This is part of a series of blog postings of Schmidt Associates architects’ responses to the American Institute of Architects (AIA)-Indianapolis invitation to write letters to Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard. Architects submitted big or small ideas to improve the urban built environment for Indianapolis and were on display at The Hall during June and July of 2014.

Dear Mayor,

One of the most exciting aspects of architectural design is the initial conceptual planning and collaborative interaction. Few people ever see that part of the process, and only see the finished building or space.

I would like to propose a series of interactive zones around the city that could be called “conceptulons”. These zones would promote interactive discussion about the process that generated or is still generating activity. It could be a combination of touch screen and information technology and wi-fi hot spots.

Sincerely,

Tom Neff, AIA, RID, LEED AP