April 11, 2008
  AIA 150 BLUEPRINT FOR AMERICA INITIATIVE
AIA Nebraska Spearheads “The Flatwater Metroplex: Envisioning Regional Design”
As part of the AIA 150 Blueprint for America Initiative, AIA Nebraska has proposed “The Flatwater Metroplex: Envisioning Regional Design.” The Flatwater Metroplex is a 3,000-square-mile region encompassing 119 communities, 16 counties, and 60 miles around the metro areas of Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., and Council Bluffs, Iowa. The Flatwater Metroplex, however, is challenged by conflicting political jurisdictions that can’t agree on infrastructure growth patterns, economic goals, and planning. The challenge is heightened with the expectation that the region’s population will double in 40 years, underscoring the imperative to preserve the region’s rich agriculture and sustainability principles.

Gensler’s DC Office Creates Cross-Disciplinary Superteams
New leadership spearheading transition from 12 studios to 5 superteams
Late last summer, the Washington, D.C., office of Gensler transitioned its leadership from a duo to a trio of managing directors. Bill Hooper Jr., AIA, who already was a managing director, now shoulders the mantle with Jeff Barber, AIA, LEED AP, and Jordan Goldstein, AIA. As part of their leadership transition, the team is presently embracing a new organizational approach.

Medical Center Brings the Outside Indoors
Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center highlights views, wayfinding, staff interaction
The 138,000-square-foot Fairview Maple Grove Medical Center in Minnesota, a partnership between University of Minnesota, University of Minnesota Physicians, and Fairview Health Services, designed by HGA Architects and Engineers, recently opened its doors to the public. HGA’s design strives to connect the indoor and outdoor environment for patient healing, maximize wayfinding, and encourage staff interaction.

 

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This is the home of the weekly Best Practices column, news of tips and tools that you can use in your day-to-day practice and case studies illustrating “how-tos” and “lessons learned” for all stages of practice. The Practice Zone also features reports of research in architecture and related fields.