With Economy Mired in a Deep Recession, Nonresidential Construction Activity Projected to Decline Sharply
As Federal stimulus proposal takes shape, infrastructure spending, energy efficiency upgrades, and school modernization directly target weak construction sector
The downturn in the economy will translate into a steep drop for the nonresidential construction industry over the coming years, according to the AIA Consensus Nonresidential Construction Forecast Panel, comprised of the leading national nonresidential construction forecasters and compiled by AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA. Construction activity will see an 11 percent decline in 2009, followed by an additional 5 percent drop in 2010. All the major commercial sectors will be hard-hit by this downturn, with declines expected to total between 25 percent and 35 percent for offices, retail facilities, and hotels over 2009 and 2010. Industrial activity—manufacturing and related distribution facilities—is slated to slow almost as much, with a 20 percent decline over this period. Institutional facilities should fare better, with two-year declines projected to run about 7 percent, and less than 5 percent for health-care facilities.

Economic stimulus proposals to revive our economy have concentrated on infrastructure investment and other facility modernization programs, Baker reports. However, until the broader economy recovers, he says, the nonresidential construction industry is unlikely to see any reversal in activity levels.

AIA Develops Plan to Stimulate Economy and Create 1.6 Million Jobs in Building Sector
Recommendations call for funds for the planning and design of energy-efficient construction projects
The AIA’s Consensus Construction Forecast projects an 11 percent decline in design and construction activity in 2009. To revitalize the building sector, which accounts for about one in every 10 dollars of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, GDP, the AIA has developed the Rebuild and Renew Plan, which details its recommendations for the allocation of funds in President-elect Obama’s economic recovery plan. The AIA is calling on the new administration and Congress to create policies that ensure these monies are spent on the planning, design, and construction of energy-efficient, sustainable buildings and healthy communities that are advantageous for both the environment and economy. The AIA estimates that, if implemented correctly, the nearly $100 billion plan would create 1.6 million jobs throughout the design and construction industry, including 14,000 jobs for architects, including 14,000 jobs for architects.

What Would You Ask Gold Medal Recipient Glenn Murcutt?
This year’s AIA 2009 Gold Medal recipient is Australian Glenn Marcus Murcutt, Hon. FAIA, known worldwide for his projects that touch the soul of sustainable design. Murcutt will be awarded the Gold Medal on February 6 at the annual Accent on Architecture gala in Washington, D.C., and also has graciously agreed to take part in a public question-and-answer forum at the gala, to be conducted by Architectural Record Editor-in-Chief Robert A. Ivy, FAIA. So, the question to you is: If you could ask Murcutt anything about sustainability, what would you ask him? Send your question to AIArchitect Managing Editor Stephanie Stubbs, or post it on this week’s blog for member-to-member discussion.

Make History: Consider a Summer Job with HABS/HAER/HALS
The Heritage Documentation Programs (Historic American Buildings Survey/Historic American Engineering Record/Historic American Landscapes Survey), a division of the National Park Service, seeks applications from qualified individuals for summer employment documenting historic sites and structures of architectural, engineering, and landscape significance throughout the country. Duties involve on-site field work, the preparation of measured and interpretive drawings, and written historical reports for the HABS/HAER/HALS Collection at the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. Projects last 12 weeks, beginning in May/June. Salaries range from approximately $6,000 to approximately $11,000 for the summer, depending on job responsibility, locality of the project, and level of experience. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Applications are due February 17. For application forms and detailed information, visit the National Park Service Web site. View examples of HDP documentation on the Library of Congress Web site.

EPA Offers New Chapters of Green Infrastructure Handbook
With infrastructure renewal poised to play a major part in President Obama’s economic stimulus plan, architects may want to take advantage of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s free downloads from its Green Infrastructure Handbook. The newest updates, released on January 5, are on stormwater management, in particular:

• Retrofit policies
• Green streets
• Rainwater harvesting policies.

The Municipal Handbook is composed of a series of “how-to” manuals covering issues to help local officials implement green infrastructure in their communities, including financing, operation and maintenance, incentives, design, and codes. The handbook is being produced in sections, with each new topic released as it is completed. To download the latest in the series and for much more information on green infrastructure, visit the EPA’s Web site.

It’s the Economy, Architect! AIA Podcast Explains Marketing in a Downturn
“Architecture Marketing in an Economic Downturn.” In this podcast, Hugh Hochberg of the design management consulting firm The Coxe Group talks to AIArchitect Associate Editor Zach Mortice about how architecture firms can use marketing to communicate the irreplaceable value of architecture services to clients even in economically lean times. For more information, visit Navigating the Economy on AIA.org to help you survive and even thrive in tough economic times.