New Consortium Member Applications Due October 16 For University-led Research 

Washington, D.C. – September 1, 2015 –The Architects Foundation, along with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA), today announced a new member Request for Qualifications (RFQ) that is part of an ongoing expansion of the AIA’s Design & Health Research Consortium. The consortium helps translate research for the public, policymakers, design and public health professionals on the influence design has on public health. 

The Architects Foundation has set a deadline of October 16, at 11:59 pm PDT for receiving qualification applications from interested university-led teams. Applicants invited to join the second cohort will be notified in early December.  The full  RFQ and application site is now available, so that interested teams can apply to be members of the Consortium’s second cohort. The Consortium, which is already comprised of 11 university-led partnerships, will be accepting applications for up to six new slots.

“In the last year, the Consortium has demonstrated that the connection between design and public health exists and is measurable,” said Architects Foundation Executive Director Sherry-Lea Bloodworth Botop. “Now the task before us is to empower our citizens, policy makers and practitioners by developing design approaches that translate research into practice, especially as we invite universities to formally partner with private sector business to move this research forward.”

“Good design can improve our well-being, whether in our homes, schools, workplaces, or where we play,” said AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA. “By careful consideration of the human condition and its surroundings, this group of distinguished individuals is confirming what we’ve always known: that architectural design promotes well-being, mental health and performance.”

The Consortium is a joint project of Architects Foundation, AIA, and ACSA to advance university-led research in the area of design and health and to promote and accelerate the translation of research into practice. The Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health (“ASPPH”) provides additional support and guidance for the project. The Architects Foundation launched the Consortium a year ago. 

The AIA has organized its design and health initiative around six evidence-based approaches that architects can influence through design practices and policies at the building and urban scale. These six approaches—environmental quality, natural systems, physical activity, safety, sensory environments, and social connectedness—recognize that the physical environment creates health opportunities and facilitates positive health behaviors. A Review Panel, including representatives from the AIA’s Design & Health Leadership Group, Architects Foundation, ACSA, and ASPPH will recommend up to six teams for membership to the Consortium.

While neither the AIA nor the Foundation fund primary research, the Architects Foundation and its partners provide institutional support and capacity building for members to promote collaboration through local and national partnerships; provide communications support; and enable the sharing of knowledge through private listserv activity, conference calls, and face-to-face events.

About the Architects Foundation:

The American Institute of Architects Foundation, now called the Architects Foundation, advances excellence in design for the benefit of the public.  As a nonprofit philanthropic extension of the American Institute of Architects, the Architects Foundation is the consummate voice and advocate for architecture and design.  The Architects Foundation is dedicated to the belief that good design is good for all and plays an essential role in transforming lives and building a better world. Visit  www.architectsfoundation.org.

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit  www.aia.org.

About the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture

ACSA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, membership association founded in 1912 to advance the quality of architectural education. The school membership in ACSA has grown from 10 charter members to over 250 schools in several membership categories. These include full membership for all accredited programs in the United States and government-sanctioned schools in Canada, candidate membership for schools seeking accreditation, and affiliate membership for schools for two-year and international programs. Through these schools, over 5,000 architecture faculty members are represented. In addition, over 500 supporting members composed of architecture firms, product associations and individuals add to the breadth of interest and support of ACSA goals. Visit  www.acsa-arch.org. 

About the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health

ASPPH is the voice of accredited academic public health, representing schools and programs accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).


Contact:

John Schneidawind
202-626-7457
johnschneidawind@aia.org
http://twitter.com/AIA_Media