Pressroom

“Design Matters” theme focuses on the importance and impact of quality design to society

Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – April 5, 2010 – National Architecture Week was created to encourage a public dialogue about architecture and to increase attention to the role architects play as a force for positive change in our communities.

Engaging both the architecture profession and the public, National Architecture Week will take place virtually on the American Institute of Architects Architecture Week 2010 Facebook fan page. Each day during architecture week a different discussion topic will be posted to the fan page. Discussion topics will include sustainability/environment, design, economy, education, housing, transportation and health care—all designed to illustrate how design shapes everyone’s lives. These discussions will be supplemented with the AIANational’s first ever chat on Twitter.

Sunday, April 11
National Architecture Week will kick off with the release of a video presentation by the 2010 AIA President, George Miller, FAIA, which will be posted to the Architecture Week 2010 Facebook fan page.

Monday, April 12
The AIA Facebook page will host a discussion on the reach of design and delve into a design-related question that is generated by a panel of topical experts.

Tuesday, April 13
New videos will be posted to the Shape of America site. The new video posting will generate a discussion on the AIA Facebook page. Video’s will include a profile of past AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE) Top Ten Green building award recipients.

Wednesday, April 14
Given the large number of followers AIA National has on Twitter there will be a 60-minute Twitter chat focusing on the theme, Design Matters, featuring about four to six thought-provoking questions. A web page will be posted and linked to alerting participants how to follow and participate in the chat. More information can be found here: http://www.aia.org/practicing/AIAB082554

Thursday, April 15
Another new video will be posted to the Shape of America site while a link to the video will be posted on the Facebook page. Architecture Week participants will be encouraged to view the new video and then share their thoughts and commentary about the video on the Facebook page.

Friday, April 16
Another thought-provoking narrative/question from a panel of topical experts will be posted to the Facebook page to engage participants. Pertinent links will be shared as background for the participants.

Saturday, April 17
The weeklong initiative ends with a virtual town meeting to discuss the future of communities and how design affects local communities. The model for the town meeting will be based on the town meeting taking place in April in Columbus, Ind., where George Miller, FAIA, will appear. The town meeting will serve to underscore the week’s discussions and encourage users to continue the dialogue throughout the year.

The AIA Facebook fan page will be used to provide a broad range of knowledge resources from the National component. If you already have a Facebook account, go to the homepage and type “Architecture Week 2010” in the “search” box. That will take you to the site hosted by the AIA. Once there, view the resources, add resources of your own, and participate in the conversation. If you are not already on Facebook, it’s easy to join and it is free. Google “Facebook.” After you create an account with your own password, you will be able to participate.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 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 www.aia.org