2019 Directory

31 Michael Dixon, FAIA, provided the next session on the Wyoming State Capitol Rehabilitation and Restoration. The project was a major, historically sensitive renovation of a National Historic Landmark. He discussed the need for the project and how the completed project will provide for a safe, highly usable structure for future generations. After lunch, Randy Byers, AIA, and Shane Smith provided a session and tour of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Shane Smith founded and became the director of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens in 1977. In March 2018, he retired but continues to direct the non-prof- it partner of the Gardens – the Friends of the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. His career highlights included overseeing a 28,000 sq. ft. Grand Conservatory and the funding and development of the world’s first LEED certified children’s garden. Under his direction, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens received awards from Presidents Reagan, Bush (senior) and Clinton. Individually, Shane is the re- cipient of several horticulture and garden awards. Shane authored the bestselling garden book Greenhouse Gardener’s Companion. In 1982, he wrote the first manual on walk-in high tunnels. Shane has consulted and lectured for over 39 years. Following the tour was a presentation by David LynnWise, AIA. His session addressed the role of an architect within the design commission or the public planning process to enliven streets, enhance public space and enrich the surrounding community through good urban design. The daytime sessions ended with a panel discussion of the speakers from across disciplines to share their experiences on their memories of where they went to school, their professors who impacted their lives, and the classes and projects they remember. These professionals discussed what education- al programwould be of value to the next generation of architects. As our profession gets older, the work seems to be getting more and more complex from any perspective. Younger architects have embraced these technologies. Lastly, the panel discussed the many professions that are tangential to ours and are part of the challenge of not having a formal education. Attendees and speakers enjoyed the eateries around Cheyenne and con- cluded the day with an emerging professional’s event back at the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens for an evening of Archi-Cranium. The event included four rounds – action, data, person/place, and procedures. Each round consisted of eight challenges, which asked participants to draw, act, model or write to represent the answer to the challenge. Each team consisted of four people, and each challenge provided a unique format to test the group knowledge of architectural practice, building code, theory, and precedent. The event engaged Architects, Emerging Professionals, Young Architects, AIAWyo- ming, and students to employ their drawing skills, communication skills, exam readiness, and knowledge architectural precedents. The attendees were provided a great opportunity on Saturday to tour the West Edge Collective, Building Architecture, and Material Reuse. The tour guide was Chad Willet, Managing Director of the West Edge Col- lective and Kelly Sevier, Associate AIA, of Reiman Corp. The new build with unique recycled materials in the heart of the West Edge of Down- town Cheyenne was visited. Chad described the history, design vision, and non-traditional building methods behind this unique creative space. Kelly Sevier discussed some of the specific constructibility challenges and unique details used in the project. We thank both Chad and Kelly for their hospitality and early morning treats. The final event of the conference was a tour of the Wyoming State Capitol by Suzanne Norton, AIA. Participants toured the nearly complete renovation of the Wyoming State Capitol. The Capitol suffered from dangerous life safety shortcomings, including inadequate and non-existent smoke and fire suppression systems. These problems were compounded by obstacles that made efficient evacuation of the building difficult. The building did not meet many requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Mechan- ical, electrical, and plumbing systems outlived their useful life and were failing. Tour participants learned how these issues were solved and observed the result of the seven-year project. We sincerely appreciate the support and partnership with our sponsors and exhibitors. They include: Allegion; ATS Rocky Mountain; Carl Schadel In- dependent Sales Representative and Consulting; DOWBuilding Solutions; Epic Metals; Haselden Construction; Foster Architectural Products; GE Johnson Construction; IFCO, LLC; OfficeScapes; Powers Products; Prairie Pella Wyoming; Simpson Strong Tie; The MHCompanies; TMI Systems Corporation; and Virco, Inc. Thank you to our conference planning team for another great event: Suzanne Norton, AIA, Levi Van Buggenum, AIA, Rachel Delventhal, AIA, Dan Stalker, AIA, Clint Taylor, AIA, Lewis MatthewMiller, AIA, and Susan Menghini, Executive Director. b