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Thompson E. Penney, FAIA,
Takes Helm as 2003 AIA President Previews research effort on designs effect on human behavior |
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by Tricia Chamberlain |
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Thompson E. Penney, FAIA, president and CEO of the Charleston, S.C.-based firm LS3P Associates Ltd., became the 79th president of the AIA December 6 during ceremonies held at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Penney succeeds Gordon H. Chong, FAIA. A
shift toward empathy He called on the audience to think about architecture as based on empathy and caring, with the power to provide design solutions that do, in fact, have greater value and deeper purpose. We have an opportunity, not only to celebrate the poetry of our work, but to elevate the human spirit, Penney said. We also have an opportunity, and I would say the responsibility, to offer proof about how design enriches life. A major research agenda Penney discussed creating a body of scientific knowledge, based in neuroscience, that proves how the brain interacts with designed environments. Such research is beginning to occur at places of learning such as the Salk Institute, where scientists have launched the first efforts to measure the impact of the physical environment on the brain. This research holds out the promise of a day when architectural design may be scientifically informed, and the impact could be as great if not greater than the impact that the understanding of physics had on structural and acoustical design in the 20th century, he said. The new president believes that design is one of the most visible signs of our core values as individuals and as a society, and that providing scientific proof about the real-life effects of a building on its inhabitants would create a new perception of architecture and design. We could design education into our schools, curing into our hospitals, and dignity into low-income housing, declared Penney. We all know this in our hearts, but we are less sure when we try to make this case empirically to our clients and the public. Longstanding leader Throughout his career, Penney has served in various leadership positions within the Institute, including: president, AIA Charleston (1981); president, AIA South Carolina (1994); and South Atlantic Region director (19982001). He served two terms as the president of the Clemson Advancement Foundation for Design + Building and, in 1999, received the universitys Distinguished Service Award, Clemsons highest alumni honor. Investing in the future Also joining the leadership of the AIA is the new executive committee of the College of Fellows: Chancellor Sylvester Damianos, FAIA; Vice Chancellor Betsey O. Dougherty, FAIA; Secretary Lawrence J. Leis, FAIA; and Bursar Ted P. Pappas, FAIA. Finally, the Boards outgoing Class of 2002 retired in style, performing a rap of farewell for 2002 President Gordon H. Chong, FAIA, at the AIAs annual Fun Night festivities, and then presented a $12,000 check of personal funds to the American Institute of Architecture Students. Copyright 2002 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. |
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