The American Institute of Architects brought some interesting concepts to the show floor for the AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition, held last week in New Orleans.

The American Institute of Architects brought some interesting concepts to the show floor for the AIA 2011 National Convention and Design Exposition, held last week in New Orleans. The most striking was “The Avenue,” a 1,000 foot walkway that served as the main thoroughfare across the expo floor. Flanked by cafés and benches, it had a unique look and gave attendees a welcome chance to sit and chat (and rest their tired feet). It also served to reinforce the show’s theme: Regional Design Revolution: Ecology Matters.

The Avenue was designed and fabricated by Dan Maginn and Steve Salzer of El Dorado, a firm based in Kansas City, Mo. Materials were donated by manufacturers including Sherwyn-Williams, Johnsonite, Firestone Building Products, CertainTeed, Nanawall Systems, Lamboo, Bartco Lighting, Saint-Gobain and Zahner.

According to the AIA, after the convention ended the raw materials used in the Avenue were donated to the Tulane School of Architecture’s URBANbuild program - once again embodying the show’s theme.