20th Annual Accent on Architecture Gala Focuses on Sustainability

On February 6th 2009, the American Architecture Foundation, in association with The American Institute of Architects, hosted the 20th Annual Accent on Architecture Gala. Hundreds of leaders from around the globe gathered at DAR Constitution Hall to honor innovators in the fields of architecture and design and to celebrate this year’s exemplars of architectural achievement.

Sustainability was the topic of the evening, as the Chair of the American Architectural Foundation’s Board of Regents, Sandy Diehl, announced the launch of AAF’s newest program: Sustainable Cities Design Academy (SCDA).

Diehl and AAF President and CEO, Ron Bogle, presented AAF’s Keystone Award to Mayor Manuel A. Diaz of Miami (link to new article on Mayor Diaz) for his visionary leadership, both in Miami and on the national stage. He challenged the audience to think sustainably and presented Miami 21, a comprehensive city plan focused on leaving a better Miami for future generations.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) presented the Twenty-five Year Award to Boston’s landmark Faneuil Hall Marketplace and BTA+ Architects, founded in 1966 as Benjamin Thompson & Associates, for the historic 1978 renovation of the Quincy Market building. Sharon Park, FAIA, of the Smithsonian Institution introduced the award, highlighting the project as a pioneer for downtown revitalization, adaptive reuse, and historic preservation.

Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects (OSKA) of Seattle received the 2009 AIA Firm Award, presented in recognition of the firm’s 35 years of excellence. The firm’s use of raw, natural materials including reclaimed wood, steel, and concrete reflects their commitment to two principles: 1) Buildings can serve as a bridge between nature and culture; and 2) Inspiring surroundings have a positive effect on people’s lives. OSKA principal Tom Kundig, FAIA, challenged guests to “reconnect with the timeless tradition of an architecture that is beautiful because it elegantly and poetically resolves the conspiring issues of efficiency, context, function, and beauty.”

The evening culminated with a different form of award presentation—Robert Ivy, FAIA, Editor-in-Chief of Architectural Record sat with the 2009 AIA Gold Medalist, Glenn Marcus Murcutt, Hon. FAIA, for a detailed discussion of his ethic, style, and inspiration. Murcutt, who has never worked outside his native Australia, lives by the Aboriginal proverb “Touch this earth lightly,” as evidenced in his environmentally sustainable design. The half-hour conversation provided unique insight into a man whose work has had a resounding influence on architects throughout the world despite his commitment to work locally.

AIA Board President Marvin Malecha, FAIA and AAF Board of Regents Chair Sandy Diehl closed with a toast, encouraging the audience to meet the challenges of the day with boldness, with imagination, and with hope.

Gala guests honor their colleagues’ achievements

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