December 21, 2005

Design Detailings: AIA sets new green goals

The national board of the American Institute of Architects has made sustainable design and resource conservation a new part of its mission. The board recently voted to set a goal of reducing by at least 50 percent the amount of fossil fuels used to construct and operate buildings by 2010.

The AIA will collaborate with other national and international organizations, scientific researchers and the public health community.

As part of the initiative, AIA will also promote sustainability in the educational curriculum for architects and architecture students. AIA also said it supports the development and use of rating systems and standards, such as LEED.

Tigard plan wins award

Parametrix's work with the city of Tigard, Ore., to develop a plan to improve the downtown helped the city win the 2005 Good Governance Award from the League of Oregon Cities.

The plan laid out how the city can convert its downtown into a higher-density, mixed-use urban village, with employment and housing served by transit.

City officials want to create compact areas of retail, cultural and recreational activities in a pedestrian-friendly environment. Parametrix examined the mix of land uses that would be needed and also trained a task force on how to get public input on the plan.

Art sought for Fire Station 10

The Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs is looking for two artists to create and install site-specific artwork in Fire Station 10, which will be built in the International District adjacent to Pioneer Square.

One artist will create an exterior artwork in a planting area along the Fifth Avenue South façade of the fire station, and one artist will create a three-dimensional exterior piece at the corner of South Washington Street and Fourth Avenue South.

Selected artists will work with lead design team artist Gloria Bornstein. For more information, contact arts.culture@seattle.gov or (206) 684-7171. The fire station is designed by Weinstein A|U.

Jonassen work on display

On Jan. 5 to 7, the Gallery at NBBJ will host a show of the art of Marilyn Jonassen. Her work is in private and institutional collections, and is described by the artist as "emotional expressionism." She works in oil on canvas and encaustic on board.

Jonassen is on the art committee of the Swedish Medical Center, and has advised on its collection.

Gallery hours begin with Pioneer Square's First Thursday Art Walk.