America's Favorite Architecture: The Movie Version

    WASHINGTON, July 17 /PRNewswire/ -- Like any good novel or play
 immortalized on film, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) takes a
 page out of Hollywood's playbook. The AIA announces Shape of America -- a
 series of web-based short movies starring some of the 150 structures chosen
 by the public for the America's Favorite Architecture (AFA) list created
 last year.
 
     The web-based film series is designed to expand the public dialogue
 about architecture and how it impacts our lives, that began with the
 published survey results of the AFA list in February 2007. Shape of America
 is designed to be interactive. Visitors are encouraged to learn, discover,
 and share feedback and experiences online at www.shapeofamerica.org.
 
     From The Empire State Building (AFA #1), to Fenway Park (AFA #113),
 each Shape of America movie highlights one structure from the AFA list and
 provides a retrospective look at it through fun and engaging stories edited
 into a stimulating video. In each episode, AIA architects share their
 opinions, insights and personal stories about architectural masterworks and
 encourage public discussion of the buildings and their opinion of the
 architecture.
 
     "These exciting Shape of America videos captivate even the casual
 architecture fan, and highlight the impact architects have had in
 developing timeless structures for the public to enjoy throughout America's
 history," says Elizabeth Chu Richter, Chairwoman, Shape of America
 Committee, FAIA.
 
     "Shape of America puts a human face to architecture and helps viewers
 understand how good architecture is created and the importance of design
 and sustainability in our communities," says Christine McEntee, AIA
 Executive Vice President/CEO. "We hope this series captures the shared
 vision, interest, and passion between AIA architects and the public
 regarding architecture and how these structures play a dominant role within
 the communities in which we live, work and play."
 
     The Shape of America launches with seven episodes, each featuring
 engaging discussions about the structures that shape our communities, from
 guests such as former AIA president RK Stewart, FAIA, and Topaz Medallion
 winner Stanley Tigerman, FAIA, and others.
 
     The first AFA structures featured in the web-based film series include
 the Empire State Building; Boston's Fenway Park; Washington, DC's National
 Air and Space Museum; and Chicago's Tribune Tower, with more episodes to be
 produced as an ongoing series.
 
     The Shape of America web site features guest commentary, a forward to a
 friend option, public ratings of each building and a vote for the next
 structure to be featured.
 
     For more information about Shape of America please contact Ryan
 Mitchell (410.821.8220 or ryanm@imrecommunications.com).
 
     About The American Institute of Architects
 
     For more than 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. By
 using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA
 architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance
 needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk
 the walk on sustainable design. Visit http://www.aia.org/walkthewalk.
 
 
 

SOURCE American Institute of Architects