AIArchitect

“I note that the 1/05/07 issue of AIArchitect declares that ‘Sustainability Tops Federal Issues Agenda for 2007,’” writes Michael S. Adams, AIA, in an e-mail letter to the editor. “May I suggest that since the AIA is unable to define exactly what ‘sustainability’ means, that this term be (1) replaced by a description of what is really intended ... or, perhaps better, (2) dropped entirely?”

Since it’s highly unlikely that we’re going to stop using the term just because it has become something of a buzzword, let's instead turn to some reasonably definitive sources.

William McDonough, FAIA—whose Hanover Principles, written with Michael Braungart, started the ball rolling on a (lengthy) description of what sustainable design might mean—offered a more terse version at the 2006 AIA National Convention. His firm, he said, strives to create a “delightfully diverse, healthy, and just world, with clean air, water, soil, and power—economically, equitably, ecologically, and elegantly enjoyed.”

To get something closer to an "AIA definition," we turn to Joseph Demkin, AIA, who is currently bringing together the 14th edition of The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice and offers two definitions being considered for that book’s glossary.

Sustainability: the concept of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Sustainable design: design that seeks to avoid depletion of energy, water, and raw material resources; prevent environmental degradation caused by facility and infrastructure development over their life cycle; and create environments that are livable, comfortable, and safe and that promote productivity.

What do you think?

Many years ago, a very serious designer who would later serve as chair of the Harvard GSD architecture department (who at the time was president of an internationally renowned, Atlanta-based firm) stood in the AIA Board room in Washington, D.C., and announced, to the surprise of many of the corporate architects in attendance, that making money as an architect is easy. The hard part, he said, is maintaining design integrity.

Making money is easy? Who could believe such a statement? There were a number of people in the room that day, though, who nodded in agreement. As businesspeople, they were well aware of the money-making potential of meeting client demands with the talent pool at hand. To their credit, they were also concerned about maintaining high standards of design aesthetics and context.

One truism is that firms that establish long-term success blend a triad of design, technical, and business talent. But shouldn’t every architect have at least an appreciation for each?

This week’s AIArchitect features a semi-annual review of how architects can expect the commercial/industrial and institutional markets to fare over the next six months. AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker, PhD, Hon. AIA, also writes a regular feature, Work-on-the-Boards, based on primary research into firm billings and inquiries. There is also a weekly selection of Kiplinger business forecasts.

These features draw a fair number of readers. But the question is: Is this attention to business too much, too little, or just right?

What do you think?