Overview

Throughout 2007 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrated the 150th anniversary of its founding. In honor of this milestone, the AIA has developed a year-long program titled Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future, which honors architects for their dedication and commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and communities.

The AIA Northern Virginia Chapter (AIA NOVA) hosted a series of special events and exhibitions to commemorate the occasion. Several local jurisdictions issued proclamations congratulating local architects for their many contributions to the community and officially declaring this week as Architecture Week.

A highlight of the AIA150 celebration is an initiative, titled Blueprint for America, comprised of 156 community service projects nationwide. Blueprint for America brings architects and the public together to address community needs related to design and livability and inspires people to think about the way architecture impacts their daily lives.

The AIA Northern Virginia Chapter is honored to host two of these projects. The first, Women Creating Community, will bring together renowned women architects, local architects and designers, and interested community members to discuss visions for beautiful, safe, and livable communities. The chapter's second Blueprint project, Architecture School Charrette, features local architecture students working collaboratively with each other and experienced architects to develop design projects that are responsive to the principles of livable communities.

These events will not only serve our local area, but will be part of a published compilation of Blueprint projects from across the nation, titled Blueprint for America Mosaic: A Gift to the Nation, to be shared with local officials interested in implementing similar programs in their communities.

Click on the calendar items at left for more information.