The AIA was the sole representative of the planning and design community to offer oral comments December 5 to the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC) concerning its proposed plan for a safe and beautiful nation's capital. In its oral commentary, limited to three minutes, the AIA Center for Design and Construction praised the timely work of the commission and expressed support for its plan. The NCPC, which is seeking funding from Congress to develop the plan, has asked for further communication with the AIA this month.

"Designing for Security in the Nation's Capital," released November 1, calls for a Pennsylvania Avenue tunnel under the section now closed in front of the White House, extending Lafayette Park over the avenue section now closed to create Presidents' Park, and a circulator transportation plan to allow tourists and residents convenient and secure travel from the Capitol to the White House. (See the November AIArchitect story on the plan for a more complete synopsis.)

The AIA national component staff will be collecting comments through December 21, 2001, and will deliver them in writing to the NCPC for its consideration.

In addition, the NCPC plans to present its proposal to AIA representatives and answer questions some time in the next two weeks.

Full text of comments made to NCPC December 5 by Richard Hayes, AIA, PhD, director of the national AIA Center for Design and Construction:
Greetings, I am Dr. Richard Hayes a member as well as on the staff of The American Institute of Architects. On behalf of The American Institute of Architects, we appreciate that comprehensive design is being encouraged through this effort. It is important to address both security and design solutions from a considered and comprehensive approach. All too often solutions have been prepared bit by bit rather than contextually and comprehensively. Acknowledgement of the different contexts and building-security zones in the report will encourage appropriate design responses that enhance safety without negative visual impacts. Traffic considerations and options for Pennsylvania Avenue appear balanced. The end result of a safe and livable community will be better achieved through this work. The Institute will additionally be providing written comments by the end of this month. Thank you for allowing us to comment on this effort.

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