 The Museum of Arts and Design at 2 Columbus Circle Opens
Rechristened as the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD), Edward Durrell Stone’s 2 Columbus Circle in Manhattan opened to the public September 27. A lengthy preservation debate about the merits of Stone’s flamboyantly proto-Postmodern marble tower on Columbus Circle has given way to a shimmering terra cotta and glass design by Brad Cloepfil, AIA, of Allied Works. In his most important commission to date, Cloepfil inserted interlocking incisions of glass into the formerly stoic and opaque façade of the building and still maintained the uniquely curved massing of the building as it embraces Columbus Circle. 
Free Web Seminar on Navigating the Economy Available Now
Take advantage of your AIA membership and get prepared
With consumer confidence low, credit uncertainty high, materials prices on a roller coaster ride, and international tension continuing, the AIA convened a Web seminar September 24 to address “Strategies and Tactics for Architects in an Economic Downturn.” The 90-minute Webinar covering the overall picture, firm financial management, staffing strategies, and market positioning is now available on line. The live Webinar featured AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA; CMMI Managing Principal Robert Smith, AIA, LEED-AP; RM Klein Consulting Principal Rena Klein, FAIA; and Perkins Eastman Associate Principal David Koren, Assoc. AIA, CPSM.
AIA and Coalition Partners Call on Congress to Secure Final House-Senate
Agreement on Tax Extenders Before Leaving for Election
Agreement on Tax Extenders Before Leaving for Election
On October 1, the Clean Tax Coalition, of which the AIA is a member, marshaled more than 695 businesses, environmental organizations, public health advocates, electric utilities, agricultural organizations, investors, labor groups, nongovernmental organizations, states, and trade associations to write to congressional leaders to urge that Congress not adjourn until it secures a final House–Senate agreement on tax extenders. The AIA joined Google, General Electric, the Alliance to Save Energy, the Wilderness Society, the League of Conservation Voters, and a host of other groups to declare that: “At risk with the possible failure of the extenders package are hundreds of thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in clean energy investment, crucial incentives for research and development, and a range of popular programs.” Click here to view a PDF of the letter sent to Congress. The energy efficiency tax extenders supported by the AIA and its coalition partners were included in the financial stabilization bailout that passed the Senate on October 1. The House is expected to consider the measure, including the tax extenders, on October 3.
 A Friendly Reminder: AIA Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship Nominations Are Due October 17
Who do you think deserves AIA Fellowship, which honors architect members who have been in good standing for at least 10 years, made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and achieved a standard of excellence in the profession? Honorary Fellowship is the international counterpart to the Fellowship program, honoring model architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society on an international level. Both Fellowship and Honorary Fellowship submissions must be completed by October 17. Fellowship nominations are submitted online and carry a per-year, non-refundable application fee of $190. Honorary Fellowship nominations must be submitted on a CD in PDF format. The AIA Honors and Awards Web site offers support documents—including an application walk-through, FAQs, and Best Examples from successful past submissions—that should prove helpful to nominees and sponsors. More questions? Contact honorsawards@aia.org. (Pictured, the AIA College of Fellows inducts the 2008 class at Boston’s Old South Church. Photo © Aaron Johnson, IDIStudio.com.)
 Second “Navigating the Economy” Podcast Highlights Human Resource Concerns
To prepare firm principals for the possibility of an economic downturn, Rena Klein, FAIA, whose management consulting firm is based in Seattle, offers her advice on maintaining staff when work dries up or, if it becomes necessary, how best to downsize a firm and maintain good relationships with departing talent. She also has ideas for putting “found time” to good use in preparation for the inevitable recovery. With interviewer Ray Rhinehart, PhD, Hon. AIA, Klein offers 20 minutes of podcast insight into how, as she says, “tough times can be an opportunity to strengthen staff commitment and enthusiasm and take advantage of your staff’s intelligence and ability.” Download the podcast free from the AIA Web site.
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