On October 1, the AIA launched its new Web-based Security by Design Resource Center, created to help AIA members assist their clients make the right decisions concerning building and site security, a concern heavy on everyone's minds these days. You can visit the Center directly or through the newly designed front page of the Institute's Web site, which is open to all.

The Security by Design Resource Center is a work in progress that will provide architects with a central point of access to an ever-growing array of materials from the AIA and other building-industry sources concerning security, disaster prevention and preparation, and other related matters. New resources will be added frequently. The site already contains description and links to AIA eClassroom courses that can help architects—free of charge—gain a baseline knowledge of security issues, including:
• U.S Army Corps of Engineers special briefing, a course that shows how recent design, structural, and material enhancements at the Pentagon helped mitigate damage and loss of life
• "Balancing Security and Openness," a slide show/narrative course that offers an overview of security elements incorporated into the design of public buildings, which Michael J. Stanton, FAIA, presented at a November 1999 conference cosponsored by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. General Services Administration in cooperation with the AIA
• "Improved School Safety and Security through Architectural Design," a 2000 AIA national convention program.

The Security by Design Resource Center also highlights events coming up within the building industry, such as the October 12 BOMA Building Security Audio Conference, "Terror in the Workplace: How Safe Is Your Building?" It also provides links to:
• The latest news from AIA New York, including a news board concerning the status of New York firms and members
• AIA response and assistance programs
• Expert sources for the media
• AIA and industry news, including the latest from AIArchitect
• Related government links.

More coming soon!
The Security by Design Resource Center is the site to visit for details on upcoming events and products in the works at the AIA, including:
• A booklet providing an overview of security design options—from landscaping to equipment—that architects can offer to clients
• A November 5 virtual conference on security design, sponsored through the generous support of Autodesk (check also with your local AIA component about presentations of the conference in your area)
• A nationwide Security by Design conference—by architects, for architects—to be held in January 2002.

Check the Security by Design site often for new information and updates.

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