“Authenticity and Innovation” – 2016’s presidential theme - by Carol Loewenson

By Carol Loewenson, FAIA, LEED AP

This year’s presidential theme, “Authenticity and Innovation,” continues to steer AIANY’s advocacy and programming efforts. Authenticity – the historical, cultural, and social essence of the built environment – is what gives people a sense of continuity and a connection to the past. Innovation speaks to the future and to creativity, not only in terms of the buildings themselves, but of the activities fostered in and around them.

Over the next year, AIANY will host a series of exhibitions and public programs at the Center for Architecture that highlight the roles of Authenticity and Innovation. Currently on view, “Structures of Coastal Resilience: Designing for Climate Change,” displays recent research and design proposals to buffer against storms in Jamaica Bay, N.Y. and Atlantic City, N.J. The work shows the forward-thinking urban and landscape design approaches that must be implemented to mitigate the risks posed by catastrophic storms and climate change in coastal areas.

New York New Design, on view at the Center for Architecture through May 28^th, celebrates the work of AIA New York, AIA Brooklyn, AIA Bronx, AIA Staten Island, and AIA Queens members, a snapshot of the work being produced in our city. With 183 projects submitted by over 100 firms, the exhibition presents works of all scales and types – small, large, commercial, residential, public, private, interiors, historic preservation, engineering, landscape, urban design, un-built competition entries, theoretical projects, and design research – representing the scope and quality of work being done both at home and abroad.

Our third recently opened exhibition, “Annual Rings: A New Generation of Wood Architecture in Finland,” displays 14 works that represent the country’s renewed interest in experimenting with innovative techniques in working with a traditional building materials. Encouraging innovation in the use of traditional renewable building materials like wood is key to achieving global sustainability goals.

The New Practices New York competition, the winners of which were announced in January, also honored some of the most innovative design practices in New York City. The winners will have the opportunity to present their work in a series of lectures over the next couple of months and on display at the Center for Architecture in May 2016.

AIANY continues to collaborate with city agencies by advising on relevant public initiatives. Architects’ unique perspective can help the city achieve its goals and ensure a better urban future for NYC. We are currently working with the School Construction Authority, Landmarks Preservation Commission, Board of Standards and Appeals, Department of Buildings, and Economic Development Corporation to bring leaders to the Center for Architecture for public programs, partner on task forces, and further conversations and engagement. AIANY also testified at the February 10^th city council hearing on the NYC Department of City Planning’s Zoning for Quality and Affordability proposal.

On April 15^th, we will hold our annual Honors and Awards Luncheon to celebrate the chapter’s 2016 Honors and Design Awards recipients. The AIANY Medal of Honor will be awarded to Anabelle Selldorf, FAIA, of Selldorf Architects; the Award of Merit will be conferred to Robert Rubin; and acclaimed photographer Iwan Baan will be honored with the Stephen A. Kliment Oculus Award. The chapter will also fete the winners of the AIANY Design Awards.

Carol Loewenson, FAIA, LEED AP is the 2016 president of AIA New York and is a partner at Mitchell | Giurgola, New York, N.Y.