The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced that it will create a resilience curriculum for the professional development of architects, including resilient design and decision-making on hazard mitigation, climate adaptation and community resilience. 

 

The announcement was made at the White House Conference on Resilient Building Codes, an event sponsored by the National Security Council Staff, National Economic Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Council on Environmental Quality, and the Office of Management and Budget.

 

“Building codes are a powerful tool architects can use to incorporate lessons learned from natural disasters, technology developments and building science innovation,” said AIA Chief Executive Robert Ivy, FAIA. “Yet we can do more to address the challenges of a changing climate. As we launch this new curriculum, we will be equipping our profession with additional vulnerability assessment, hazard mitigation and design adaptation tools to help them prepare communities to be resilient and adaptable to those challenges.”

 

The curriculum, which is targeted for a phased implementation beginning next year, will include policy and practice-focused resources on AIA.org, research, and training. In addition, AIA will enhance access to resilient design resources by expanding its existing professional and academic resilience network.

 

The conference was called to discuss the critical role of building codes in furthering community resilience, explore the economic benefits of resilient design, and consider actions that the Federal government and the private sector can take to advance resilience in the built environment.

 

“Architects and our signatory partners in the Building Industry Statement on Resilience recognize our role as stewards of safe and healthy communities,” Ivy said. “The fact that this conference is co-hosted by the National Security Council underscores the idea that resilience can and should also be considered a national security asset.”