And finally, we're at December, the end of 2020... the year everyone's happy to bid farewell. It's been a melancholic month, with many taking time off from work, some braving the virus to spend time with family, with others staying cautious and remaining at home with family or alone. A vaccine brings hope that life, and work, will start looking more like normal next year. To end 2020, we bring you a summary of this year's final month in architecture...

Creative community issues a call to remove Philip Johnson's name because of his fascist past

The month of December kicked off with a call for institutions to disassociate themselves from Philip Johnson due to his nazi-sympathizing and penchant for fascism. While the call was directed to several architecture and design institutions, only one publicly released a response...

Sarah Whiting, Dean at Harvard GSD, responds to call for removal of Philip Johnson's name

In her letter, Dean Whiting expresses support of The Johnson Group's request, indicating that Johnson's Thesis house be called "9 Ash Street" from now on.

Dean searches have begun at The University of Virginia and The University of Tennessee's architecture departments

December saw two of architecture departments seeking new leadership through Archinect's job board, in addition to the many other academic job opportunities. 

Trump signs executive order promoting 'traditional and classical architecture' for America's federal buildings

After initially announcing the potential for this executive order back in early February, Trump pulled the trigger as his single term approaches its end. Archinect commenter tduds summed it up nicely, "All creations are a product of the time in which they were created - most of all buildings. A government policy that requires buildings built in the present to reflect the languages and values of the past is a painfully blunt metaphor for an empire fraught with anxiety over its decline."

Zaha Hadid Architects and Foster + Partners sever ties with Architects Declare

Two of the industry's most recognized firms, ZHA and Fosters, both withdrew from Architects Declare, an organization that asks architects to commit to practices that will help slow down the building industry's effects on climate change. Donna Sink commented, "Dropping like bowling pins now! Hot take: IMO this makes Architects Declare all the MORE significant. It's upsetting the old guard, and that's good!"

Number of licensed Black female architects increases to 500

Architecture has a diversity problem. 2020 has shed a brighter light on this issue. While 500 licensed Black, female architects isn't very impressive as a number, it's a sign that we're moving toward a more diverse industry. Progress is good. 

A Studio Visit With Frederick Fisher & Partners as They Embark Upon the Next Phase of Practice

Frederick Fisher & Partners has been doing strong work for decades as one of the firms that have helped define the LA style. While not getting the attention that others in this category have received over the years, their work and values deserve the spotlight. Fingers crossed that 2021 will allow us to do more in-person Studio Visits like this one.

Snøhetta's new HQ for Le Monde Group opens in Paris

Snøhetta was in the news a lot this year. Most of their work demands attention, and this project stood out to us, especially in December. 

Edward Mazria honored with 2021 AIA Gold Medal, Moody Nolan receives AIA Architecture Firm Award

The AIA celebrated architects that push for diversity and environmental consciousness this year. 

Mork-Ulnes Architects on Balancing Californian and Norwegian Design Spirits

In December we featured the stunning work and practice of the Norwegian-American architect Casper Mork-Ulnes. 

Radio personality, Frances Anderton, joins Archinect Sessions for year-end episode

This episode probably meant a lot more to us that have live in Los Angeles. KCRW, probably the most popular radio stations in the Southern California region, has been airing Frances Anderton's Design and Architecture show since 2002. December marks the end of this 18-year run, as LA gets another hit to local architecture reporting. We invited Frances onto our year-end show to hear more about her time on the radio, and what her plans are going forward.

Swiss architect Luigi Snozzi dies of Covid-19

COVID-19 had a devastating impact on people worldwide in 2020, with many architects succumbing to the virus. Luigi Snozzi, considered the leader of the so-called new Ticino school of architecture, was the latest, and hopefully the last, architect to lose the fight in 2020.

2020 Year-in-Review

And finally, admittedly a little meta, December included our annual monthly look back at the year in architecture. Now that we've wrapped this up, as we look forward to closing this shit-show of a year, here is our compilation of 2020 in architecture. 

Happy New Year!