AIA's Top Ten Green Projects Showcase Environmentally Responsible Design, Redevelopment of Viable Brownfields

In recognition of Earth Day 2004, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment (COTE) have selected 10 examples of architectural and "green" design solutions that protect and enhance the environment. The top ten projects will be honored on May 27th during a presentation at the National Building Museum in Washington, by COTE Chair Mark Rylander, AIA, and again in June at the AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in Chicago.

The 2004 Top Ten Green Projects address significant environmental challenges with designs that integrate architecture, technology, and natural systems. They make a positive contribution to their community, improve comfort for building occupants, and reduce environmental impacts through strategies such as: reuse of existing structures, connection to transit systems, low-impact site development, energy and water conservation, use of sustainable or renewable construction materials, and design that improves indoor air quality. Several of the projects reclaim former brown-field sites.

The AIA's Committee on the Environment represents more than 5500 AIA members committed to making sustainable design integral to the practice of architecture. The seventh annual AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects initiative was developed by the AIA in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, Environmental Building News magazine and The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's ENERGY STAR® Program. 

The Jury selected projects that cover a broad spectrum of project types. Facilities include both new construction and renovation of office, retail, residential, academic, and institutional facilities. Jury members said that they wanted to pick a range of project and building types. The application forms gave them 10 metrics on each project for a quick reading on performance. Then the text had to show that the submitter knew what he or she was talking about, said Jury Chair Sandy Mendler, AIA. This was not a beauty parade, although a lot of the submissions are really good contenders for AIA Honor Awards.

The 2004 AIA Top Ten Green Projects (listed in alphabetical order):

EDITOR'S NOTE: Images, case studies, details, and technical information are available for The Top Ten Green projects by following the link provided with each description below

• 20 River Terrace, The Solaire, New York City
• Environmental Services Building, Pierce County, Wash.
• Factor 10 House, Chicago
• Genzyme Center, Cambridge, Mass.,
• Greyston Bakery, Yonkers, NY
• Herman Miller, Zeeland, Mich.,
• Lake View Terrace Branch Library, Los Angeles
• The Plaza at PPL Center, Allentown, Pa.,
• City of White Rock Operations Centre, White Rock, British Columbia
• Woods Hole Research Center Gilman Ordway Campus, Woods Hole, Mass.

About The American Institute of Architects

Since 1857, the AIA has represented the professional interests of America 's architects. As AIA members, more than 72,000 licensed architects, allied partners and emerging professionals express their commitment to excellence in design and livability in our nation's buildings and cities. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct that assures the client, the public, and colleagues of an AIA-member architect's dedication to the highest standards in professional practice.

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