Elizabeth Diller, Professor of Architecture at Princeton University and founder of Diller Scofidio + Renfro, has been named to deliver a keynote address for the 2017 AIA Conference on Architecture, which will be held between April 27-29 in Orlando.

Elizabeth Diller's name added to the conference roster after receiving a harsh criticism on the lack of women speakers at this year's AIA Conference on Architecture last month. 50 architects, practices and architecture students issued a letter criticising the AIA's national convention's speaker list as it featured just one female keynote speaker in a lineup of seven speakers. 

''If the AIA was serious about changing its image—and we do not mean a superficial marketing strategy—then they should lead the profession and put forward a panel of keynote speakers that is reflective of the diversity in architecture,'' stated in the letter. 

''When the AIA states that they are committed to ''broadening equity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession of architecture through dedicated leadership,'' we must ask where are the diverse leaders?.''

The AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 will give a stage for the Pritzker Prize winner Alejandro Aravena and Francis Kéré, who were also commissioned to design the 2017 Serpentine Pavilion- they are among the keynote speakers at this year's AIA National Convention.

Following the intense criticism on the lack of female architects at the AIA Conference 2017, the AIA added a special keynote on day 3 of the conference titled ''Anticipate Change – What’s Next in Architecture,'' featuring Nóra Demeter (Int’l. Assoc. AIA) of Demeter Design Studio, Michael Ford (Assoc. AIA) of BRANDNU DESIGN, and Cheryl McAfee (FAIA) of McAfee3. 

In its latest announcement, Elizabeth Diller named as the new woman keynote speaker for the AIA Conference. Diller will deliver a keynote stage with Alejandro Aravena, Francis Kéré, Hon. AIA, and Michael Murphy on Day 1 of the AIA Conference on Architecture. The short-form talks will be held on Thursday, April 27.

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston. Image © Iwan Baan

Her studio, Diller Scofidio + Renfro established its identity through self-generated conceptual art and architecture installations, and with large-scale cultural and civic projects including the Blur Building at the Swiss Expo 2002, the Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston, The Broad, Los Angeles and Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts Redevelopment and the High Line, both in New York.

The Broad Museum in Los Angeles. Image © Iwan Baan

Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio were the first recipients in the field of architecture to receive the MacArthur Foundation’s ''genius'' grant. 

Among the studio’s numerous awards are the Centennial Medal from the American Academy in Rome, the National Design Award from the Smithsonian Institution, the Brunner Prize from the American Academy of the Arts and Letters, and the American Institute of Architects’ President’s Award and Medal of Honor.

 Vagelos Education Center in Northern Manhattan. Image © Iwan Baan

In 2003, the Whitney Museum of American Art held a major retrospective of the studio’s work. In 2009, Elizabeth Diller and Ricardo Scofidio were named by Time Magazine as two of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. 

In 2010, Fast Company named Diller Scofidio + Renfro the most innovative design practice in the profession and among the 50 most innovative companies in the world.

High Line at the Rail Yards. Image © Iwan Baan

Elizabeth’s studio led the design of the High Line in New York City, a 1.5 mile long public park built on an abandoned elevated railroad. The design blends agriculture and architecture to create a pathless landscape where the public can meander in unscripted ways. 

The High Line presents a paradigm shift in the perception of civic space and its potential to catalyze change.

Elizabeth Diller will deliver her thoughts on cultural innovation and how her work challenges conventions of public space at the AIA's Day 1 keynote, Anticipate Need: Design That Cares.

Top image © Abelardo Morell

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