For those of us who were fortunate enough to attend, we have great memories of the last DCA conference held at Ball State . Michel Mounayar and his team did an extraordinary job of mixing academics with a wide range of sights and events.

We here at Southern Polytech ( SPSU ) are excited to announce that we'll be hosting the next DCA conference and our preparations are well underway.

Our location just about 10 miles north of downtown Atlanta will play a large part in the activities. The weather will be mild and the dogwood trees should be in full bloom.

Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport , where many of you will arrive, is the world's busiest passenger airport. A dynamic place, Atlanta is not only the base for major international design firms, but for young and cutting-edge offices as well. Our alumni, students and faculty are well-connected to them and we will integrate local professionals and their work into our plans.

The work of architects Richard Meier, Renzo Piano and Michael Graves among others abound in Atlanta at the High Museum/Woodruff Center, the King Center , the new Aquarium and many distinguished MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit) stations. Nothing stands still in Atlanta and building has been frenetic. If you haven't been here for a while you'll see all manner of great changes. If you've never been here, Atlanta is arguably the quintessential 21st century American city and not to be missed.

This will be the DCA's first conference hosted by SPSU's architecture program. We have lots in store in the way of events, paper presentations, keynote speakers, and workshops and will do our best to carry on the long tradition of the DCA as a thoughtful, challenging, and supportive organization.

We look forward to seeing you next March.

Regards,

Saleh Uddin and Howard Itzkowitz
2009 DCA Conference Co-Chairs

Web Site Question: Saleh Uddin | E-mail at suddin@spsu.edu