Tag: CAF

Arid Lands Institute’s Hadley Arnold Looks Back At Drylands Design

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The California Architectural Foundation (CAF) was proud to partner with Arid Lands Institute on the 2012 Drylands Design Conference, which was held in March of last year and featured the research winners of CAF’s Turnbull Design Competition: Drylands Design. The conference continues to turn the attention of the design industry to water issues, most recently influencing the American Society of Landscape Architects to build the October issue of Landscape Architect Magazine around water scarcity design challenges and solutions. Visit the CAF site to read more . . .

 

Follow Up On A Turnbull Winner

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2012 Turnbull Design Competition winner Robert Lamb, AIA AICP LEED AP, offers an update on his award winning research project, “Silver Lake Reservoir.” One of the goals of this competition is to work toward turning visions into reality. This is one example. Read more . . .

 

Nathaniel A. Owings Award Winner Announced

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The California Academy of Sciences was recently recognized by The California Architectural Foundation (CAF) as the winner of the the 2012 Nathaniel A. Owings Award for environmental excellence. With the goal of “exploring, explaining and protecting the natural world,” the Academy of Sciences epitomizes the objectives of both the Owings Award and CAF, the nonprofit organization committed to advancing sustainable communities through research and education.

Placed well in its historically important civic space in Golden Gate Park, the Academy of Sciences project expresses these goals in all its aspects: siting, programming, outstanding exhibits and public spaces and an architectural frame of distinction and clarity that is suitable to its public role and which incorporates high performance standards, as well as elements of the previous building. An innovative, sustainable living roof is integrated into the project as one of its most notable features. The project was submitted by international landscape architecture firm SWA Group (with offices in California), who were invited by the architects, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, to collaborate with Rana Creek Living Architecture in the development of this characterizing feature.

The Owings Award jury honors the Academy, the architects and SWA for their vision and skill in creating a roof that is a bold model for the integration of sustainable technology, natural systems, design innovation, and public education. The contours of the roof echo the hills of San Francisco while functioning as an educational exhibit on sustainability. In addition to a comprehensive set of technologies relating to building systems—from water recycling in the basement to synchronized ventilation openings in the building curtain walls and roof domes¬—the living roof captures 98% of storm water, improves air quality by creating and scrubbing oxygen and reducing energy needs for air conditioning, improves the lifespan of the roof membrane, and provides habitat for migratory and local wildlife. New entries and side gardens provide a variety of flexible outdoor rooms, integrate smoothly with the project site, and are made possible by the new structure’s reduced footprint. Weather-based, high-efficiency irrigation technology reduces water usage, as does the planting palette, which consists primarily of native California plants requiring limited or no irrigation.

This award recognizes outstanding accomplishments in the reconciliation of nature and the built environment. The jury commented that this has become one of the most important buildings in San Francisco and it successfully engages the wider community, creating a dramatic and instructive civic “living room.” The Academy focuses attention on the larger natural landscape and its global imperatives; symbolically placing science and its exploration of the environment in the core of one of the city’s most loved and hallowed places.

The Nathaniel A. Owings Award was originally created in 1986 to honor Nathaniel Owings (1903-1984), a founding partner of the firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill. This year it was refined to capture his core values: man should live in harmony with nature and he should build “in cooperation with nature—not against it.” Owings believed architecture should contribute to the broader community and the creation of public space in American cities: “Non-architecture—open spaces—will be the objective, and the buildings will simply frame them.” CAF is grateful to SOM San Francisco for their generous support of this award.

The distinguished jury included:

  • Michael Duncan, AIA – Design Director, SOM San Francisco
  • Sandhya Naidu Janardhan – Program Manager, Architecture for Humanity
  • Donlyn Lyndon, FAIA- Professor of Architecture, Emeritus, UC Berkeley
  • Eva Li – Professor of Architecture, Emeritus, UC Berkeley
  • Norman R. Millar, AIA – Dean of the School of Architecture at Woodbury University and CAF Regent Ken Smith, ASLA – WORKSHOP: Ken Smith – Landscape Architect

For more information visit cafsite.org and natowingsaward.org.

 

CAF Announces Nathaniel A. Owings Award

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awards, Nathaniel A. Owings Award, CAF, California Architectural Foundation, SOMThe California Architectural Foundation (CAF) is proud to open registration for the 2012 Nathaniel A. Owings Award. This award recognizes projects by individuals or groups that demonstrate outstanding accomplishments in the reconciliation of nature and the built environment.

The California Architectural Foundation, committed to advancing sustainable communities through research and education, initiated in 1990 the Nathaniel A. Owings Award to honor an American Institute of Architects Gold Medalist and key contributor to the development of mid-20th century modern architecture in the United States. Nathaniel Owings (1903-1984), a founding partner of the firm Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM), was particularly concerned that man should live in harmony with nature and that he should build, in Owings’ own words, “in cooperation with nature—not against it.”

While the work recognized is not required to be a public project, it must respond or somehow contribute in a substantial way to the community in which it stands. It must demonstrate both thoughtful design and real sensitivity to the natural environment. Its scale should be significant enough to promote positive change. Tangible evidence of its impact must be provided, in the form of metrics met or other measurable indicators. Eligible projects include completed individual buildings or groups of buildings, sustainable designs, civic spaces, parks and natural environments. Implemented master plans and other forms of environmental design are welcomed as well. The award may honor a singular accomplishment or a series of contributions. Either the project should have been completed in California, or the work was completed by a professional based in California. Projects should have been completed within the last 5 years.

Registrations to enter the Nathaniel Owings Award competition should be completed online by Thursday, May 3, 2012. Submissions should follow the posted guidelines and should be uploaded online by Thursday, May 24, 2012.

 

Announcing New CAF Website

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It gives me great pleasure to announce that, through the hard work of our new Executive Director, Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA and the staff of AIACC we have just launched a new and much improved website for the California Architectural Foundation/CAF. The site also has a new address that we hope will be easier to find: www.cafsite.org. Check us out!

We are very excited about this new site for CAF because we firmly believe that an effective, user-friendly website is the best way for us to communicate the mission, goals and initiatives of the Foundation. The website will be updated on a regular basis and will be where we tell the story of our award winners and scholarship recipients, announce new programs and share information important to building sustainable communities. The site will also emphasize CAF’s role as a bridge between the profession and schools of architecture in California, providing information to practicing architects about programs and initiatives within academia that are of direct relevance to the future of the profession.

For its inaugural edition, the CAF website features:

    An article on the Drylands Conference, which culminates a two-year collaboration between CAF and the Arid Lands Institute of Woodbury University. Click here to read more

    Information on the winners of the Turnbull Ideas Competition that drew international submissions from professional and student teams. Click here to read more

    A call for entries for the Nathaniel A. Owings Award, a new program that seeks to recognize environmental excellence with a focus on how the “human footprint” leaves its mark on the natural environment. Click here to read more

    I hope that you will visit the CAF website often, that it will make each of you more aware of the important work that the Foundation is undertaking on your behalf, and that you will support CAF through your individual or firm donations.

 

Drylands Design Conference: A Challenge to the Design Community in CA

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Photograph courtesy of Nicki Dennis Stephends, Hon. AIA

Photograph courtesy of Nicki Dennis Stephens, Hon. AIA


On March 22, 2012, the Drylands Design Conference challenged architects and planners to become leaders in designing the built environment within the constraints of water, energy, and climate change. The conference, co-sponsored by the California Architectural Foundation and the Arid Lands Institute at Woodbury University, was the result of a shared vision for a future in which the landscapes and communities of the West are environmentally, culturally, and economically resilient in the face of climate change. Attendees included architects, landscape architects, and engineers with leading policy analysts, scientists, and environmental leaders to debate a range of design strategies for the future.

One of the presenters, JT Reager, Senior Research Assistant at the UC Center for Hydrologic Modeling at UC Irvine presented findings on what current climate models suggest for the future of water in California and the results are alarming. He gave an overview of climatological forces which impact water production and a historical perspective on water in the West. While scientists agree it is difficult to measure groundwater, recent modeling at UC Irvine estimates we have lost the equivalent of the size of Lake Mead in terms of groundwater from the Central Valley reservoir. This is further coupled by the fact we are getting less groundwater recharge; this is the akin to taking withdrawals from a bank that has a finite capacity. JT estimated that within 70-100 years the groundwater will be depleted.

He then proceeded to discuss the impact of climate change on water supplies in the future.

  • Climate change is evidenced in increases in surface temperature. Heat means more evaporation and less rainfall. To put it in perspective: 1% decline in precipitation = 32% decline in reservoir storage
  • We are likely to be more dry and the droughts will be longer.
  • Snow mass is decreasing 30-50% in the sierras and snow provides 75% of our freshwater supply. Snow melts are happening earlier and too much water too early fills the reservoirs too quickly and those reservoirs are unable to accommodate the water and maximize the potential.

The conference also presented selected entries from the award winners chosen from the CAF William Turnbull Drylands Design Competition. The award-winning teams presented their design proposals and discussed the policy implications they suggested. These design case studies and the panel discussions they inform raise important questions about de-coupling energy and water, localizing resources, restructuring watershed governance, the scalability of small systems, the relationship between water infrastructure and public architectures, and the role of the arts and design in shaping a working public landscape. This was a common thread woven throughout the day; the need for the statewide water policy and the role the design community can play in the development of our future.

The California Architectural Foundation is focusing issues of environmental sustainability and encourages and honors the exploration of progressive ideas for sustaining and improving the California landscape. Want to support the these efforts? Click here to donate.

 

Drylands Design Conference & Exhibition

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Nowhere are the opportunities for global leadership in water-smart design greater than in the US West. Shifts in the economy, demographics, and climate are requiring westerners to rethink the centralized, energy-intensive water systems of the 20th century. What do design professions have to contribute? Participate here.

The accompanying exhibition of winning visions from the Drylands Design Competition, a joint endeavor of the California Architectural Foundation and Woodbury University’s Arid Lands Institute, opens at the A+D Museum in Los Angeles on March 22nd.
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For another take on the cultural implications of landscape ecology, take a look at Natural Discourse: Artists, Architects, Scientists & Poets in the Garden.

 

California Architectural Foundation Names New Executive Director

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Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA

The California Architectural Foundation (CAF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Anne Laird-Blanton, AIA, as its first Executive Director. A member of The American Institute of Architects, Anne brings to this position her skill, education, and training as a licensed architect coupled with over 15 years of volunteer experience at all levels of the AIA.

“With the creation of this dedicated staff position, CAF is poised to be successful in its efforts to advance sustainable communities through research and education,” says CAF President Tom Anglewicz, FAIA. “The appointment of Anne as the Executive Director will enable CAF to expand its initiatives and programs while positioning the organization to become an active participant in issues facing our profession.”

As a licensed architect in California and New York, Anne also holds a B.A. in Human Services and has a strong interest in community and social issues. She brings passion and drive to this position as is evidenced by her impressive commitment as a volunteer. “Anne’s connections within the profession and her history of service to the AIA will serve CAF extremely well,” remarks Anglewicz.

The AIA California Council (AIACC) has supported CAF’s investment in this staff position, citing opportunities for synergies that will positively impact both organizations. From enhanced connections to the academies to increased research, the AIACC and CAF have identified ways each can contribute to addressing issues facing the profession. “I look forward to working with the AIA California Council and members of the architectural profession to have a significant impact on environmental issues in California,” states Anne. “I am excited and ready to lead CAF in this new chapter. As a state, California is facing so many challenges, and CAF provides great opportunity for the profession to get engaged and design the fragile interface between the natural and built environments.” Anne can be reached at anne@cafsite.org, 1303 J Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814.

Founded in 1979, the California Architectural Foundation promotes excellence in architecture though student scholarships, grants and environmental education programs, bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds. Committed to making stronger and more effective connections between students and schools, planners and professionals, the Foundation cultivates the resources and creativity necessary to forge these links.

 

AIACC at Work for You: 2011 Year in Review

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Like volunteer leaders in AIA components across the country, I entered the office of AIACC President with passion, enthusiasm, and lofty goals for improving the AIA and our profession. We set goals, quickly identifying the need for stronger collaborations, improved communications, and more proactive advocacy initiatives. I urged us to build stronger coalitions and to bring together the many groups focused on efforts similar to ours to forge alliances and to be a stronger force in the political arena. I also emphasized the need to change the way we communicate and to create more leadership training opportunities for future leaders of AIA and for citizen architects to lead our communities. I stressed the importance of expanding the voices of our students, associates, and young architect members at all levels of AIA. I was ambitious and full of ideas and optimism.

Then reality set in, and I realized more and more each day that serving as your President was a far more complex effort than I had ever imagined. Paul Welch – our Executive Vice President – went to Washington to help out our ailing parent organization, California elected a new governor who was faced with overwhelming deficits, and the recession that we all hoped wouldn’t last too long is still with us. Issues were popping up all over the place that we hadn’t counted on, and yet, with reduced staff and a budget that anticipated using reserves, we accomplished a phenomenal amount and put money into reserves rather than spending them!

In looking back, it is common to reflect on the goals and focus on what hasn’t yet been achieved, but instead, I am amazed at all of the accomplishments of our committees, volunteers, and staff. Here are just a few of the highlights of 2011.

Regulatory Affairs. We created a vision for the Division of the State Architect (DSA), which will allow the State of California to assume a leadership role in the thoughtful development of the built environment.

  • Published Maximizing California’s Resources: Recommendations for a Stronger Design and Construction Industry as a vision for a renewed DSA in partnership with the K-12 Capitol Forum Group.
  • Established a process to recruit and vet candidates for the State Architect position.
  • Assisted the Governor’s office in the appointment of Chester Widom, FAIA, as the new State Architect.

Legislative Advocacy. The AIACC sponsored legislation, AB 560, was signed into law by Governor Brown. AB 560 extends the sunset date on the law that allows architectural firms to be organized as Limited Liability Partnerships by seven years, and it does not increase the amount of professional liability insurance architectural LLPs must carry.

Communications. 2011 was a year of transition. While we had a great start on a new website platform, we quickly realized the need for a stronger commitment to increased presence on the web with greater engagement of our members and the general public. Staff and budgets have been realigned and priorities redirected to a new, invigorated web site. We have plans for ongoing content generation, and we are increasing our presence in the social media arena. Our relationship with aecKnowledge is expanding, and our offerings of online continuing education opportunities are growing. We recognize the value of developing more knowledge content to support our advocacy efforts, and we are moving toward sharing our stories in increasingly more human ways. This is all good, and these are efforts that must be continued and sustained if the AIACC is to remain relevant.

Architectural Education Summit. This initiative by the AIACC Academy for Emerging Professionals (AEP) and the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) to bring faculty, students, and administrators from colleges and community colleges across the state together to discuss architecture education within the state was ground breaking. A diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), the California Architects Board (CAB), the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), the National Council of Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB), and community colleges participated in this strategic planning session, which resulted in a five-year initiative to bridge the gap between architectural education and practice within the state. Results from the Summit will be available soon.

Monterey Design Conference. Truly one of the outstanding offerings of the AIACC, MDC 2011 did not disappoint! With more than 550 attendees, fabulous speakers, and an increased emphasis on opportunities for interaction, the conference received rave reviews. For the first time, we also filmed the presentations, hosted by aecKnowledge

California Healthcare Facilities Forum. The AIACC’s Capitol Forum partnered with ACHA, to hold a conference to discuss the impact of the new Universal Healthcare law on California facilities. Over 140 healthcare professionals and representatives from the design and construction industry participated in this event, focusing on issues such as the increase in patient volumes (as a result of the new law) and the effect on facilities; how technological innovation will be driving healthcare delivery in the future; and the potential opportunities that accompany this transformational change.
Partnership with the California Architectural Foundation (CAF).

Turnbull Competition/Drylands Conference. Finally, I am pleased to report on the progress between the AIACC and the California Architectural Foundation in strengthening the connections and identifying opportunities for collaboration in support of the AIACC’s advocacy efforts. One of these opportunities materialized in 2011: a focus on water issues within California. The Foundation partnered with the Arid Lands Institute at Woodbury University to create the William Turnbull Competition: Drylands Design. Over 290 students and professionals have registered to participate in this ideas competition to generate progressive proposals that suggest to policy makers and the public creative alternatives for water conservation and mitigation. The jury will be held in January 2012, and the top proposals will be presented at the Drylands Design Conference March 24-25, 2012. This conference will bring together policy makers and design professionals to discuss innovations in planning and architecture that will make a substantive impact on water issues in our state. Ideas generated from the conference will be used to further the AIACC’s advocacy initiatives in this area, and this collaboration is just one example of the many I am hopeful will result in the strengthened partnership between CAF and the AIACC.

These are just a few of the many accomplishments that the AIACC, through the hard work of its many committees, volunteers, and professional staff, has achieved in 2011. I am pleased to be a small part of this organization and look forward to seeing the planning efforts and realignments we undertook this year materialize in 2012.

 

Giving Thanks

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As I meet with members throughout California, I often ask how business is going. Lately it seems things are picking up and optimism is creeping back into the profession. People are looking forward to better times and, while the consensus seems to be that recovery will be slow in coming, there is some hope on the horizon. With all of the pressures of practicing in this challenging environment, it’s sometimes difficult to recall the passion and drive that led you to architecture in the first place.

Anyone who has spent time with architectural school students knows their enthusiasm and optimism are infectious. Even during these challenging economic times, we need to keep a watchful eye on the health of the profession: we cannot let our focus stray. As the next generation of architects rises with passion and desire to impact the world around them, they see the possibilities and look for ways to connect. Their ability to rise up is important for them personally, as well as to the future of the profession. They have the vision to create and the passion to pursue their dreams. We can give them the tools and skills necessary to see them succeed. We can give them the keys to a better future of creating, building, and innovating.

Founded in 1979, the California Architectural Foundation promotes excellence in architecture through scholarships, grants, and education programs, bridging the gap between the academic and professional worlds. Committed to making stronger and more effective connections between students and schools, planners and professionals, the Foundation cultivates the resources and creativity necessary to forget these links.

As we head into the holiday season, please consider a contribution to the California Architectural Foundation’s Mel Ferris Scholarship Fund and make a difference in the lives of students today. Click here to donate.