With appropriate respect to the author as an individual, the foregoing message and accompanying resource material struck a sour note in my view. It seems to me that AIA National has fallen into the habit of rolling out sophisticated buzzwords, jargon and platitude-rich rhetoric when discussing planning and design goals. Similarly, AIA uses lofty language and implied superlatives when it comes to the role and power of architects to solve literally all of the world's problems.
Perhaps few would argue with conceptual rhetoric such as climate justice or building equity – but far too many roll their eyes and mutter "I have no idea what the hell you are talking about. Moreover, I don't think you do either!" On a personal level I must admit that I grow weary of reading/hearing the word 'equity' linked to just about everything that comes out of AIA's institutional mouth.
In sum, I fear the messaging has become stereotyped, even lazy, and as a result is no longer taken seriously. I suggest that AIA (i.e., 'we') will benefit from dialing back the archi-speak terms and/or offer a snippet definition of just what is meant/what we mean by some of the terms which appear frequently in AIA messaging.
Thank you,
Scott Braley, FAIA
This email message, including attachments, is not related to 'Braley Consulting' or 'Braley Consulting & Training.'