Topics on Architecture, Design, Advocacy, and Justice

TOPIC I - FOLDS & CREASES 
A Fold is introducing a change of direction into the previously flat plane of the paper. A Crease is a permanent line of weakness established by completely flattening the axis of a fold, or the act of creating such a weakness. History and past policies can remain an active part of the Present, like Folds, or they can be harder to see but still present like a Crease. Either way, historical context still leaves a mark on the world.

Presentations in Topic I should provide context into what has shaped our present. Example presentations may include research on the state of diversity within architecture, the history of architecture, particularly as it applies to under-represented groups through exclusionary practices, or context for systemic issues that contribute to the breakdown of community, and how black, brown, underrepresented, and poor people are disproportionately affected. Topics can be specific or case study based, but should aim to expand/relate the messaging more broadly. 

Example Themes for this Topic:

• Historic Figures

• Historic Architectural Projects

• History of Public Policies affecting Building, Urban Design, and movement of Populations

• Systemic Issues engrained in Laws and Policy

TOPIC II - COMPLEX FOLD

A Complex Fold is a fold which flattens to form more than one crease or makes use of more than one crease that has been established earlier in the folding sequence. It takes a series of pre-existing, simple folds and recombines them to make something more complex. Not all parts of previous folds are used. The more previous folds there are, the more difficult it is to tell which ones are beneficial to the current folding step.

Presentations in Topic II should investigate hot topics in our region and recent trends in Architecture. Example presentations may include recent policy that impacts Architecture and equitable access to the profession, community engagement and strategies for more inclusive design practice from beginning to end, or critical analysis of current trends that may be around for a limited time but can have a lasting impact. Topics in this section may also include wild card entries that represent presenter curiosities that have parallel or tangential relationships to architectural practice.

Example Themes for this Topic:

• Current Public Figures and Changemakers

• Current Architectural Projects

• Recently Enacted Legislation and how it affects the world today 

TOPIC III - CHATTERBOX

A Chatterbox is a paper fortune teller, made by kids all over the world. The maker of the chatterbox knows the possible outcomes, but the other participants might not. Through a ritual of rhymes, movements, letters, and numbers, the chatterbox can tell the future. But if you don’t like your fortune, you can try again to see if you get a better outcome. If you study the ritual enough, you can pre-determine what your fortune will be.

Presentations in Topic III should investigate the future of our Region and the future of Architecture in Theory and in Practice. This included sustainable practices, change management, community engagement, leadership + mentoring, retention, and recruitment. Topics in this section should highlight what’s next and the call to action.

Example Themes for this Topic:

• Theory, Design Methodologies, and Practices that have the potential to change Architectural Practice

• Master Plans with longer term effects on city growth

• Issues in our current world that are in need of future change

PLEASE EMAIL ANY QUESTIONS OR SUBMISSIONS TO noma@nomacentraltx.org.