13 Projects Recognized with AIA Housing Committee Awards
The AIA is pleased to announce the 13 recipients of the 2006 Housing Committee Awards. The Housing Awards program, now in its sixth year, recognizes the best in housing design and promotes the importance of good housing as a necessity of life, a sanctuary for the human spirit, and a valuable national resource.

AIA Northern Indiana Honors Five in Its Inaugural Awards Program
AIA Northern Indiana presented five design awards at its annual Holiday Event on January 12. This is the first annual design awards for the chapter, which chose to present one Honor Award, two Merit Awards for Architecture, and two Merit Awards for Historic Preservation. Making up the distinguished jury from AIA Kansas City were Mark Shapiro, AIA, BNIM Architects; Jay Tomlinson, AIA, Helix Architecture; and Trevor Hoiland, AIA, 360 Architecture.

SDATs Help Two Massachusetts Cities Envision Sustainable Futures
In early 2005, Mayor Clare Higgins of Northampton, Mass., was looking for a way to jump-start the comprehensive planning process for her bucolic Massachusetts town that was becoming a victim of its own success. Meanwhile, in nearby Berkshire County, Pittsfield Mayor James M. Ruberto and his planning team faced challenges that included the departure of a major employer in the 1980s and consequent exodus of a quarter of the industrial city’s population. Both turned to the AIA’s new Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program to help them envision a viable, sustainable future for their cities. Here is what happened.

USE ‘EM IF YOU GOT ‘EM
Happy Brain Awareness Week!
March 13-19 is “Brain Awareness Week.” Do you know how your brain benefits from a workout, just like exercising your muscles? For other interesting brain facts, visit the Society for Neuroscience Web site. The site offers a series of two-page “Brain Briefings” newsletters explaining how basic neuroscience discoveries lead to clinical applications, everything from “eating disorders and the brain” to “serotonin and judgment.” For more on neuroscience and architecture, visit the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture Web site.

‘The Vietnam Situation Is Hell’: The AIA’s Internal Struggle over the War in Southeast Asia
The socially turbulent 1960s and early ’70s were a time in the U.S. when people tested and challenged inherited norms and verities, and the AIA was not untouched by the spirit and mood of the moment. Critical national and international events forced the organization, which for 100 years had a reputation for being civic minded, to reconsider its standing in the larger society, reports historian Andrew Brodie Smith. As social movements percolated across the country, the AIA took a hard look at itself and asked fundamental questions about the social role of professional societies in general and of architects in particular. Join Smith in his exploration of how the AIA’s internal struggle played out.

Reminder: Convention Early-Bird Registration Runs Through March 15
Register early for “Architecture on the Edge: Innovation . . . Engagement . . . Inspiration,” this year’s AIA National Convention and Design Expo, which takes place June 8–10 in Los Angeles. Register by March 15 for this special rate: AIA members save more than $100 over the on-site registration rate. One of the best parts of the convention this year is the abundance of tours highlighting architecture delights and experiences, such as Los Angeles’ new Cathedral of the Angels, (pictured) by Rafael Moneo, Hon. FAIA, with architect of record Leo A Daly, designed to celebrate the “diversity of the 21st century Catholic peoples” within the city. The convention offers more than 100 tours, including numerous tours of the cathedral itself. And, on Thursday, June 8, join Moneo; Arata Isozaki, Hon. FAIA; and Frank Gehry, FAIA, for the keynote presentation. Register now!

Project watch
A New Business Address in Washington
George Washington University opens new business-school complex
Earlier this year, the George Washington University School of Business opened its new SmithGroup-designed complex, the nearly 174,000-square-foot Ric and Dawn Duquès Hall and the renovated Norma Lee and Morton Funger Hall. This complex provides students, faculty, and staff with a unified center for study, collegiality, and career-development. It also serves as a resource for the District’s diverse business community, both public and private, including its many nongovernmental and nonprofit organizations.

Your Kiplinger Connection (members only, AIA.org login required)
Health care: States look for solutions to health-care insurance.
The economy: Commercial, institutional building makes up for slowing residential market.
Going green: More electricity from renewables.
AIArchitect offers AIA members exclusive access to three stories a week to help them manage their practices and plan for the coming year. Nonmembers may subscribe to The Kiplinger Letter.

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Special new millennium price: Architects of the New Millennium, edited by Images Publishing Group (Images Publishing Group Pty Ltd, 2000) displays the most recent and best works of 100 of the most renowned architects today, including the firms' design philosophies and histories. The book lists for $65.00; AIA members may purchase it for $32.50. Order online or phone 800-242-3837, option #4.

Negotiating contracts: In the new “AIA Contract Documents Software: Advanced Seminar” eClassroom course, instructors Phillip G. Bernstein, FAIA; Steven F. Weiss, FAIA; and Maan Hashem give you an orderly, dynamic method of negotiating contracts, focusing on interaction among the parties and control of both active and archival versions of contracts. This course is available through March 17 at a 10-percent-off discounted price of $89.05 AIA members/$121.95 nonmembers (regular price: $98.95 AIA members/$134.95 nonmembers) and offers 1.5 HSW LU-hours.

New AIA Members—Attend the AIA National Convention for free! Join the AIA and attend the 2006 convention at no cost. All new architect and associate members (including members whose status has changed from Assoc. AIA to AIA) who join between May 22, 2005, and March 31, 2006, are invited to attend the 2006 annual convention free of charge. This value (up to $675) will give you the opportunity to spend time with your colleagues and peers and experience the full benefit of your membership.

Your Component and You: Check out your local and state component listings for ways to earn CES credits. By the way, AIA Seattle’s March 2006 calendar includes a Medical Design Forum.

They Try Harder: Avis gives you your choice of five bonus offers good for savings over and above your AIA discount. Call 800-698-5685.

Free Continuing Education: After reading the standards and other information on environmental issues and products, references, and more in each MASTERSPEC topic, licensed users can access online tests to earn AIA/CES learning-unit hours.

Save Time! AIA.org now features a trouble-shooting Knowledge Base to address your AIA Contract Documents software questions quickly and efficiently.

Integrated Practice: Technological change is one catalyst accelerating radical improvement through the entire construction industry, from owner to architect to contractor to facility manager, through the full length of the project and building lifecycle. Learn more about how this change will transform architectural practice into Integrated Practice at www.aia.org/ip.

Press Tap News Service: Reporters from The Wall Street Journal to Michigan Construction News have signed on to get full access to AIA’s news service. Post your news today.

Cover Personal and Business Expenses if Disability Strikes: The AIA Trust Personal and Business Overhead Disability Plans will cover all your expenses while you recuperate. Find out more about this program. For more information about all AIA Trust programs, go to their site.