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Architect’s can and must show the way
The results of the 2011 Solar Decathlon Competition have just been announced, and the winner, justifiably, is the entry from the University of Maryland. This entry scored 951.2 points out of a possible 1000 points from judges scoring criteria such as architectural merit, engineering and affordability of construction. Read those words again: architectural merit, engineering, and affordability of construction.
This is what we as architect are supposed to do: we use science and engineering technology (SET) – including sustainability science – to build structures that house human activities and enable human development, in a manner that is affordable, and that demonstrates architectural merit, which is, as I understand it, the art and science of building.
The students at Maryland have demonstrated that it is possible to build a home that generates all of its energy needs, heats all of its water, filters storm water, and recycles gray water. In essence, the students have demonstrated that it is possible to reduce the dependency of a home on council services which, in turn, reduces the burden of service delivery imposed on city councils; that ecosystem goods and services can be strengthened and therefore made more resilient; replaced what it has displaced, and have done it all in a manner that is quite delightful.
I had the privilege of visiting your city this past September, and witnessed firsthand the destruction caused by Hurricane Irene. The purpose of my visit was to speak at the Green Building Focus Conference and Exhibition where the theme was rebuilding sustainable human settlements. My own presentation was titled “Rebuilding Resilient Human Settlements in a Climate of Change”, noting that new human settlements solutions are required to reduce vulnerability to the impacts of climate change as we move forward. As Norman Foster has put it, “our environmental methodologies and practices have no continuing value”.
The students of Maryland have demonstrated how this may be done: it is now up to the professional architects of Birmingham to do the same.
Yours truly,
Llewellyn van Wyk
Architect, and Principal Researcher,
CSIR
South Africa
2012 AIA Birmingham Proposed Slate of Officers & Councilors
Below is the proposed 2012 Slate of Officers. If you would like to nominate someone not on this list, confirm the nominated person is willing to serve, is an AIA member in good standing and then submit their name to aiabirm@aiabham.org
We will vote on the 2012 slate of officers at the October 21st Sponsor Appreciation Tradeshow.
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2011 SAVE THE DATES
| October 6th |
AIA/BAF Golf Tournament
RTJ Oxmoor Valley (download the registration) |
| October 12th |
Hoover YMCA
4:00- 5:00
2250 John Hawkins Parkway (Highway 150) Hoover, AL 35244 |
| October 21st |
Sponsor Appreciation Product Show - FREE
Alabama Power, 1200 6th Ave. N
11:00 – 1:30
Great DOOR PRIZES
RSVP by 19th for lunch |
October 22nd |
Introducing EP: Extended Play
Football Viewing Bonanza
The Warehouse,
501 University Boulevard, 35205 |
| November |
Lyric Theatre Tour
More details next month |
.jpg) SPONSOR APPRECIATION MINI –TRADE SHOW
AIA members, save the date for the annual Sponsor Appreciation Mini- Trade Show on Friday, October 21st. Attend this trade show on your lunch hour, see new products, network, yummy lunch, convenient location, GREAT DOOR PRIZES and support our sponsors who support AIA Birmingham!
AIA Members – Remember to bring plenty of business cards! Lots of great door prizes!
List of Exhibiting Sponsors to date:
ARC
Alabama Brick
Alabama Gas Corporation
Alabama Graphics
Block USA
Boral Brick
Brandino Brass |
Crow Friedman Group
Eco Spec
European Kitchens of Alabama
Garner and Associates, LLC
J.R. Prewitt
Jay Wall, Inc
Jenkins Brick |
Kreuger International
Marvin Windows by Dale Inc
McGraw Hill Dodge
Ornamentals Manufacturing
Pella Windows and Doors
Robins and Morton
Sain Associates |
ARCHITECTURE MAGAZINE
Great job AIA Alabama for the press in ARCHITECTURE Magazine this month regarding Natural Disasters – ARCHITECTURE TO THE RESCUE! Finally, a positive story about Alabama and in a national publication. We are all very proud of the volunteer work you guys did through -out the state and are continuing through the RUDAT and the housing committee.
We are still looking for volunteers to be disaster relief coordinators for the next disaster.
AIA/CSI BIM Seminar
Thanks to everyone who participated in the AIA/CSI BIM seminar. Thanks to Alabama Power for hosting the event and the delicious catering by the Yellow Bicycle (Fish Market).
We look forward to partnering with CSI in 2012.
Click here for presentations
Emerging Professionals
The Emerging Professionals committee is thrilled to welcome Andrew C. Bryant of Design Initiative to the team! Andrew is bringing new life to our committee and has great ideas for the website to facilitate and encourage more involvement from interns in the area. To welcome Andrew and inaugurate a new era of the EP committee, please join us for the first (of many) post-site visit happy hour on October 12th.
 Upcoming AIA Site Visits
Hoover YMCA
October 12th, time 4:00- 5:00
2250 John Hawkins Parkway (Highway 150) Hoover, AL 35244
A former 52,000 square foot Bruno’s grocery store converted into a physical fitness and recreation facility.
Please wear closed toed shoes and bring a hard hat.
Parking is available next to and across from white Robins and Morton trailers.
Join us after at the nearby Buffalo Wild Wings for conversation and general merriment!
Introducing EP: Extended Play
Football Viewing Bonanza
Saturday, October 22nd, time TBD
The Warehouse, http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-501/147848781919256?sk=info
501 University Boulevard, 35205
$5 to partake of available kegs.
Join the area’s interns to socialize and watch the Auburn\LSU game and the Bama\Tennessee game, among others. Bring your favorite tailgating snacks, something to throw on the grill, and beverage of choice. The 501 Warehouse has multiple 50"+ televisions as well as a 12 foot projection screen to view games. Several bars, hot tub, pool tables, air hockey, foosball and more.
Oxmoor Data Center
Week of October 24, TBD
Upcoming ARE Study Opportunities
ARE Round Table
Tuesday, October 18th, 5:30
AG Gaston Offices
2 N. 20th Street, Suite 150
FREE
Instructor- Bill Segrest, AIA, ARE Liaison for AIA Birmingham
RSVP by October 17th to laurel@aiabham.org
AIA Birmingham has Kaplan ARE Books available for checkout. Contact laurel@aiabham.org for more information.
 Are you friends with AIA Birmingham on Facebook yet? Add us for all the AIA Birmingham updates!
 Birmingham pros join forces to advance the industry
BIRMINGHAM, AL – Brantley Visioneering, Inc. and the principals of CRS Engineering and Design Consultants, Inc. have joined forces to create BRAVIS Building Solutions, a minority-owned business enterprise focusing on providing a wide range of services for clients with specific needs in the architectural, engineering and construction-related industry.
Click here for more info
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