August 24, 2007
  Fitter. Happier. Better. Greener.
Science shows sustainable design does more than help the Earth; it makes you feel better, too.
A growing but not yet conclusive body of research indicates that features associated with green and sustainable design can reduce worker absenteeism, improve employee productivity, and boost student test scores. This connection between the built environment and the mind can be explained through biophilic design, the theory that humanity evolved to have an organically connected relationship with the natural world and that the disruptions to this relationship caused by the modern built environment can be mitigated through the use of real or simulated natural elements.

Nine Projects Employing Latest Design, Technology Trends Capture BIM Awards
The third annual Building Information Model (BIM) Awards, given in March by AIA Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP), honored nine projects that highlighted proven strategies and the latest trends in design and technology in the building industry. The winners included newly constructed structures ranging from academic buildings and a government agency headquarters to a personal residence and an opera house. The projects and their architects will be featured at the conference, The Future of Professional Practice, cosponsored by TAP and AIA Practice Management in December 2007.

AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion Nominations Due Oct. 26
Nominations for the AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Excellence in Architectural Education must be postmarked by October 26. The annual honor, awarded jointly by the AIA and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), pays homage to a living individual who has made outstanding contributions to architecture education—primarily in North America—for at least 10 years and whose teaching has influenced a broad range of students. Any colleague, student, or former student may nominate candidates for the Topaz Medallion. For more information, contact Molly Roche, in the AIA Honors and Awards department, mroche@aia.org or 202-626-7586, or visit the AIA Honors and Awards Web site. (Pictured is Jay Lance Brown, FAIA, the 2007 Topaz Medallion recipient.)

We’re Taking Next Week Off
To celebrate Labor Day and the impending return of Autumn, AIArchitect will be on vacation and will not publish next Friday. Look for our return on September 7, when we will take a look at the building resurgence of Harlem, hear “the members’ voice” on security, and continue our series on diversity by Contributing Editor Stephen A. Kliment, FAIA. Enjoy the end of summer!

  

Copyright 2007 The American Institute of Architects. All rights reserved. Home Page
home
news headlines
practice
business
design
Welcome to the News Zone
This is where you will find the latest happenings in the Institute, the profession, and the wider world of building design and construction. The News Zone also carries commentary from AIA elected representatives as well as major new commissions, completions, and openings.