide an opportunity to engage and educate young people on the impact architects create.
The first Monday in October wasn’t selected at random by UIA to be World Architecture Day–it’s also the United Nations (UN) World Habitat Day, a day to reflect on the state of towns and cities and on the basic right of all to adequate shelter. World Habitat Day also presents a unique opportunity to celebrate the contributions of young people in sustainable urbanization, while addressing the challenges of rapid urban growth.
This year’s World Architecture Day theme, “Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design,” shined a spotlight on the vital role young architects play in urban planning and sustainable development. By encouraging young architects to get involved in the appropriation and maintenance of public spaces and in community development, we can hope to support the impact of their design thinking toward decision-making that impacts community space.
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LinkedInAIA President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, recognizes World Architecture Day on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/kimberlydowdell_worldarchitectureday-morein24monday-knd4aia-activity-7249093689581469698-X3zT -
LinkedIn2014 AIA President Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA, celebrates World Architecture Day on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/helenecombsdreilingfaia_design-culture-world-architecture-day-strikes-activity-7249013342646734848-w1Iw -
XSmithsonian celebrates World Architecture Day on X: https://x.com/SmithsonianMag/status/1843500315959509054 -
XDeltek recognizes the impact of young architects on World Architecture Day on X: https://x.com/Deltek_Intl/status/1843184485354889452 -
XArchinect celebrates World Architecture Day by taking a closer look at 10 controversial buildings that have become iconic landmarks: https://archinect.com/features/article/150449025/10-controversial-buildings-that-became-iconic-landmarks
At AIA, we recognize that today’s young people are tomorrow’s leaders in building resilient, sustainable cities. That's why we're dedicated to educating K-12 students on the importance of architecture. While World Architecture Day has passed this year, the next best opportunity to educate young people about the impact of architecture is Architecture Week 2025, April 13-19, 2025. AIA is encouraging all members to get involved:
- Ask your mayor to proclaim April 13-19, 2025 Architecture Week for your local or state community! Follow this simple guide >
- Encourage your AIA Chapter to apply for an Architecture Week Component Grant to support local K-12 architecture education. Deadline for grant applications is October 15.
- Take the AIAU course, K-12 Outreach and Volunteerism Series, to leverage your education and experience to inspire and broaden the pipeline of future talent.
Be on the lookout for Architecture Week 2025 updates in January. Until then, explore all the resource being developed and implemented through the AIA K-12 Pathway Initiatives.
Devon Davis is a manager of K-12 Initiatives & Engagement at The American Institute of Architects.