Denver has changed considerably since the last time the AIA came here. The 1966 convention had been held in a city with 500,000 residents. Today, there are 2.2 million and ample room for discussion about topics near and dear to architects' hearts. The key agenda items call for workshops on suburban sprawl, affordable housing, environmental preservation and transportation, all issues that architects grapple with every day. There will be 145 seminars and 100 exhibitors plus tours and hikes in the Rocky Mountains.

Berlin architect Daniel Libeskind will discuss environment and places in keeping with the conference theme of "Leaders and Partners in Creating Community." Libeskind heads an international architecture, landscape and urban design firm. He will be the designer of the $62.5-million, 146,000-sf extension of the Denver Art Museum.

Another international speaker will be Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Drawing from his background in sculpture, engineering and architecture, his presentation will focus on design arts and implementation.