AIA150 Chapter Projects:
> AIA Los Angeles
Contact Information:
AIA Los Angeles
Nicci Solomons, Hon. AIACC, Executive Director
3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800
Los Angeles CA 90010
(213) 639-0777
FAX (213) 639-0767
Hours: 8:30 – 5, Phone 10 - 4 M-Thu
Sells Contract Documents
Email: info@aialosangeles.org
Website: www.aialosangeles.org
Champion Information
Debra A. Gerod, AIA
Phone: (323) 937-4270
Email: gerod@gruenassociates.com
Chapter Project(s)
Implementation of a Recycling Program in Los Angeles Area
AIA Los Angeles is working with the Waste Management Department to implement a massive recycling program. The chapter is developing a mechanism to administratively make it happen. The primary focus is the City of Los Angeles, specifically the paper businesses and eventually branching out to residences and other areas within the Los Angeles region. This program is currently being finalized.
The Next Recycling Frontier: Commercial Buildings, Multi-Family Residences, and Public Spaces
Although several communities within Los Angeles boast successful recycling programs, participation by those in commercial buildings, apartment complexes and public areas is low. AIA Los Angeles is committed to helping increase awareness of the importance of recycling, and is using its own office headquarters as an example.
Increasing public awareness of the harm done by discarding recyclable materials and using non-recyclable materials is vital to the welfare of the Los Angeles community. Through public education and participation, we can reduce the amount of material sent to our landfills and reduce the amount of improperly discarded trash which makes its way into the ocean, thereby helping improve the cleanliness of our beaches, neighborhoods and streets.
Even in the Los Angeles communities where recycling programs are successful, there are not adequate storage and collection opportunities for most commercial and multi-family buildings. AIA Los Angeles is helping increase awareness of recycling, including education about what can be recycled and the impacts of not recycling. Members are working to implement recycling programs where none currently exist, and will seek governmental policy changes to require communities to provide the support needed to make these programs work.
A viable recycling program for the AIA Los Angeles office will be the catalyst and demonstration project for other architectural offices to follow, with the goal of 100% participation from the firms within the chapter. Subsequently, this initiative will extend to other sectors such as schools, restaurants, offices and multi-family residences. AIA Los Angeles will also work with the cities in its area to establish mechanisms for the collection and disposal of recycled materials, helping ensure a “greener”, more sustainable future for the region.
As of June, due to the work on the recycling efforts, there is legislation now underway in California to demand recycling bins for mult-family units as well as what is in effect for single family homes.
Also, a request is being made for a Resolution from the Los Angeles City Council to declare every month of October “Architecture Design Month”. In addition, they are branding all of their upcoming activities with the AIA 150 initiative and creating media kits to be published stating all the things they have accomplished with their 150 efforts.
The Westways (AAA of Southern California) Magazine is running an article in its October issue about the AIA Los Angeles Recycling Program. This magazine is distributed to 500,000 members in southern California.
AIALA is collaborating with related organizations throughout the City of Los Angeles to create a program of events to celebrate the first annual Architecture Month in Los Angeles. They are working together to create a comprehensive calendar for the month of October to give recognition to the architecture that shapes Los Angeles. Their combined efforts will bring together architects, designers, students and enthusiasts to celebrate the quality and diversity of Architecture in Los Angeles throughout the month of October The celebration will be comprised of drawing events, lectures, exhibitions and tours from a variety of architecturally-relevant organizations throughout Los Angeles.
The Architecture in Los Angeles celebration begins October 1st, 2007, on the rooftop of the new Mercury development and will continue throughout the month. The event will publicly recognize the City's proclamation of October as Architecture Month and honor the individuals that helped implement the City of Los Angeles multi-family residential recycling program. For more information on this upcoming event click here.