Friday, May 11

NATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MINORITY ARCHITECTS 2012 CONFERENCE ACCEPTING SEMINAR PROPOSALS AND STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION ENTRIES


For Immediate Release
  
Detroit – May 2012 – The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) returns to the city where it was founded – Detroit, Michigan – for its 40th annual conference October 18 – 20 at the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel. With the theme “40 Years in the Making: A Legacy Driven by Design,” the conference will feature professional development and continuing education seminars, exhibitors, tours of Detroit's architecture, a community service project, and a student design competition focused on the city's Corktown neighborhood.

ATTENDEES AND REGISTRATION:
Over 500 NOMA members, affiliates and students are expected to attend the NOMA 2012 Conference, including architects, interior designers, planners, and construction and real estate professionals. NOMA membership includes 22 chapters nationwide and numerous outstanding professionals and firms. Registration information and a promotional video can be found at http://noma.net/EventsPrograms/events_2012conference.aspx

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS AND SEMINAR PROPOSALS:
NOMA invites forward thinking speakers to submit proposals for unique seminars and workshops that will prepare conference attendees for innovative, creative and successful practice. Conference speakers and workshop presenters should consider topics in the following categories that support and illuminate the conference theme and industry trends: 1) Youth; 2) Community/Advocacy; 3) Interdisciplinary Collaboration; 3) Sustainability/Globalism; 4) Technology in Practice; 5) Marketing and Growing the Firm.


The NOMA 2012 Conference will continue the tradition of fostering collaboration among 
partnering organizations, businesses and educational institutions concerned with the quality of the built environment in general and with particular concern for under-served communities.


The deadline for submitting proposals is June 1, 2012. The Seminar/Workshop Proposal form can be downloaded at http://noma.net/EventsPrograms/events_2012conference.aspx


STUDENT DESIGN COMPETITION:
Through the design competition entitled, “Urban [space] US12... Idea Center,” NOMA is seeking ideas for the invigoration and infusion of community-led design and economic development for urban spaces in Southwest Detroit. The design problem requires in-depth research of historical site conditions as well as an understanding of the current social, cultural, economic, and physical space conditions found in this unique community. Designers must also consider the entrepreneurial spirit of the community's citizens and envision solutions that will support sustained and enhanced economic development in the area. Successful planning and architectural design solutions will address how the identity and physical spaces of the city/neighborhood may be reinvented to optimally leverage Michigan Avenue’s Corktown District.  


The Competition brief, site drawings and diagrams, and Corktown's neighborhood profile and Master Plan can be download at http://noma.net/EventsPrograms/events_2012conference.aspx. Friday, October 12, 2012 is the deadline for submissions.


OPPORTUNITIES TO EXHIBIT AND SPONSOR:
Companies and organizations that exhibit or sponsor at the 2012 Annual NOMA Conference enjoy numerous benefits and opportunities, including exposure to a diverse group of practitioners, educators, and students in architecture and related professions; opportunities to present products and services to potential customers; access to cutting edge design professionals and technologies; and an opportunity to be recognized as a major supporter of our organization's mission and values. 


Sponsorship levels and exhibitor booth rates are listed in the Exhibitor & Sponsor Prospectus which can be downloaded from http://noma.net/EventsPrograms/events_2012conference.aspx. Deadline for payment is July 31, 2012. 



ABOUT NOMA NATIONAL - The National Organization of Minority Architects’ (NOMA) mission is to champion diversity within the design professions by promoting the excellence, community engagement, and professional development of its members.


ABOUT NOMA DETROIT - The National Organization of Minority Architects was founded in 1971 as a means to foster communications among minority architects and to fight discriminatory practices used by public sector and private clients. Founded in 2006, the Detroit chapter hosts activities that highlight the architecture profession, the needs of the community, and provides solutions that will insure a healthy living and working environment.

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