Repositioning the Architect

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: 2013 NAAB Accreditation Review Conference ARC Preparation and Repositioning the Architect .
-------------------------------------------
While we can agree enthusiastically to the manner in which LaPlaca Cohen and Pentagram have summarized how the contributing/coordinative role of architects can heighten our profession's value in the eyes of the public, failure to mention the reality context of climate change and our profession's responsibility to mitigate rather than aggravate climate change is an understandable but serious omission. Understandable because the 8 topics summarized are specific, serious because climate change is the overarching (and therefore less specific) reality which has changed all the rules by which humans play by, including architects and all other professions in the building sector of our economy.

Our profession's credibility will be substantially enhanced when we explain how this over-arching reality guides our thinking. Architects need to lead the way in raising the public's awareness by proclaiming and also demonstrating how we focus on climate change mitigation.

-------------------------------------------
Peter Papesch AIA
Papesch Associates and
Chair, BSA Sustainability Education Committee
Boston MA
-------------------------------------------

Addressing climate change is a real issue but unless we get hired to design a building what we thing about or how we address climate change doesn't affect anything. The first step is educating the public on what we do and how we bring value to their projects and lives. Once they understand the advantages of hiring an architect then our skills in addressing climate change will be utilized.


-------------------------------------------
Lucas Gray Assoc. AIA
Opsis Architecture, LLP
Portland OR
-------------------------------------------






Show Original Message -------------------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 07-27-2012 10:17
From: Peter Papesch
Subject: Climate Change reality not being addressed

This message has been cross posted to the following Discussion Forums: 2013 NAAB Accreditation Review Conference ARC Preparation and Repositioning the Architect .
-------------------------------------------
While we can agree enthusiastically to the manner in which LaPlaca Cohen and Pentagram have summarized how the contributing/coordinative role of architects can heighten our profession's value in the eyes of the public, failure to mention the reality context of climate change and our profession's responsibility to mitigate rather than aggravate climate change is an understandable but serious omission. Understandable because the 8 topics summarized are specific, serious because climate change is the overarching (and therefore less specific) reality which has changed all the rules by which humans play by, including architects and all other professions in the building sector of our economy.

Our profession's credibility will be substantially enhanced when we explain how this over-arching reality guides our thinking. Architects need to lead the way in raising the public's awareness by proclaiming and also demonstrating how we focus on climate change mitigation.

-------------------------------------------
Peter Papesch AIA
Papesch Associates and
Chair, BSA Sustainability Education Committee
Boston MA
-------------------------------------------