THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS IOWA CHAPTER Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future | 1857 - 2007 This year, the members of the American Institute of Architects mark the AIA’s 150 years of service to the profession and the nation. On February 23, 1857, thirteen architects met in an office in New York City to form what would become The American Institute of Architects. The group sought to create an architecture organization that would “promote the scientific and practical perfection of its members” and “elevate the standing of the profession.” Today, the AIA has more than 300 components in the United States and its territories, as well as in the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and Hong Kong. This includes the Iowa Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, established in 1904 and headquartered in Des Moines. AIA members share a commitment to producing excellence in design and helping our state and our nation create better places to live, work, and play. TOP LEFT: Old Capitol, Iowa City, OPN Architects Inc. Photo by Tom Langdon Photography TOP CENTER: Pappajohn Higher Education Center, Des Moines, Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture Photo by Farshid Assassi, Hon. AIA, Assassi Productions TOP RIGHT: Citizens Community Center, Huxley, Wells+ Associates Photo by Timothy Hursley BOTTOM: School of Art , University of Iowa, Iowa City, Stephen Holl / Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture Photo by Andy Ryan Photography Architecture of the Century In 2004 a panel of distinguished Iowans selected 50 buildings that represent the best of Iowa Architecture, 1900-1999.The buildings selected celebrate a small portion of Iowa’s exceptional architecture and the high quality of the communities which created them. 1900 1903 1905 1906 1909 St. Paul's Episcopal Church Des Moines Public Library Kendall Young Library Polk County Courthouse City National Bank Building / Proudfoot & Bird Smith & Gutterson Patton & Miller Proudfoot & Bird Park Inn Hotel Harlan Des Moines Webster City Des Moines Frank Lloyd Wright Mason City Architects … more than designers of buildings AIA architects advocate design excellence for a better, more sustainable, more economically vibrant Iowa Through education and professional the quality of life for all Iowans will be real- training architects are … perceptive listen- ized and Iowa could be recognized as ers, planners, problem solvers, creative America’s Most Livable State. thinkers and pragmatic visionaries who, as advocates for their clients,are facilitators of Quality Design a planning and design process focused on Design is both a process and a product, place-making and creating better places to which in the context of architecture and live, work and play. As organizers of both the built environment has a significant internal and external space, architects are impact on quality of life issues that touch responsible for creating a sense of place in all of us where we live, work and play. the communities they serve. Investment in a well-designed Iowa will The American Institute of Architects, benefit all Iowans by attracting new busi- Iowa Chapter (AIA Iowa) has established an nesses, residents and visitors to Iowa; by advocacy platform which embraces many creating a positive socio-economic and of the issues important to the economic cultural impact on our communities; and, viability of Iowa as identified in the “Iowa by sustaining economic growth and vitali- 2010 Plan”promoted by Iowans for a Better ty through environmentally and ecologi- Future. cally sensitive and responsive solutions. AIA Iowa advocates a holistic approach to the planning, design and construction So what is AIA Iowa doing to process; this approach embraces the prin- promote our advocacy positions? ciples of sustainability to create more liv- able communities. These communities are AIA Iowa is collaborating with other of the highest quality that will meet the agencies and associations representing needs of the present generation without the myriad of elected officials, appointees compromising the ability of future genera- and professionals within government, tions to meet their own needs. planning, development, design and con- struction throughout the State of Iowa to AIA members have consistently help create a win-win for all Iowans. championed the principles of … Our Goal Sustainability IOWA —America’s Most Livable State Preserving Iowa’s rich natural resources So how is AIA Iowa going to help for future generations will require a con- achieve this lofty, yet attainable goal? scious, holistic approach to integrating As an organization, we are supporting energy efficiency, utilizing resources efforts and legislation that … responsibly and creating a symbiotic rela- • embrace the principles of Green tionship between the built and natural Examples of architecture that make Iowa a better, more sustainable, more economi- Architecture promoting sustainability and environments.To accomplish this,we need: cally vibrant place to live: TOP: Marion Arts & Entertainment Center, Marion, RDG the responsible use of our state resources; 1) new regulations governing project Planning & Design Photo by Kun Zhang, RDG Planning & Design ABOVE: Grand River • provide for the research and develop- delivery—from planning through con- Center, Dubuque, HOK Architects (Durrant-Interiors, Steve Ulstad-Landscape) Photo ment of alternative and renewable energy struction, 2) the establishment of design by David Grissel, HOK Architects sources for use throughout the state; and construction requirements to meet an • allocate income tax credits for historic industry-wide acceptable minimum stan- preservation and rehabilitation; dard of energy, and 3) environmental and Livable Communities opportunities; 5) provide access to key • create a state-wide comprehensive land use. Well-planned and well-designed com- health and support services; and, 6) energy code and establish an energy fund These new standards should apply to all munities must: 1) provide a physical envi- encourage participation in civic, cultural, providing financial assistance to building public architecture in Iowa, including all ronment that promotes inclusiveness and social and recreational activities. owners to help offset the additional costs State-owned buildings and public schools, accessibility; 2) offer affordable, appropri- Within each of these six areas, a livable (design, documentation and commission- to ensure that all Iowans, present and ate, and accessible housing; 3) provide community strives to maximize people's ing) of the design and construction of future, are the benefactors of the socio- accessible, affordable, reliable, and safe independence, assure safety and security, state-funded projects that meet minimum economic, cultural and environmental alternative transportation systems; 4) pro- promote inclusiveness and provide choice. criteria for energy efficiency and ecologi- benefits that are gained. mote business, volunteer, and educational As a result, extraordinary improvements in cally responsible design and construction. Page 2 | The American Institute of Architects 1910 1913 1914 1915 1918 1920 1922 1923 1923 Iowa State Historical Masonic Temple Joshua G. Melson House Merchants National Woodbury County C.B. Baldwin House Roosevelt High School Equitable Building First National Bank Building Memorial and Art Building Proudfoot Bird & Rawson Walter Burley Griffin Architect Bank Building Courthouse G.M. Kerns Proudfoot Bird & Rawson Proudfoot Bird & Rawson Frank A. Childs & William Smith & Gutterson Des Moines Mason City Louis H. Sullivan William Steels and Farson Des Moines Des Moines Jones Smith and Smith & Gage Grinnell Purcell & Elmslie Davenport Des Moines Sioux City AIA Iowa thanks the following azsponsors for making this THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS publication possible. Join Us in Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future | 1857 - 2007 This year, the members of the American At Your Local Library Tour dates are: Institute of Architects mark the AIA’s 150 years Local libraries around the state have • June 14 & 28 of service to the profession and the nation. copies of A Century of Iowa Architecture, a • July 12 & 26 You are invited to participate in the spe- special book focusing on Iowa buildings dur- • August 9 & 23 cial AIA150 celebration. ing the 20th century, in addition to a special • September 6 architecture puzzle that will be on display Walking tours are sponsored by the Iowa Online this year. If your local library does not have a Architectural Foundation, an independent, Visit www.IowaArchitecture.org to learn copy of the book or puzzle display, ask them non-profit group dedicated to fostering an more about contemporary and historical to contact AIA Iowa to request one! appreciation of design excellence and work- architecture in Iowa. ing for preservation of Iowa’s cultural heritage. Visit www.AIAIowa.org to learn more In a Walking Tour about The American Institute of Architects. Learn about Des Moines’ history and In Print architectural heritage during the Iowa Iowa Architect is At the State Fair Architectural Foundation’s Architecture a national award- Iowa Architecture is a special class in at Hand walking tours. These summer winning magazine the 2007 Iowa State Fair Photography tours are a great way to learn from a local published four times Salon. All Iowans are invited to participate, architect what makes Iowa’s capitol a year by AIA Iowa. and your assignment is to photograph a unique, and they are perfect for both Des Each issue includes