NEW YORK, NY.- The American Institute of Architects New York Chapter announced that the Center for Architecture is expanding. After almost eight years providing public programs and exhibitions about architecture and design, AIANY is expanding its award-winning facility into the adjacent storefront at 532 LaGuardia Place.
"This is an historic day for not only the American Institute of Architects, but also for all in New York City who are passionate about architecture and what architects do to create sustainable and livable communities," said Margaret O'Donoghue Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, President of AIA New York, and principal, Helpern Architects.
Each year since 2003, the Center for Architecture has presented over a thousand public programs and twenty exhibitions on subjects ranging from energy use in buildings to how good design can help diminish chronic diseases such as obesity by promoting more physical activity.
"With a growing interest from the international community – two current Center exhibitions focus on new work in São Paulo and new visions for Amsterdam and New York – our wonderfully forward-looking Board felt that it was time to grow," said Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director of AIANY.
At the heart of the expansion plan is the local design community and the New York-based architects that AIANY represents and serves. The new design will be done by Manhattan-based Rogers Marvel Architects. Marta Sanders, AIA, Associate at Rogers Marvel, said the firm is delighted to be working for a client consisting of almost 5,000 experts in its field: "The Center for Architecture is the place where the design community comes together - we are happy to help it reach even more people more effectively."
Special events are planned for the new space, including the Smart Living exhibition opening in October - a month that AIANY has re-named Archtober, the month-long festival of architecture and design in New York City. Added meeting, gallery and work space allows the AIA New York Chapter to make it ever more clear that Design Matters!
