AIA Issues Statement on Racial Violence

WASHINGTON – March 17, 2021 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) issued the following statement:

“Violent racism tears at the fabric of modern society. The latest spate of violence targeting members of the Asian community is yet another example of the pernicious impact of racism and inequity in our society. It is another clear call to act to ensure that equity, diversity, and inclusion are central to all that we do, as people and professionals. The challenges ahead and the dreams we share will only be achieved through diverse experiences, perspectives, and talents. Marginalizing, brutalizing, and silencing any group in society, harms and diminishes all of us. We all have a duty to speak up and to act to stop words and deeds that seek to devalue, ostracize, injure, or oppress anyone because of their gender identity or expression, physical disability, who they love, where they come from, the color of their skin, native tongue or any other perceived difference.”

Visit AIA’s website to review the AIA Board statement on systemic racial injustice issued on June 4, 2020.

Robert Ivy, FAIA Peter Exley, FAIA Message to membership

Do you know where you were on Mar 12, 2020?  A year ago, we all had to figure out how to live, work, and learn while coping with a once-in-a-century pandemic. A year later we have learned more than we ever expected.

Certainly, these past 12 months have hurt. The difficulties we have experienced have been both personal and professional.  However, together, we addressed the challenges.  A year ago, as the devastating toll of the COVID-19 health crisis was being felt globally, AIA’s Board, component leaders, and countless members sprang into action to create resources that continue to help members make a positive difference in their communities. A year later the role of the architect to help society meet daunting challenges is clearer than ever before.

The fact is, the COVID-19 public health crisis presented all of us with a choice: To be consumed and overwhelmed by events, or to confront them and offer solutions. This profession chose the latter and our leadership over the past year made clear the power of design to help meet the challenges ahead. Today, far more people better understand the unique abilities of architects to deliver innovative and effective real-world solutions. As we look to the future, we will use that better understanding to advance our shared values of a more sustainable and fairer world through the power of design.

During these past twelve months, faced with daunting trials, we asked, and most members agreed:  We must address the longer-term climate crisis and we must fight to end systemic racial, gender, and class inequities.  They are connected and we have a role to play.  

As architects, we may not have every answer to every crisis, but through this pandemic, we’ve become more resilient, and we can share in the determination and hope for making a better year ahead and a better world.

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