Placemaking Summit 2026

AIA Las Vegas Placemaking Summit

Cultural Landscapes of Las Vegas: Preservation VS Reinvention

Historic preservation and architecture are deeply intertwined, they’re essentially two sides of the same coin, shaping how we interpret, and protect the built environment over time. As cities evolve under pressure, we are increasingly asked to navigate the tension between preserving the past and building for the future. This summit convenes architects, planners, developers and cultural leaders to discuss the evolving relationship between preservation and redevelopment in Southern Nevada. Drawing from local perspectives, including insights shaped by institutions like The Neon Museum, the conversation will examine how design decisions are made in a unique landscape such as Las Vegas, where cultural memory, economic pressure, and identity are constantly in flux.

Session highlights include:

Adaptive Reuse as Sustainability
Exploring how existing structures are reimagined for new use, from warehouses to lofts and galleries. Topics include material reuse, reduced demolition waste, and creative design within existing constraints, with examples of adaptive reuse across the city.

Urban Redevelopment & Revitalization
A look at how preservation can serve as an anchor for urban renewal, and the role cultural institutions play in maintaining living history amid ongoing city-wide transformation.

Cultural Storytelling Through Design
How preserved architecture reflects and communicates the stories of communities, craftsmanship, and social and economic history—preserving identity through the built environment.