| Volume 3, No. 11 - October 15, 2009 |
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 Carbon Neutral House, by Cunnigham | Quill Architects PLLC (more info) |
 25 Years of WIA in Northern Virginia |
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The Coalition for Smarter Growth Influential in Regional Development by Lauren Campbell Education & Development Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth |
The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading non-profit organization addressing where and how the Washington region grows, partnering with communities in planning for the future and offering solutions to the interconnected challenges of housing, transportation, energy and the environment. Building strong partnerships with leaders in conservation, business, development and government, the Coalition has earned a reputation as an honest broker promoting smart growth solutions with numerous stakeholders. These solutions are more important than ever for maintaining the region's economic competitiveness, quality of life and healthy environment. Volatile energy prices, increasing attention to climate change and the challenging economic climate all underscore the value of supporting the location-efficient, well-designed and transit-accessible development the CSG promotes.Last spring, the Catalogue for Philanthropy recognized the Coalition as one of the best small non-profits in the DC region and Washingtonian highlighted their work in their December 2008 issue. Officials, including Congressman Connolly, Arlington Board Member Chris Zimmerman, Alice Rivlin and former Maryland Governor Parris Glendening, have recognized CSG�s work as critical to the future of the region. Executive Director Stewart Schwartz has worked in Northern Virginia and statewide for nearly thirteen years promoting transit-oriented development, conservation and walkable communities. Under Stewart's leadership, the CSG has become the go-to resource on smart growth issues from Alexandria to Loudoun. Recent efforts include supporting the redevelopment of Tysons Corner and partnering with residents to win unanimous Alexandria City Council approval of the Braddock Metro neighborhood plan, supporting over 3 million square feet of well-designed development. The Coalition also offers its expertise in affordable housing policy and development with both the ongoing Potomac Yard and Landmark/Van Dorn plans. Their popular educational programs complement their advocacy work and generate lively discussions about what makes great community design.  The Coalition for Smarter Growth is being honored with our AIA Northern Virginia Chapter Award at our Annual Dinner on October 21. This award is given in recognition of an individual or organization that has, through their professional activities and body of work, significantly inspired or influenced the architecture profession in Northern Virginia over a sustained period of time. Please join us at our Annual Dinner to recognize the Coalition's contributions to our region and to learn more about their work, visit their website here.
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AIA Northern Virginia's Women in Architecture Committee Celebrates a Quarter Century by Eliza Beth Engle, AIA LEED® AP |
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Women in Architecture was founded in 1983 as a committee of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter. In 2008 we celebrated our 25th year of providing programs that focus on architectural practice and education, including tours, forums, graphic competitions and film festivals, and supporting community organizations. On November 8th we will gather to recognize the women who have led this active and dynamic committee during these first 25 years. |
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In Practice... |
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Join the AIA Now + Get Up to 15 Months of Membership for the Cost of 12 Joining the AIA makes good sense at any time of the year, but from October to December of 2009, there is an extra incentive in place. When you join now for 2010, you receive up to three free months of membership. You can start taking advantage of AIA benefits immediately�knowledge resources, networking, and advocacy to advance the interests of the design profession. Please share this promotion with your colleagues. Information is available here. AIA Contract Documents on Demand - Coming Mid-October The AIA is about to release AIA Documents on Demand, a web-based service that allows users to purchase and download individual forms and agreements in PDF format which can be filled out electronically. The documents available include 16 of the most popular selections from the AIA Contract Document library. This service is ideal for Mac users or those that only use a few contracts per year. Additional information is available here. AIA National Seeks Input on Proposed Position Statement Content As part of its position statement review process, the AIA is currently conducting a public comment period on five existing position statements (Research and Development, Architectural Practice and Title Regulations, Energy and the Built Environment, Sustainable Architectural Practice + Sustainable Rating Systems) as well as a newly proposed Interoperability Position Statement. Members are encouraged to submit comments through Friday, October 16 (tomorrow!). To review the position statements and submit comments, click here. |
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Carbon Neutral House |
 Located in McLean, Virginia, the Carbon Neutral House showcases how energy efficient design and renewable energy systems can seamlessly integrate with beautiful design for a stunning project with environmental integrity. In collaboration with West-Group and GreenSpur, Inc., the Carbon Neutral House was designed to qualify for LEED® Platinum Certification.The Carbon Neutral House includes approximately 3,800 square feet of livable space supported by a closed-loop geothermal system linked to a radiant floor system, which utilizes the constant temperature of the earth to heat the house in the winter and cool it in the summer. Photovoltaic solar panels, which generate electricity from the heat of the sun, supplement the geothermal system by providing additional energy to run appliances and mechanical systems and heat potable water. The extensive glazing of the house provides enough natural light to reduce the need for electric lighting during the day. Green roof elements have been installed to insulate the roof, absorb storm water and reduce harmful runoff into the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.  To help monitor energy use, the Carbon Neutral House features a Smart Home System that can notify owners of consumption levels. The system also controls lighting and mechanical systems through the house, and can be accessed through an iPod Application.The Carbon Neutral House's living spaces include four bedrooms, an expansive great room with open kitchen, a media room, a virtual golf room, a private library, and a retreat wing of the house that can be used as a gym, spa, or private office area. Each space in the home has been decorated by one of 19 acclaimed interior designers with a similarly focused eco-friendly vision. The Carbon Neutral House will be open to the public from October 10-30, 2009. General admission tickets are $25 per person online, and $30 at the door. Proceeds from the tour will benefit the Friendship Public Charter School in Washington, DC, the McLean Project for the Arts, the Injured Marines Semper Fi Fund and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund. For more information regarding the tour, please visit www.charityworksgreenhouse.com. For more information on Cunningham | Quill, visit www.cunninghamquill.com.  photos by Ken Wyner |
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October 21 - 34th Annual Chapter Dinner, Honors Celebration and Elections October 28 - AIA Northern Virginia Lunch Series October 28 - Mid Atlantic Region Economic Recovery: An Update on the Downturn November 2 - WIA Planning Meeting November 4-6 - Architecture Exchange East November 8 - WIA 25th Anniversary Brunch November 9 - LEAF House Tour | AIA Northern Virginia Board Meeting November 18 - Women in Architecture Happy Hour |