Washington, D.C. – March 14, 2011 – “Our hearts go out to the people of Japan as a result of this horrific earthquake and tsunami,” said Clark Manus, FAIA, 2011 President of the AIA. “We are in contact with our colleagues at AIA Japan and the Japan Institute of Architects to offer not only our condolences but our profession's technical and professional expertise when the initiative begins focusing on rebuilding. The AIA has members that are able to participate in rapid damage assessments to help people quickly and safely return to structures, or to keep people away from unsafe structures. More than 1,000 AIA members have received specific training to perform this work and the AIA is in touch with the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and Japan Institute of Architects (JIA) to offer these resources.”
“Japan is already at the forefront of disaster preparedness from which other countries can learn. First, however, we know from our shared experiences following the earthquake in Haiti, earthquakes in New Zealand, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the tsunami in South-east Asia that the Japanese need our prayers as well as assistance now and during the long effort toward recovery and rebuilding. We are encouraging our nearly 80,000 AIA members to do what they can to contribute to organizations best able to provide the immediate assistance the Japanese people need in the aftermath of destruction.”
Two other points:
- The AIA is renewing its call made last year for Congress to fund the Codes and Safety for Americas Act (CASA). Currently targeted for Latin America, CASA would enable USAID to assist countries in dealing with the mitigation of disasters by training professionals in both the public and private sector to enhance their understanding of building design codes and standards.
- The U.S. has its own vulnerabilities outside of the San Andreas Fault region in California that need to be further addressed. The Pacific Northwest has seismic hazards that are remarkably similar to those in Japan, and an earthquake off the coast of Oregon or the state of Washington could trigger a tsunami throughout the region. In the Midwest the New Madrid fault experienced a series of earthquakes up to an estimated 8.0 in 1811 and 1812. Building codes in each of these regions should be re-examined in light of the Japan quake.
“The utterly devastated lives and communities of northern Japan are foremost on our minds. This unimaginable compound natural disaster cries out for a swift response to help alleviate the suffering and salvage the remaining fabric of families, friends, and loved ones.”
About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.
Related Stories
Building Enclosure Systems | Mar 13, 2013
5 novel architectural applications for metal mesh screen systems
From folding façades to colorful LED displays, these fantastical projects show off the architectural possibilities of wire mesh and perforated metal panel technology.
| Mar 12, 2013
NYC reinvents the pay phone
New York's Reinvent Payphones competition attracts entries that transform the concept of public urban communication.
| Mar 12, 2013
'World's greenest' office building seeks tenants in Seattle
Superefficient Seattle office building is designed to meet the ambitious goals of the Living Building Challenge.
| Mar 6, 2013
Dual towers designed by SHoP create new affordable housing in NYC
With the construction of Hunters Point South, New York City will get its first large new housing development for middle-class families in more than 30 years. Related Companies is partnering with the nonprofit Phipps Houses in the project, designed by SHoP Architects with Ismael Leyva Architects.
| Mar 6, 2013
Robert Ivy, Jerry Yudelson announced as keynoters for BUILDINGChicago
Robert Ivy, FAIA, CEO of the American Institute of Architects, will be the keynote speaker at BUILDINGChicago on Tuesday, September 10, 2013. Jerry Yudelson, PE, LEED Fellow, the author of 13 books on sustainable design, will deliver the Wednesday, September 11, keynote address.
| Mar 6, 2013
German demonstration building features algae-powered façade
Exterior of carbon-neutral demonstration building consists of hollow glass panels containing micro-algae "farms."
| Mar 5, 2013
Recycled recreation: Waste-to-energy plant combines with ski resort
A new project near Copenhagen pushes the boundaries of the term "mixed use," combining a waste-to-energy plant with a ski resort.
| Mar 5, 2013
Barbara Mullenex joins Washington, D.C., office of Perkins Eastman as principal
The Board of Directors of top international design and architecture firm Perkins Eastman is pleased to announce that Barbara Mullenex RA has joined the growing Washington, DC, office as a Principal. Mullenex joins with a distinguished career of more than 26 years of industry experience in architecture and interior design focused on hospitality and corporate interiors.