AIA 150

In 2007 the members of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) celebrated 150 years of service to the architectural profession and the nation by working with communities across the country to create a better future by design. Each AIA chapter took on a community service initiative based upon a recognized need.

This website is being provided as a community service initiative by the Chesapeake Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). The initiative is in celebration and recognition of the AIA’s 150 year anniversary. This website has been initiated largely by volunteers, who are not only architects, but also engineers and environmental leaders in our community.

Overview

The Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest estuary, is a highly sensitive environment. As energy prices continue to rise, the area’s population increases, and the ecosystems of the Bay continue to be threatened, it is critical to inform the Bay community about environmentally-friendly approaches to development.

The AIA Chesapeake Bay (AIACB) has begun to develop this web based guide to sustainable design and development. Holding focus group discussions with a number of civic and governmental agencies, AIACB confirmed the need for such an educational tool. The chapter began to build relationships with organizations such as the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, The Chesapeake Bay Foundation, and the Chesapeake Bay Environmental Center for assistance in gathering appropriate information for the guide. The target audience is homeowners, and the web site is intended to address such topics as:

Energy efficiency and reducing energy related costs
Sustainable design/building strategies
Sustainable Landscape
Incentive programs
Building case studies
Sustainable Materials and Services

Many individual efforts to reduce the negative impact of a building project, which may seem insignificant in isolation, can have a substantial impact on the community when combined. As habits and practices change, the community will begin to see improved health of the Bay, better air quality, greater energy efficiency, an evolution in architecture, and improvement in the quality of life for individuals and for the community. The website is intended to be a resource that gives local homeowners a basic understanding of some of the materials and systems that can be incorporated into new building and renovation projects.

The website is expected to be updated periodically however one should not rely entirely on the information provided here when undertaking a building or renovation project and when implementing any of the materials or systems identified on this website. It is recommended that a homeowner contact a professional who is knowledgeable about these materials and systems and with all local building codes prior to starting a building project. These professionals include: Architects, Engineers, Landscape Architects, General Contractors, and Specialty Contractors. As this website is developed it is intended that the resource directory will provide contact information for professionals in your community.