Please stop by to visit the Asheville Design Center or take a virtual tour at:
www.ashevilledesigncenter.org
Local Architects Celebrate 150 Years of
American Architecture
The American Institute of Architects, the AIA, was founded in 1857 when 13 architects got together to create an organization that would promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members and to elevate the standing of the profession. Until this point in time, anyone who wished to call themselves an architect could do so. The history of the AIA is, in many ways, the history of the profession. The year 2007 marks the 150th birthday of the AIA when Architecture as a profession in this country began.
In 1867, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology offered the first architectural program in this country followed by Cornell and other universities. Thus began the formal discipline of study that has shaped the built environment that we live in today. The work of the AIA and the profession continue to have a dramatic impact on the lives of ordinary people. The challenge the architect faces today is not only about creating pleasing, efficient, healthy buildings, but the architect’s role is crucial in the difficult challenge of carbon emission reduction and energy sustainability.
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This model of the AIA150 study area was presented to the Metropolitan Planning Organization last November. William Langdon, President of AIA Asheville is shown on the right. Alan McGuinn, ADC chairman and recent AIANC president, is third from the right.
For 150 years, architects have used the design process to help citizens find their voices and realize a vision for beautiful, safe, and livable communities. With grants offered by the National AIA150 Committee for community advocacy work, the AIA Asheville proposed to study the smart growth potential for the area where the Asheville’s downtown meets the French Broad River, an area to include the new I-26 connector. AIA Asheville was one of only a dozen local components in the United States to receive full funding for a “Blueprint for America” grant last spring.
To launch this study, the AIA group constructed a large three-dimensional model of the area, including land forms, the river valley, highways and buildings. The AIA150 architects have proposed highway solutions which optimize adjacent land use parcels for future development as well as the most efficient way of completing our transportation needs. The nature of the next 150 years of Asheville’s architecture and urbanism will be determined by the outcome of this effort.
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During April, the AIA Asheville held a special lecture series, “Celebrating 150 years of Asheville Architecture”. The lecture series held at the Pack Memorial Library was an overwhelming success. The first three lectures examined Asheville’s history and built environment, including “The Biltmore House” by Rick King, “Stories about Asheville Architecture” by John Rogers, FAIA, and “Local History You Need to Know” by Rich Mathews. The final lecture, “Asheville, Looking Forward” concluded with a panel discussion on the future of Asheville’s architecture and urbanism.
The AIA150 Celebration will continue throughout the remainder of the year and more lectures will take place this coming fall on smart growth and sustainable development. For information about the AIA Asheville and upcoming events, visit our website at www.aiaasheville.org.
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AIA 150 proposes modification to DOT plans for the new I-26 bridge over the French Broad River and de-commissioning of the Smoky Park bridges to local Patton Avenue traffic. Model can be seen at the Asheville Design Center at 8 College Street.
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Mayor Bellamy cutting the ribbon for the new Asheville Design Center!
Past President Jackie Schauer and President William Langdon assist.
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