AIA to Aid Five Cities In Promoting Long-term Sust

Washington, D.C., January 22, 2007 — The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design has selected Tucson, Arizona, Culver City, California, Dubuque, Iowa, Central, Louisiana, and Albany, New York as five communities to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program in 2007. The collaborative SDAT brings together architects and other professionals assembled from across the country to provide a roadmap for communities seeking to improve their sustainability--as defined by a community’s ability to meet the environmental, economic, and social equity needs of today without reducing the ability of future generations to meet their needs. “The SDAT program has tackled difficult issues like breaking down barriers to regional cooperation as well as improving transportation infrastructure and options, air and water quality, local economic development, and general revitalization strategies,” said David T. Downey, Assoc. AIA, managing director of the AIA Center for Communities by Design. “Since this program’s inception in 2005, we have seen a strong indication that the program is working, and that AIA architects are helping to guide American cities toward a more sustainable future. For example, public officials from participating communities have referenced the positive experience and results in op-eds published in local newspapers and as part of their re-election campaigns.” An architect-led team of professionals including planners, hydrologists, economic development specialists, architects, and others will be selected based on their credentials and the specific needs of each community. The SDAT will work in conjunction with local stakeholders to help shape the community’s strategy to increase sustainability. To provide the most objective assessment, team members volunteer their time and expertise and are selected from areas outside the project communities. Past SDAT participant reaction Pittsfield, Mass. Mayor James M. Ruberto said, “The AIA SDAT’s recommendations have served as the foundation for the continuing effort to update our master plan for the City of Pittsfield. The program has helped invigorate our neighborhood initiatives and the team’s findings also reaffirmed the importance of downtown revitalization and investments. The team’s input has been invaluable as we plan for the future of our city.” SDAT program elements The communities were selected after submitting an application to the 2007 SDAT review panel outlining the economic, environmental, and social equity challenges facing their region. The SDAT community assistance program provides the selected communities with these components: • Preliminary/scoping visit • Three-day visit from a multidisciplinary team • A report highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of the community with regards to sustainability, along with the opportunities and obstacles to change • Consultations after the three-day visit (typically by phone or email) • One-day follow-up evaluation visit a year after the SDAT report is delivered To learn more about the AIA Center for Communities by Design or the SDAT program visit: http://www.aia.org/liv_sdat

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