Message from 2009 President Gary Greenshields, AIA
Infinity Architecture, Montgomery, AL
2009 may be remembered primarily for the difficult economic times we are facing. In the long run, though, we may also look back at this year as the turning point in bringing sustainable design and living to the forefront of our priorities. We are realizing that it not only makes good sense to plan for a world that will sustain ever larger future generations, but it will be more economical for them as well. The time to lay the foundation for implementing this fundamental shift in our national priorities and design philosophy is now.
Twenty years ago the issue of accessibility to buildings and sites for all citizens was a galvanizing issue. Today it is a given. Accessible pathways and systems are integrated seamlessly into modern construction. It took awhile, but accessible design is now a fundamental part of an architect's mindset and an integral part of our education, design and construction. Sustainability will follow the same sort of learning curve and the American Institute of Architects has committed to aggressively pursue this through its 2030 Commitment.
The AIA 2030 Commitment is a voluntary program for AIA member firms and other entities in the built environment. It asks these organizations to make a pledge, develop multi-year action plans, and implement steps that can advance AIA's goal of carbon neutral buildings by the year 2030. http://www.aia.org
State and local governments across the country are encouraging, if not mandating, energy efficient design and operation of buildings. In Alabama, we are moving slowly in that direction, but the movement is picking up momentum. Public and private owners alike are demanding that sustainability be addressed, whether it is required by codes and ordinances or not. It makes economic sense during construction and for the life cycle costs of buildings.
If you are considering a building project, challenge your architect to show you how these critical issues will be addressed.
I encourage architects to be committed to the principles of sustainability. I challenge our contractors to embrace the values of sustainability during the construction process. And I ask owners and clients to think about the future of our cities and towns when deciding to build. Together, we can make it work.
The AIA celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2007. While celebrating the past, the Institute is also looking ahead to the changing economic, environmental and social conditions facing us. Architects are uniquely trained to synthesize information from many sources, facilitate complex teamwork and guide the design and construction of our built environment, while safeguarding the public. But as new economic models must be found to keep our cities and buildings moving forward, the traditional roles of those in the design and construction industry will also evolve. Our universities are stretching the boundaries of architectural training with design/build and other project delivery options as part of the curriculum. As a profession, we need to be open to evaluating these new solutions. Cutting edge architects are taking advantage of today's opportunities to show that great architecture can also be "green". But the real value architects bring to the table may be in the innovation in the teamwork and organization necessary to make these projects work. 2030 isn't that far away.