June 2007:
Click Here to view - "Letter from President Celebrating AIA150"
This year, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrates 150 years of shaping American communities – and lives. The AIAwas founded in 1857, when 13 architects got together to create an organization to promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members and elevate the standing of the architecture profession. Until that time, anyone who wished to call himself an architect could do so, but AIAput in the professional standards that became the basis for licen- sure and degree programs. AIA-NJ President Jerome Eben, AIA, said “Every day, AIA-NJ leaders and members build on the work of the original 13 members, in an effort to improve the quality of life for the citizens of our state.”
AIA-NJ is kicking off the celebration with the 150 Schools Initiative. In March and April, 150 AIA-NJ members went to 150 schools in their communities to talk with over 10,000 4th, 5th and 6th graders and teachers about the AIA10 Principles of Livable Communities. The program, developed by Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIAand Ben P. Lee, AIA, is a fully interactive town planning exercise that offers the students the opportunity to apply the AIA's 10 principles as they are learning them together.
Celebrating 150 years, the AIAis the premier professional organization for America's Architects. The AIA150 program, “Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future,” honors architects for their dedication and commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities. The AIA150 NJ program is designed to create synergy between the national celebration and the work of AIA-NJ members.
Quotes from some of 6th Graders:
“I think that the presentation was inspiring because everyone should take part in doing something for their community.” - Rachel
“I had no idea that there was so much planning involved in creating a town.” - Kyle
“I learned that every town has different zones. That way you don't have to worry about someone putting up a store right next to your house.” - Robert
“It makes sense to put restaurants and shops near train stations and highways so you can attract lots of people.” - Joe
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Update - August 2006:
By September 1 the AIA/NJ Chapter and each of the six Sections of AIA/NJ sent to AIA National Supplemental Grant Applications for our AIA150 Program Initiatives. This action completed the initial phase of AIA150. The Chapter submitted an application for the 150 Best NJ Buildings and Places Initiative, which includes the publication of a Guidebook documenting the selected Buildings and Places and the creation of a NJ Center for Architecture website. The Sections each submitted applications related to their part of the statewide 150 Schools Initiative. Now we need to actually accomplish these Initiatives.
Our next steps to success will require a team of AIA Architects to assist in the Initiatives as well as the forming of new AIA150 Chapter level Task Forces to supplement our present AIA150 Committee. These Task Forces are needed to deal with the details associated with AIA/NJ supplemental fund raising needed to cover costs and the public relations and media activities aimed specifically for our AIA150 Program.
With respect to the 150 Schools Initiative, each of the Section AIA150 Champions needs to put a team of AIA150 Architects together ASAP. At a minimum, one AIA150 Architect is needed for each of the sixth grade classes in the schools in each Section that will be selected to participate. Since at least one architect is needed to be in each school on the same day, at the same time, at least 150 AIA150 Architects are needed .By example. West Jersey , with 25 schools in the 150 Schools Initiative, needs, at a minimum, 25 AIA150 Architects as part of the West Jersey AIA150 team. An Orientation Meeting of all the Section Teams, either collectively or individually, will follow with the objective of identifying the sixth grade classes and the schools within each Section, by the end of the year. Obtaining AIA150 Banners to be placed in each School, finalizing Posters and Handouts to be given to the Schools and development of the Talking Points to be utilized in each school still needs to be done and all must be ready for a same day, statewide, classroom presentation during Architects Week in April 2007. Martin Santini, FAIA is the overall Champion of his Initiative and is responsible for coordinating it with the Section Champions and their teams.
With respect to the 150 Best Buildings and Places Initiative, a complete list of the Buildings and Places needs to be ready to be reviewed ASAP .We have stared to receive nominations from membership, but we need nominations from other groups as well, including students and faculty at the local Schools of Architecture. Robin Murray, AIA is to lead this effort. Also, Michael Calafati ,AIA, is to get nominations from the state's historical community. Balance of the schedule will call for selection of the 150 Best by April 2007, when the Buildings and Places will be announced during Architect's Week. Presentations of AIA150 Plaques to each of the 150 Best will be done throughout the rest of the year.. The Book component of the Initiative, documenting the Best Buildings and Places in an AIA Guidebook format, will be developed and ready for release during the Summer of 07. The third part of this Initiative, the Website Center of Architecture component, of which the Best Buildings and Places will be the centerpiece, will launch during the Fall of 07. The website will be designed by the students at NJIT/SOA under the leadership of Professor Glenn Goldman, AIA. Designs are to be completed by the end of the fall semester. Kim Bunn, AIA will Champion the Center for NJ Architecture Website project and work with Professor Goldman.
We will also put together a Public Relations and Media team for AIA150 to promote and obtain exposure for these Initiatives .Bob Barringer, AIA, who is Championing the 150 Best Building and Places Initiative, as well as being AIA/NJ Communications Committee Chair, will work with Bill Maer. He is responsible for assembling and leading the AIA150 NJ PR/Media Team and development of the PR/Media Plan. This team is needed ASAP.
As you can see, there is much work to be done and AIA/NJ, it's AIA150 Committee, Section Champions and Task Force leaders, will all need help from its membership. AIA150, Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future, is a wonderful opportunity for architects to promote our profession, AIA and ourselves. We know the value we bring to our communities, and its time to let them know as well. I encourage you to get involved and participate in any way you can.
Please feel free to contact me or your Section AIA150 Champion with any questions about our AIA150 Initiatives.
Thank you for your anticipated help.
Edward N. Rothe, FAIA
AIA150 Champion
AIA/NJ
Below is the nomination form to submit an additional building to the list, and a copy of the AIA 10 Principles for Livable Communities:
Building & Places Nomination Form
AIA's 10 Principles
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