|
AAF Transfers Stewardship of Historic Octagon to AIA Legacy
A public signing of the Octagon transfer from the AAF to AIA Legacy was held outside the Octagon July 9. From left to right: Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee; AIA President Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA; AAF Chairman G. Sandy Diehl; AAF President and CEO Ron Bogle, Hon. AIA. Photo by Russell Boniface.
The AAF will continue to engage urban leaders in the issues of city design through its core programs, including the Mayors’ Institute of City Design, Great Schools by Design, and the Sustainable Cities Design Academy. In addition, the AAF will continue as a convening partner of the Architecture + Design Education Network, in partnership with the AIA and Chicago Architecture Foundation, and present programs and exhibitions in Washington, DC, as part of its outreach mission.
About The Octagon
The Octagon was one of the first residences built in Washington, D.C., in 1799 and purchased by the AIA in 1900 as its headquarters. In 1968, the AIA deeded the Octagon to AAF. In 1970, it was named a National Historic Landmark and became the first house museum in America to be accredited by the American Association of Museums. Under the AAF, the Octagon underwent a major renovations in the early 1990s and is currently completing a second major renovation funded by the National Park Service program Save America’s Treasures and the AIA150 campaign
A publice signing of the agreement to transfer the Octagon from the AAF to AIA Legacy was held outside the Octagon July 9. From left to right: Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee; AIA President Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA; AAF Chairman G. Sandy Diehl; AAF President and CEO Ron Bogle, Hon. AIA. Photo by Russell Boniface.
As part of the updated strategic alliance, AIA Legacy will also assume oversight responsibility for the AIA/AAF Minority/Disadvantaged Scholarship program available to high school seniors and college freshmen planning to study architecture. Furthermore, logistics associated with celebrating recipients of annual AIA Awards previously conferred at the Accent on Architecture gala will now be managed by the AIA.
The updated alliance is a forward step in aligning programs and resources to better support the respective missions of the AIA and AAF. Transition of the Octagon and the scholarship program advance the AIA and AIA Legacy mission by providing an important new platform for public engagement about the role of architects and an opportunity to enhance the diversity of the profession. Transferring the Octagon to AIA Legacy enables the AAF to reinforce its mission to support public leaders in successfully addressing design challenges in their communities.
“The future of the AIA encompasses both the rich history of architecture embodied in the Octagon and the financial support for new generations to become tomorrow’s architects,” said AIA President Marvin J. Malecha, FAIA. “The Octagon holds an elevated place for architects in America, and returning ownership to practitioners allows us to build our future on this strong symbol. This agreement also helps strengthen the AIA commitment to a profession that better mirrors the society we serve. By combining AAF resources with those of the Institute, we are acting in the best interest of members’ clients, communities, and the public.”
“These revised agreements build upon the legacy and the future interest of both organizations and strengthen both of us collectively and individually for the future,” said Executive Vice President/CEO Chris McEntee.
“The AIA and AAF agreement recognizes the importance of the value each brings to its core mission,” said AAF Chairman G. Sandy Diehl, vice president, Integrated Building Systems, United Technologies Corporation. “We are proud of AAF stewardship of the Octagon over the past decades and look forward now to expanding the Foundation’s efforts to help city leaders create more habitable, hospitable, and sustainable communities using the tools of design.” |
