Architect headquarters to be redesigned to address climate change, equity, collaboration

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["strong"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=i_FhKY50NMg","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/resources\/6077668-framework-for-design-excellence","target","_new"]],["sup"],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.ehdd.com\/","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/pages\/6464938-the-aia-2030-commitment","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ujcLG5Qvuh0","target","_new"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/www.aia.org\/landing-pages\/6452708-aia-headquarters-renewal","target","_new"]]],"sections":[[1,"p",[[0,[0],1,"WASHINGTON \u2013 April 20,\n2022 \u2013"],[0,[],0," The\nAmerican Institute of Architects\u2019 (AIA) Board of Directors "],[0,[1],1,"unveiled schematic design plans"],[0,[],0," today to fully renovate\nits National headquarters to be a model of sustainability, equity, and collaboration."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cAIA\u2019s headquarters should serve as an\nexpression of the value architects provide and align with the values we uphold\nas a profession,\u201d said AIA 2022 President Dan Hart, FAIA. \u201cWe have a\nresponsibility to redesign this iconic building to the highest standards in\nsustainability, resilience, and equity. By demonstrating the powerful role\ndesign can play in improving our communities, we can show how to take the\naction that is needed to move the needle on climate action and to make the\nbuilt environment healthier and safer for future generations. In order to\neffectively advocate for these changes, we must start by taking action\nourselves.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AIA has owned its headquarters\u2014located at 1735\nNew York Avenue, NW, in Washington, D.C.\u2014since 1973. The Brutalist style\nbuilding has undergone limited changes since it was first occupied by the\norganization. Most of its equipment is original, including two gas-fired\nboilers; its exterior walls have virtually no insulation; and the windows are\nsingle pane. The current design also presents challenges in convening members\nand staff, hinders collaboration, and inhibits AIA\u2019s current business\npractices."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cGiven the current state of our headquarters, we\ncan\u2019t afford not to make this critical investment in the future of our\norganization and the profession,\u201d said AIA EVP\/Chief Executive Officer Lakisha\nAnn Woods. \u201cBy transforming our office, we will significantly reduce our carbon\nfootprint and operational costs while also ensuring we have the physical space\ncapabilities to meet our future needs. I look forward to welcoming our members,\nstaff, and community to our renewed space once the renovation is complete.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Following AIA\u2019s "],[0,[2],1,"Framework for Design\nExcellence"],[0,[],0,",\nwhich represents the defining principles of elevated design in the 21"],[0,[3],1,"st"],[0,[],0,"\ncentury, the headquarters redesign\u2014led by San Francisco-based architecture firm\n"],[0,[4],1,"EHDD"],[0,[],0,"\u2014will update inefficient systems,\nreduce energy consumption, and incorporate energy saving measures. Further, the\ndesign will fully decarbonize the building operationally through new building\nmaterials and energy efficiency measures; elimination of all fossil fuels; and\nthe use of renewable energy. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Overall, it is expected to save 58 percent in\nenergy use\u2014based on pre-pandemic usage\u2014through the addition of a\nhigh-performance exterior\u2014or envelope\u2014with window shading and electricity\ngeneration; double-pane bird-safe windows; and an R-40 roof. Both gas-fired\nboilers will be replaced by seven air source electric heat pumps on the roof.\nAdditionally, high-efficiency lighting will be added as well as solar panels on\nthe roof. Through the various system updates, the building is targeting LEED\nPlatinum and WELL Platinum status and will meet the energy use targets set by "],[0,[5],1,"AIA\u2019s 2030 Commitment"],[0,[],0,"."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Interiors of the building will model design\nsolutions that create an equitable, inspiring, and innovative workplace and\ngathering place for AIA members, volunteers, staff and the community. Overall,\nthe design eliminates hierarchical spaces, including making executive areas\nmore accessible and creating spaces where the Board of Directors can convene in\na visible, transparent, and democratic way to advocate for the profession. \n\n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\u201cWe\u2019re\ntransforming the AIA\u2019s home to better reflect the AIA of today and as it evolves\ninto the future,\u201d said EHDD partner Rebecca Sharkey, AIA. \u201cWe engaged with a\nwide range of stakeholder groups, including future architects for their\ninsights, to explore a diversity of priorities and experiences. The new design\nimagines a holistic new vision that will be welcoming, inspiring, and engaging;\na bold new symbol of the AIA\u2019s values.\u201d"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Sharkey added, \u0022It will be one of the first\nfully decarbonized major renovations in the U.S. Both\nembodied and operational carbon from the renovation will be fully addressed and\nwill demonstrate a cost-effective path for achieving the AIA 2030 Commitment\ntarget of carbon.\u201d "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"AIA engaged six students from Historically Black\nColleges and Universities (HBCUs) in a "],[0,[6],1,"unique internship program"],[0,[],0,"\nas part of the design process. The students helped inform the design and\nenvisioning a post-COVID workplace of the future. \n"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"\n\nMore details of AIA\u2019s building renovation can be\nfound on "],[0,[7],1,"AIA\u2019s website."]]]]}