I need some work that’s not writing. Because if I’m writing then I can’t listen to podcasts. And I really want to be listening to 99% Invisible right now. I learned about this podcast recently from one of my top three favorite podcasts (Stuff You Should Know). This seems to be how I learn about podcasts these days, from other podcasts I like.

What is 99% Invisible? It’s a short radio show about design and architecture. In my first day of listening I burned through the first seven episodes as fast as I could click next. And it was number 7 that completely hooked me. Four and a half minutes on designing for outer space. How fucking cool is that? I’ll tell you. Super cool. Check out that episode for yourself.

And now here’s a fun fact for you to mull over. 99% Invisible grew out of a collaboration between AIA San Francisco and local radio station KALW. I’m pretty sure you hear a shout out to AIASF in every episode. This has me thinking… I’m fairly involved with AIA Minnesota and AIA St. Paul. Prior to joining I never really understood the allure of the AIA. Turns out it’s a great organization and I personally now get a lot out of it. However it is very true that you get back in proportion to what you put in. So if you just give them your money and wait for the benefits you won’t see much in return. But if you show up to events, volunteer, join committees, and put in a little effort… then it’s wonderful. And this brings me back to 99% Invisible. It’s a too rare example of the AIA creating something that helps bring the rest of the population a little closer to architects (and I’d guess 99% Invisible’s audience is mostly younger folks, which is critical and will be the topic of some future musings). In Minnesota we have the Homes By Architects Tour and Videotect; both have similar goals of broadening our audience. Hopefully each will continue to grow.

What do you have rumbling around in your head? As architects we struggled to stay focused solely on buildings. We venture in city planning, ecology, writing, video, speaking, etc. This can be a huge opportunity. What ideas might you bring to your local AIA Chapter in hopes of spawning the next bridge to a greater appreciation of architecture and design? Because here lies one of the big opportunities of being a part of the AIA. They are an organization that can help you make the connections you need to start that next adventure.