President Bush Proclaims April 9–13 “Architecture Week”

President George Bush on April 3 issued a proclamation, in keeping with a February resolution by the House and Senate, declaring next week to be “National Architecture Week.” The proclamation reads:

I send greetings to those celebrating National Architecture Week and the 150th anniversary of the American Institute of Architects. Congratulations on reaching this important milestone.

Across our Nation, architects help design buildings and communities that are a source of pride and inspiration for all Americans. For a century and a half, the AIA has helped add beauty to our country and preserve our architectural heritage by supporting architects and advancing the highest standards in the architecture profession. This event is an opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments of the AIA and its members and to recognize the ways in which architecture improves lives.

Your efforts enrich our Nation and reflect the true spirit of America.

Laura and I send our best wishes.

Congressional resolution during Grassroots
On February 6, Senator Mary Landrieu [D-La.] and Rep. Earl Blumenauer jointly introduced a concurrent resolution in both chambers of Congress calling on the president to proclaim a national celebration of Architecture Week to be held April 9-13 as a recognition of the anniversary of the incorporation of the AIA in 1857. “In the Rayburn Building this morning, we witnessed the passage of a resolution celebrating the contributions of the architecture profession during National Architecture Week,” AIA President RK Stewart, FAIA, told attendees of the AIA Grassroots Leadership and Legislative conference on February 7. That resolution reads:

“Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the contributions of the architectural profession should be recognized and celebrated during ‘National Architecture Week,’ and Congress requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the United States and interested organizations to observe such week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”

At the national AIA component, the celebration will feature a weeklong series of programs and public events. Watch this space next week for an account of the festivities.