President Bush Signs Landmark Energy Bill
AIA-backed provisions to improve building efficiency become law
President Bush on December 18 signed into law historic energy legislation that will shape U.S. energy policy for decades to come. The law seeks to dramatically reduce U.S. energy consumption over the next 25 years by applying the AIA’s 2030 carbon-reducing targets to federal buildings, increasing fuel efficiency standards for automobiles, and establishing new energy efficiency standards for appliances.

Norma Sklarek, FAIA, Wins 2008 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award
The “Rosa Parks of Architecture” is honored by her peers
Norma Sklarek, FAIA, will receive the 2008 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award. The first African-American woman to become a registered architect and an AIA Fellow, Sklarek received the AIA’s premiere social action award for her long record of quality architecture and legacy as a pioneer in the profession. The Whitney M. Young Jr. award is given annually to the architect or organization that best exemplifies the profession’s responsibility to be a positive force of change. Sklarek will be presented with the award at the AIA 2008 National Convention in Boston in May.

Thomas L. McKittrick, FAIA, Receives Kemper Award
The AIA Board of Directors on December 13 elected Thomas L. McKittrick, FAIA, practitioner, educator, and leader in emerging professional concerns, as the 2007 recipient of the Edward C. Kemper Award. Named in honor of the AIA’s first executive director, the award recognizes individuals who contribute significantly to the profession of architecture through service to the Institute. In nominating McKittrick for the award, AIA Texas Regional Director Ken L. Ross Jr., FAIA, writes, “Tom was on the leading edge of many emerging industry trends as well as being among the AIA’s leadership dealing with many of the Institute’s emerging issues such as continuing education, globalization, ethics, linking education and practice, improving architectural education, and reinforcing the profession’s design leadership.”

Meier’s Atheneum Honored with Twenty-five Year Award
The Atheneum, designed by Richard Meier, FAIA, will receive the 2008 Twenty-five Year Award. The stark white Atheneum, located on the banks of the Wabash River at the edge of New Harmony, Ind., was conceived in terms of the linked ideas of architectural promenade and the historic journey of one of America’s most significant utopian communities. Both building and architect will be honored at the American Architectural Foundation’s Accent on Architecture gala February 22, 2008, in Washington D.C.

Happy Holidays!
In celebration of this glorious season, AIArchitect This Week will not be published on December 28 to give staff (and avid readers!) some time with family and friends. Look for the next issue on January 4, 2008, when we will reveal the recipients of the 2008 AIA Honor Awards. The AIArchitect staff wishes all a joyous holiday season and health, peace, and prosperity in the new year.