Presented alongside the exhibition The Architecture of Us, this half-day symposium brings together architects, policymakers, and housing advocates to explore how Philadelphia can build more homes, more affordably, and more connectedly. Panels will examine how these issues are playing out nationally, and what it will take to act on them locally, from legalizing single-stair apartment buildings to expanding accessory dwelling units, shared living models, and accessible design for aging in place.

AIA members can earn continuing education credits, and members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Panels

Single-Stair / Point-Access Block Advocacy
A look at the national movement to legalize and incentivize single-stair housing development. Featuring Stephen Smith, Executive Director of the Center for Building in North America, and additional panelists to be announced.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
How Philadelphia is making ADUs easier to build, and what it takes to design them well within existing rowhome typologies. Featuring the Community Design Collaborative, and additional panelists to be announced.

Shared Living: Housing for Different Life Stages and Lifestyles
A conversation on co-housing and shared living models designed for a range of ages, incomes, and household types. Panelists to be announced.

Accessibility, Health Tech, and Aging in Place
How technology once developed to support people with disabilities and older adults is expanding to support people of all ages and abilities at home. Featuring Inglis, with additional panelists to be announced.