AIArchitect

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How come people have been commenting on the poor contrast ratio of the gray and light colored font and layout since January and still every week we are subjected to another eye strain?
Come on, aren't architect's subjected to enough eye strain.
thank you!

I agree with Mark LePage and would like to see a dedicated small projects/residential section. Seeing large projects by large firms is okay, but as the AIA's own research shows, most architects practice in small firms doing smaller commissions. It time to show more of what we as architects can creatively do with limited clients, budgets and staffing.

I think this would also help architects as a profession become more relevant to the community at large - this approach could better inform society about the benefits (and hence value)of architecture versus mere building.

My goodness, yes, Jeanne. (And while I'm at it, thank you, Mark.) When we started six years ago, some people couldn't get HTML on their e-mail and complained about the raw code they were getting. As far as design, though, all we did at first was convert what was the print format onto the screen. The AIA Board Communications Advisory Committee advised last year that we update the look. Independent consultants surveyed the membership, the results of which informed the design. (I hope, by the way, you all have clients who work as closely with and trust you as much as we do with our Web designers.) Managing Editor Stephanie Stubbs, Assoc. AIA, presented the design to the full Board, and they approved it. So we don't work in a vacuum by any means.

As far as the spam filter issue goes, it is another matter altogether than the design itself. We have consulted with independent experts on that matter as well and find that we are about as far to the front of the curve as we might hope to be. And once we get that solved--maybe it means getting on every member's e-mail white list--something else will come along. It's an ongoing battle. So please keep sending those suggestions in.

I'm curious. . .did any readers actually complain about the previous newsletter format?
I suggest that you listen to your readers! Content is meaningless if people can't access it . . .clearly many people find the new format to be inferior to the previous format, and the contrast ratios of the new format make portions of the newsletter undecipherable; if this illegibility is indeed a product of spam filters, as was suggested in previous comments - please realize that most people in this era HAVE spam filters, and address it appropriately.
I attempt to read each issue of the newsletter, because I have found it to have both interesting and valuable information, but I believe that the product of a group of visual professionals should look good as well!

I think that what you have done with AIArchitect in that last couple years is just outstanding.

Being a residential architect, I would love to see a dedicated residential section. More on small business, because that's what most of are running, would also be great.

Keep up the great work.

Thank you Martin. And I'd like to hear more from people who have similar or different experiences. The research we undertook a month or so ago showed satisfaction stayed pretty level between the earlier version and this one (about 89 percent satisfaction, if I recall correctly). And, yes, some people do see the same thing on the Web as they don't like in the e-mail. Yet more than 5 percent are getting a different view altogether on the Web than their e-mail system is delivering. (And we're working on that.) We haven't had a chance yet, though, to do a focus group to find out the why behind the what of our recent reader research, which is one reason why we posted this blog (that plus the opportunity to get some good feedback on meaningful topics for further exploration)--and why I will interject, as I have, hopefully to keep it going.

Doug Gordon wrote: "Interestingly, we find that many people who complain about the gray on gray and hodge-podge layout are the victims of either under-achieving e-mail software or overzealous spam filters that strip out style sheets and give random color assignments. Here's something to try: Go to the Web site where AIArchitect actually resides to see what the e-mail itself may not be providing you."

I just checked the website and it's the same. I wonder how many other people prefer the old format?

Project delivery, or how architects provide services for clients, is an appropriate topic. While the profession has struggled over the years, we have not found the answer to long term success measured in the client's mind. Well, here's one - design-build services provided by architects. It wasn't too long ago when our profession was as responsible for decisions regarding construction as we were for design. The speed at which services will be rendered and the teaming that will be necessary to tackle the projects of the 21st century mean that project delivery will change. We must also embrace technology for both large and small firms to be efficent, productive, and profitable. Architects need to maintain their position of leaders in project delivery. We need to hear from architects on the cutting edge of project delivery.

Interestingly, we find that many people who complain about the gray on gray and hodge-podge layout are the victims of either under-achieving e-mail software or overzealous spam filters that strip out style sheets and give random color assignments. Here's something to try: Go to the Web site where AIArchitect actually resides to see what the e-mail itself may not be providing you. You'll find it at http://www.aia.org/aiarchitect

And keep those good story ideas coming, too. Heather's and Paul's are a really great start!

I'd like to see information and reviews on alternative energy products such as photovoltaic products and what's new in self generation products such as fuel cells, wind power etc.

I agree with previous post by Fernando Zúñiga-Pflücker about legibility.

I would add that the current newlsetter format is much less readable than before, has a hodge-podge layout, and is hard to scan for items of interest.

My eyes would really appreciate larger text size and avoidance of grey (tone-on-tone) backgrounds.

Thanks

Please keep up the coverage on new and emerging products, and new applications for seasoned products such as structural insulated panels and dynamic glazing.

Also interested in the best performing products and applications for:
energy-efficiency
blast mitigation
hurricane resistance
seismic endurance
acoustical considerations (sound mitigating and sound enhancing)

Of course, it is always nice to see how architects cost-effectively achieve unique designs for otherwise common applications such as schools and mid-rise buildings.

Another item of interest may be the realization of architects as developers. Is this a growing trend? What are the motivations (design control, profitability)? What are the risks?

Hope this helps spark ideas. Thanks for asking.