by Russell Boniface
Associate Editor

How do you . . . work with the schools to identify design opportunities resulting from the federal stimulus package?

Summary: The AIA has partnered with the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) to seek submissions from architecture-school faculty and students of community-enhancing projects worthy of Economic Recovery Act funding. Examples could be student studios and charrettes. This effort is in conjunction with the AIA Rebuild and Renew program, by which AIA components are currently reaching out directly to members for examples of worthy local shovel-ready projects. The shared goal is to bring together the collective insight of students, faculty, and practicing architects to maximize the impact of the stimulus money to localities across the nation.

The recently passed economic stimulus bill provides funding for investments in infrastructure, affordable housing, education, and mass transit, with a focus on energy-efficiency. In a recent e-mail message jointly signed by AIA President Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA, and ACSA President Marleen Kay Davis, FAIA, architecture schools are being asked to submit project descriptions to the ACSA Web site by April 15. ACSA will then share that information with AIA components. The goal is to promote among AIA members a dialogue with public and elected officials as to how best to use funds provided by the Economic Recovery Act.

Because the funds of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act must be allocated within a short timeframe—in some cases less than six months—there’s an urgent need to help the public and elected officials assess the economic impact among the shovel-ready projects they are evaluating. The AIA State and Local Government Advocacy teams are available to assist components in connecting members with their schools of architecture. AIA members and components can get more information on the Stimulus Resources for Local and State Components page on AIA.org.