America Celebrates the First National Architecture Week

    WASHINGTON, April 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of its 150th
 anniversary, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) will lead the
 celebration surrounding America's first National Architecture Week, April
 9- 14, 2007. In conjunction with the week's events, the America's Favorite
 Architecture exhibit will open to reveal a visual showcase of the results
 of a poll in which the public chose 150 of their favorite structures, which
 will travel around the country later in the year.
     "National Architecture Week is the ideal platform to highlight the
 achievements of architects as well as the impact of architecture in our
 daily lives, as evidenced by American voters in the favorite architecture
 poll," said R.K. Stewart, FAIA, AIA 2007 president. "As the professional
 organization for architects, the AIA looks forward to leading the efforts
 surrounding this week of national focus on architecture and its
 professionals."
     On April 11, the grand opening of America's Favorite Architecture
 exhibit will reveal images of the most iconic buildings, bridges and
 memorials in America. The debate about the poll results will continue via
 an interactive web site, accessible at kiosks within the exhibit, which
 will allow visitors to vote for their own favorite architecture at
 http://www.favoritearchitecture.org.
     "The 'green' exhibit system is a testament to the AIA's commitment to
 sustainability and innovation -- a lightweight, compact system, which
 incorporates sustainable materials and recyclable components," said
 Jonathan Alger, exhibit designer for C&G Partners, creators of America's
 Favorite Architecture exhibit.
     Additional National Architecture Week events include a plaque
 rededication and proclamation ceremony on April 13 at 111 Broadway, New
 York, NY to mark the site of the first official meeting of the AIA,
 followed by an invitation- only dinner at historic Delmonico's to
 commemorate the official chartering of the AIA in 1857. Commissioner of the
 City of New York Department of Buildings, Patricia Lancaster, FAIA, will
 deliver the Mayoral Proclamation of National Architecture Week, followed by
 AIA president, RK Stewart, FAIA, Christine McEntee, CEO of the AIA, and
 AIA150 Committee Chair, George Miller, FAIA.
     The first ever AIA Family Day will be held at AIA national headquarters
 in Washington, DC on April 14 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and will include
 architecture walking tours and design competitions for kids.
     In addition to these national events, AIA components (chapters) will be
 conducting celebrations and campaigns across the nation in their local
 markets. For a complete listing and more information on AIA national and
 local National Architecture Week events, visit http://www.aia150.org.
     About AIA150
     Celebrating 150 years, the AIA is the premier professional organization
 for America's architects. The AIA150 program, "Celebrating the Past.
 Designing the Future," honors architects for their dedication and
 commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings
 and communities. The cornerstone of AIA150, Blueprint for America, serves
 as a nationwide platform to unite architects and citizens to collaborate on
 their communities' design priorities. The AIA will also release its list of
 America's Favorite Architecture, according to a professional survey. The
 AIA acknowledges the important financial support of AIA150 Corporate
 Founders Circle contributor McGraw-Hill Construction (Official Media
 Sponsor). For more information on other AIA150 news and events, including
 Blueprint for America, visit http://www.aia150.org.
     About The American Institute of Architects
     For 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have
 worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable,
 healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. AIA members have
 access to the right people, knowledge, and tools to create better design,
 and through such resources and access, they help clients and communities
 make their visions real. Visit http://www.aia.org.
     Contact:
     Meghan Norville, Imre Communications
     meghann@imrecommunications.com
     410-821-8220
 
     Aaron Cohen, Imre Communications
     aaronc@imrecommunications.com
     202-547-0500
 
 

SOURCE American Institute of Architects