Global design and BIM software developer Vectorworks Inc. reveals that Eva Franch i Gilabert, a New York-based architect, curator, educator and lecturer on experimental forms of art and architectural practice, will deliver the design keynote address on Wednesday, April 27 at the 2016 Vectorworks Design Summit. Franch's keynote, titled "Alternatives," will focus on the importance of experimental ideas and practices in design, as well as the possibilities and insights garnered through an appreciation for taking risks.
 
Franch's passion drove her to attain two masters in architecture degrees from Escola Técnica Superior d'Arquitectura (ETSA) Barcelona and Princeton University. She founded her own practice, Office of Architectural Affairs (OOAA), in 2004. Since 2010, Franch has been the chief curator and executive director of Storefront for Art and Architecture in New York, which is a nonprofit organization committed to the advancement of critical and innovative ideas in architecture, art and design. In 2014, Franch was selected with the project OfficeUS by the U.S. State Department to represent the United States Pavilion at the XIV Venice Architecture Biennale. She has taught at Columbia University GSAPP, the IUAV University of Venice, SUNY Buffalo and Rice University School of Architecture. More information about her background is available here.
 
“I’m excited to inspire — and be inspired by — other creatives, designers and creators at the Vectorworks Design Summit,” said Franch. “I hope to contribute something meaningful to the exchanging of ideas while sharing the chances I’ve capitalized upon to experiment, take risks and raise doubt, as well as go beyond disciplinary labels and boundaries.”
 
As an independent voice for architectural thought and practice, Franch's presence highlights Vectorworks' commitment to the design community and mission to build tools that enable more than half a million users around the globe to see the world differently and explore possibilities through creative design workflows. The annual Summit is a reflection of this commitment and will bring together over 500 designers from the architecture, engineering, construction, landscape and entertainment design industries on April 25 through April 27, 2016 at the Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park in Chicago, Ill. Attendees will enjoy thought-leadership sessions worth Continuing Education credits and a sneak peek into the future of the Vectorworks software line. Additionally, attendees will have access to one-on-one tech support, product feature training and many networking opportunities through evening activities.
 
Training and Architectural Tour Registration
 
The Summit kicks off with optional, pre-conference training on April 25. Registered attendees can secure their preferred classes now on topics like Project Sharing, Energos and Marionette, and the newest addition to the Vectorworks product line, ESP Vision.
 
In addition, Vectorworks partnered with the Chicago Architecture Foundation to enable attendees to choose one of three complimentary local architecture tour options following the conclusion of the final conference sessions on April 27. Registered attendees can secure their tour here.
 
After-Hours Activities
 
Complementing the training opportunities are a series of after-hours events where attendees can network and have fun. There will be a welcome dinner at SPiN from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT. Better known as a ping-pong social club, SPiN boasts 20 table tennis tables, as well as a full bar and restaurant to combine sport, design and entertainment.
 
The celebrations will continue on April 26, where the evening will kick off with the Expo Happy Hour from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CT, featuring headline sponsor Bluebeam Software Inc., along with other sponsors Asite Solutions Ltd., 3Dconnexion, Inc. and Canon U.S.A., Inc. In addition, ConnectCAD Limited, HP, Maxon Computer GmbH, Modelo, Inc., Pulp Art Surfaces, SCIA Inc. and Solibri LLC will be on hand to help attendees find the right solution for their design needs.
 
The winners of the Marionette Science Fair, a global, virtual graphical scripting contest, will also be announced during the April 26 Expo Happy Hour event. Entrants don’t have to be a Summit attendee to win. Entries will be accepted up until April 11, at 11:59 p.m. CT, so there’s still time for interested participants to submit for a chance to win an Apple Watch.
 
Following the happy hour, attendees will head to the Art Institute of Chicago for the Customer Appreciation Party, which starts at 7 p.m. CT. With its collection of diverse artistic pieces, the Art Institute provides the perfect backdrop for celebrating another fantastic Summit. The event includes dinner and an open bar, access to the Impressionism exhibit and the Architecture and Design Galleries and the music of a local band, Hey Jimmy. Additionally, the capabilities of Vectorworks software will be illuminated via the party’s lighting design by a local, Chicago-based firm, AV Chicago.
 
To learn more about the 2016 Vectorworks Design Summit, visit http://www.vectorworks.net/design-summit.