RISMEDIA, April 11, 2007-President Bush has proclaimed this week as the nation's first National Architecture Week, according to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and congratulated the AIA on reaching its 150th anniversary this year.
In a statement, Bush said, "across our Nation, architects help design buildings and communities that are a source of pride and inspiration for all Americans." He added that, "This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of the AIA and its members and to recognize the ways in which architecture improves lives."
The AIA will lead the celebration from April 9-14, 2007. In conjunction with the week's events, the America's Favorite Architecture exhibit will open to reveal a visual showcase of the results of a poll in which the public chose 150 of their favorite structures, which will travel around the country later in the year.
"The AIA is deeply honored that President Bush has recognized the contributions that the AIA and the architectural profession have made to enhancing communities and improving lives across the country," said RK Stewart, FAIA, AIA 2007 president.
Stewart adds that, "National Architecture Week is the ideal platform to highlight the achievements of architects as well as the impact of architecture in our daily lives, as evidenced by American voters in the favorite architecture poll."
On April 11, the grand opening of America's Favorite Architecture exhibit will reveal images of the most iconic buildings, bridges and memorials in America. The debate about the poll results will continue via an interactive Web site, accessible at kiosks within the exhibit, which will allow visitors to vote for their own favorite architecture at www.favoritearchitecture.org.
"The ‘green' exhibit system is a testament to the AIA's commitment to sustainability and innovation – a lightweight, compact system, which incorporates sustainable materials and recyclable components," said Jonathan Alger, exhibit designer for C&G Partners, creators of America's Favorite Architecture exhibit.
Additional National Architecture Week events include a plaque rededication and proclamation ceremony on April 13 at 111 Broadway, New York, NY to mark the site of the first official meeting of the AIA, followed by an invitation-only dinner at historic Delmonico's to commemorate the official chartering of the AIA in 1857. Commissioner of the City of New York Department of Buildings Patricia Lancaster, FAIA, will deliver the Mayoral Proclamation of National Architecture Week, followed by AIA president, RK Stewart, FAIA, Christine McEntee, CEO of the AIA, and AIA150 Committee Chair, George Miller, FAIA.
The first ever AIA Family Day will be held at AIA national headquarters in Washington, DC on April 14 from 9:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. and will include architecture walking tours and design competitions for kids.
In addition to these national events, AIA components (chapters) will be conducting celebrations and campaigns across the nation in their local markets.
For more information, visit www.aia150.org and/or www.aia.org.
