Sketching Kaleidoscope:

Viewing Dallas Through a Different Lens

In 2021, AIA Dallas, the Architecture and Design Exchange (AD EX), and the DFW Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (DFW NOMA) came together to collaborate on a four-month long series of on-location meetups to sketch and learn about the diverse cultural history of Dallas. Each month’s free field sketching meetup featured a location of significance for Women’s History, Environmental Justice, Hispanic Heritage, and Juneteenth.

In addition to sharpening sketching skills, these events highlighted the cultural and historical context that created our current architectural and urban landscape. The Sketching Kaleidoscope series culminated in an exhibition of selected works over the summer of 2021. Pictured here are a sampling of sketches from the show.

Compiled by Katie Hitt, Assoc. AIA, managing director at the Architecture and Design Exchange.

Want to join in? Post a photo of your sketch on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and tag @dallasadex and use the hashtag #ArchKScope to share your work with us.

Trinity River Audubon Center

Above: by Rafael Cordero, Assoc. AIA

Left: by Alexander Quintanilla, AIA

Anita Martinez Recreation Center

Above: by Alexander Quintanilla, AIA

Left: by Rafael Cordero, Assoc. AIA

In addition to the four meetup locations, participants were encouraged to sketch additional venues that fit within the theme, as featured here – Pacific Plaza by Moh’d Bilbeisi