About The AIAPrograms & Initiatives

2013 SDAT Application Now Available!
The Center for Communities by Design is pleased to announce the release of the 2013 SDAT Application Packet.  The final deadline to submit applications for consideration in the 2013 SDAT program is Friday, November 16, 2012. The SDAT Application Review Committee will convene twice to evaluate applications. The first evaluation will take place in early October; the Committee will review any applications received prior to October 12, 2012, and will accept those communities who meet the application standards at that time. The second review will occur in December 2012; the Committee will evaluate any applications not already reviewed and will accept additional applications into the 2013 cycle. Any applications received after the review period will be considered for the 2014 SDAT program. Submittals from past successful applicants are available online; you can also view additional materials generated by SDAT teams such as final reports and presentations by following that link. 

The Center for Communities by Design will hold a teleconference for communities interested in learning more about the SDAT program and the application process in September of 2012. If you would like to join this call, please indicate your interest by sending an email to communitiesbydesign@aia.org.

2012 SDAT Communities
The Center for Communities by Design is pleased to announce the selection of seven communities for participation in the 2012 SDAT program: Augusta, GA; Austin, TX; Sipaulovi Village, AZ; South Hadley, MA; Springfield, IL; Stanwood/Camano Region, WA; & Wenatchee, WA. To view these applications as well as the complete list of SDAT communities and their associated materials including applications, PowerPoint Presentations, and Final Reports, please follow this link.

AIA Center for Communities by Design Named “Organization of the Year”
The Center for Communities by Design is honored to be named “Organization of the Year” by the International Association for Public Participation.  We would like to extend our congratulations and gratitude to the many DAT volunteers, supporters, and participant communities who continue to make this initiative a success.

SDAT Guidebook
The Center for Communities by Design is pleased to announce the release of the SDAT Guidebook, a detailed publication that describes the SDAT program and walks a community through the steps necessary to ensure a successful SDAT project.

What is the SDAT Program?
The SDAT program is a community assistance program that focuses on the principles of sustainability. SDATs bring teams of volunteer professionals (such as architects, urban designers, landscape architects, planners, hydrologists, economists, attorneys, and others) to work with community decision-makers and stakeholders to help them develop a vision and framework for a sustainable future.

The SDAT program is based on the AIA’s goal of helping communities create a sustainable relationship between humans, the natural environment, and place. By achieving balance between cultural, environmental, and economic systems, communities can sustain a place as a stage for human settlement.

While the Regional/Urban Design Assistance Team (R/UDAT) program was developed to provide communities with specific design solutions, the SDAT program provides a broad assessment to help frame any future policies or design solutions in the context of sustainability.

The SDAT process helps communities:
• understand their structure at various scales and contexts;
• explore interactions between ecological, sociological, economic, and physical systems;
• visualize potential futures;
• articulate the qualities of a place;
• advance the principles of sustainable communities; and
• define the role of stakeholders and players in both the public and private sectors.

The SDAT community assistance program provides communities with six components:

• -Preliminary visit

• -Three-day visit from a multidisciplinary team

• -A report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the community with regard to   sustainability, along with the opportunities and obstacles to change

• -Consultations after a three-day visit

• -A conference call six months after delivery of the assessment report to review progress

• -One-day follow-up visit to complete a secondary assessment, one year after the SDAT report is delivered

• A team of architects and other professionals such as planners, hydrologists, economic development specialists, and others are selected for each multidisciplinary SDAT team based on their credentials and the specific needs of each community. The team works in conjunction with local stakeholders to help shape the community’s strategy to increase sustainability. In order to provide the most objective assessment, the team members are from outside the particular communities.

Funding
For 2011, the AIA will provide up to $15,000 in services for each project and communities are expected to contribute $5,000 cash match as well as raise additional resources through in-kind donations and matches.

Questions?
For more information about the SDAT program email sdat@aia.org, or contact Erin A. Simmons, Director, Center for Communities by Design at esimmons@aia.org or 202.626.7492.