March 24-26, 2009-Nader Ardalan, Invited Speaker- The Inaugural Architecture, Culture and Spirituality Symposium was held March 24-26, 2009 at the Mt. Angel Abbey, Salem, Oregon, where one of only two Alvar Aalto buildings in the US exists. This forum provided a diverse group of educators and practicing architects the opportunity to share, discuss, and explore innovative ideas, practices, pedagogies, and studies within the multifarious subject areas of architecture, culture and spirituality. 30 presentations explored design thinking that goes beyond the mere materiality of what is commonly built today, emphasizing that which truly inspires.