In recognition of Earth Day 2001 (April 22), The AIA and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected 10 examples of built design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The winning projects will be unveiled April 23 at the "Forum 2001 Solar Energy: The Power to Choose" conference in Washington, D.C.

The buildings, selected by members of the COTE executive committee, address significant environmental challenges with designs that integrate architecture, technology, and natural systems. Winning projects employ strategies that include reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact site development, energy and water conservation, use of "green" construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality.

The winning entries are:

• ABN-AMRO Bank World Headquarters, Amsterdam, by Pei Cobb Freed & Partners Architects LLP

• Adeline Street Urban Salvage Project, Berkeley, by Leger Wanaselja Architecture

• BigHorn Home Improvement Center, Silverthorne, Colo., by Marketplace Architects

• Chesapeake Bay Foundation Headquarters, Annapolis, by the Smith Group

• Denver REI Flagship, Denver, by Mithun Architects + Partners

• Montgomery Campus, California College of Arts & Crafts, San Francisco, by Leddy-Maytum Stacy Architects

• Nidus Center for Scientific Enterprise, Creve Coeur, Mo., by Hellmuth, Obata + Kassabaum

• PNC Firstside Center, Pittsburgh, by LDA-L.D. Astorino Companies

• Sleeping Lady Conference and Retreat Center, Leavenworth, Wash., by Jones & Jones Architects and Landscape Architects

• Zion National Park Visitor Center, Springdale, Utah, by National Park Service-Denver Service Center.

Copyright 2001 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved.