AIArchitect, April 11, 2005 - Two Programs Recognize Successful Community Design

04/2005

Two Programs Recognize Successful Community Design

The Center for Communities by Design encourages AIA members to take advantage of opportunities to work with local government officials and others to promote the importance of design and recognize examples of successful projects or policies. For instance, consider becoming involved in the two programs detailed below.

Models of Livable Communities Competition
The U.S. Administration on Aging (AoA) and the Center for Home Care Policy and Research recently announced that applications are now being accepted for the Models of Livable Communities Competition. This provides an excellent opportunity for architects to engage in a leadership role and encourage their city and county governments to apply for recognition as a model community for all ages.

The purpose of this competition is to identify and showcase cities and counties that exemplify a livable community and highlight promising practices that can be used by local governments throughout the country in preparing for the aging of the baby-boom population. Please consider taking advantage of this opportunity to work with your local government and advance their understanding and appreciation of design within the context of community. Applications are due on May 2. For competition guidelines and the entry form, visit the competition Web site.

National Award for Smart Growth Achievement
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announces that applications are now being accepted for the fourth annual National Award for Smart Growth Achievement. This competition is open to local or state governments and other public-sector entities that have used the principles of smart growth to create better places. This year, applications will be accepted in five categories: Built Projects, Policies and Regulations, Small Communities, Military Base Redevelopment, and Overall Excellence in Smart Growth. Interested parties should submit applications for smart-growth activities that have shown significant activity between May 19, 2000, and May 18, 2005. Applications are due on May 18. Up to five winners will be recognized at a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in November 2005. For details and application forms, visit the EPA Web site.

The AIA Center for Communities by Design is committed to supporting architects in their efforts to become more engaged in their communities and attain leadership roles through that engagement. Architects are uniquely suited to engage in issues related to creating livable, safe, healthy, and sustainable communities. AIA members are trained to solve problems, make ideas visible, and synthesize fragmented parts into a coherent whole, all within the context of the built environment. In fact, many civic issues call for an architect’s talents and viewpoint, including reviews of development projects, historic preservation, land use and zoning, and other topics dealing with community development. Architects’ skills in visioning, budgeting, managing projects, solving problems, and building teams can bring value to any community issue in which they choose to participate.

For additional information on how architects can become civically engaged, visit AIA.org. The Center for Communities by Design publication, How Architects Can Become Advocates for Livable Communities, and other resources are available there.