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This year, the members of the AmericanInstitute of Architects mark the AIA’s150 years of service to the professionand the nation.

On February 23, 1857, thirteen architects met in an office in New YorkCity to form what would become TheAmerican Institute of Architects. Thegroup sought to create an architecture organization that would “promote thescientific and practical perfection of itsmembers” and “elevate the standing ofthe profession.”

Today, the AIA has more than 300 components in the United States and its territories, as well as in the UnitedKingdom, Continental Europe, andHong Kong. This includes the IowaChapter of the American Institute ofArchitects, established in 1904 andheadquartered in Des Moines. AIA members share a commitment to producing excellence in design andhelping our state and our nation createbetter places to live, work, and play.

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS

I O W A C H A P T E R

Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future | 1857 - 2007

TOP LEFT: Old Capitol, Iowa City, OPN Architects Inc. Photo by Tom Langdon Photography TOP CENTER: Pappajohn Higher Education Center, Des Moines, Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture Photo by Farshid Assassi, Hon. AIA, Assassi Productions

TOP RIGHT: Citizens Community Center, Huxley, Wells+ Associates Photo by Timothy Hursley BOTTOM: School of Art , University of Iowa, Iowa City, Stephen Holl / Herbert Lewis Kruse Blunck Architecture Photo by Andy Ryan Photography

Through education and professionaltraining architects are … perceptive listen-ers, planners, problem solvers, creativethinkers and pragmatic visionaries who, asadvocates for their clients, are facilitators ofa planning and design process focused onplace-making and creating better places tolive, work and play. As organizers of bothinternal and external space, architects areresponsible for creating a sense of place inthe communities they serve.

The American Institute of Architects,Iowa Chapter (AIA Iowa) has established anadvocacy platform which embraces manyof the issues important to the economicviability of Iowa as identified in the “Iowa2010 Plan”promoted by Iowans for a BetterFuture.

AIA Iowa advocates a holistic approachto the planning, design and constructionprocess; this approach embraces the prin-ciples of sustainability to create more liv-able communities. These communities areof the highest quality that will meet theneeds of the present generation withoutcompromising the ability of future genera-tions to meet their own needs.

AIA members have consistentlychampioned the principles of …

SustainabilityPreserving Iowa’s rich natural resources

for future generations will require a con-scious, holistic approach to integratingenergy efficiency, utilizing resourcesresponsibly and creating a symbiotic rela-tionship between the built and naturalenvironments.To accomplish this, we need:1) new regulations governing projectdelivery—from planning through con-struction, 2) the establishment of designand construction requirements to meet anindustry-wide acceptable minimum stan-dard of energy, and 3) environmental andland use.

These new standards should apply to allpublic architecture in Iowa, including allState-owned buildings and public schools,to ensure that all Iowans, present andfuture, are the benefactors of the socio-economic, cultural and environmentalbenefits that are gained.

Livable CommunitiesWell-planned and well-designed com-

munities must: 1) provide a physical envi-ronment that promotes inclusiveness andaccessibility; 2) offer affordable, appropri-ate, and accessible housing; 3) provideaccessible, affordable, reliable, and safealternative transportation systems; 4) pro-mote business, volunteer, and educational

opportunities; 5) provide access to keyhealth and support services; and, 6)encourage participation in civic, cultural,social and recreational activities.

Within each of these six areas, a livablecommunity strives to maximize people'sindependence, assure safety and security,promote inclusiveness and provide choice.As a result, extraordinary improvements in

the quality of life for all Iowans will be real-ized and Iowa could be recognized asAmerica’s Most Livable State.

Quality DesignDesign is both a process and a product,

which in the context of architecture andthe built environment has a significantimpact on quality of life issues that touchall of us where we live, work and play.Investment in a well-designed Iowa willbenefit all Iowans by attracting new busi-nesses, residents and visitors to Iowa; bycreating a positive socio-economic andcultural impact on our communities; and,by sustaining economic growth and vitali-ty through environmentally and ecologi-cally sensitive and responsive solutions.

So what is AIA Iowa doing to promote our advocacy positions?

AIA Iowa is collaborating with otheragencies and associations representingthe myriad of elected officials, appointeesand professionals within government,planning, development, design and con-struction throughout the State of Iowa tohelp create a win-win for all Iowans.

Our GoalIOWA — America’s Most Livable State

So how is AIA Iowa going to helpachieve this lofty, yet attainable goal?

As an organization, we are supportingefforts and legislation that …

• embrace the principles of GreenArchitecture promoting sustainability andthe responsible use of our state resources;

• provide for the research and develop-ment of alternative and renewable energysources for use throughout the state;

• allocate income tax credits for historicpreservation and rehabilitation;

• create a state-wide comprehensiveenergy code and establish an energy fundproviding financial assistance to buildingowners to help offset the additional costs(design, documentation and commission-ing) of the design and construction ofstate-funded projects that meet minimumcriteria for energy efficiency and ecologi-cally responsible design and construction.

Architecture of the CenturyIn 2004 a panel of distinguished Iowans selected 50 buildings that representthe best of Iowa Architecture, 1900-1999. The buildings selected celebrate asmall portion of Iowa’s exceptional architecture and the high quality of thecommunities which created them.

1903Des Moines Public Library

Smith & GuttersonDes Moines

1905Kendall Young Library

Patton & MillerWebster City

1906Polk County Courthouse

Proudfoot & BirdDes Moines

1909City National Bank Building /

Park Inn HotelFrank Lloyd Wright

Mason City

1900St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Proudfoot & BirdHarlan

| The American Institute of Architects

Examples of architecture that make Iowa a better, more sustainable, more economi-cally vibrant place to live: TOP: Marion Arts & Entertainment Center, Marion, RDGPlanning & Design Photo by Kun Zhang, RDG Planning & Design ABOVE: Grand RiverCenter, Dubuque, HOK Architects (Durrant-Interiors, Steve Ulstad-Landscape) Photoby David Grissel, HOK Architects

Architects … more than designers of buildingsAIA architects advocate design excellence for a better, more sustainable, more economically vibrant Iowa

1910Iowa State Historical

Memorial and Art BuildingSmith & Gutterson and Smith & Gage

Des Moines

1913Masonic Temple

Proudfoot Bird & RawsonDes Moines

1914Joshua G. Melson House

Walter Burley Griffin ArchitectMason City

1915Merchants National

Bank BuildingLouis H. Sullivan

Grinnell

1918Woodbury County

CourthouseWilliam Steels and

Purcell & ElmslieSioux City

1920C.B. Baldwin House

G.M. KernsFarson

1922Roosevelt High School


1923Equitable Building


1923First National Bank Building

Frank A. Childs & William Jones SmithDavenport

This year, the members of the AmericanInstitute of Architects mark the AIA’s 150 yearsof service to the profession and the nation.

You are invited to participate in the spe-cial AIA150 celebration.

OnlineVisit www.IowaArchitecture.org to learn

more about contemporary and historicalarchitecture in Iowa.

Visit www.AIAIowa.org to learn moreabout The American Institute of Architects.

At the State FairIowa Architecture is a special class in

the 2007 Iowa State Fair PhotographySalon. All Iowans are invited to participate,and your assignment is to photograph apiece of the built environment within theborders of the state, a place where we live,work, or play. The Iowa Architecture specialclass is open to both adults and youth,black & white or color photographs.Remember the judges are looking for cre-ativity and entries that convey emotion.The entry deadline is July 1. For more infor-mation, visit the Iowa State Fair website atwww.iowastatefair.com.

At Your Local LibraryLocal libraries around the state have

copies of A Century of Iowa Architecture, aspecial book focusing on Iowa buildings dur-ing the 20th century, in addition to a specialarchitecture puzzle that will be on displaythis year. If your local library does not have acopy of the book or puzzle display, ask themto contact AIA Iowa to request one!

In a Walking TourLearn about Des Moines’ history and

architectural heritage during the IowaArchitectural Foundation’s Architectureat Hand walking tours. These summertours are a great way to learn from a localarchitect what makes Iowa’s capitolunique, and they are perfect for both DesMoines natives who want to learn moreabout their hometown and for out-of-town visitors who would like to spend aday in the city. Participants may choosefrom three routes, North, West and DesMoines’ East Village.

All tours start at 5:30 p.m. at the CrusoeUmbrella on Nollen Plaza every otherThursday evening starting June 14, 2007.

Suggested donation: $10 per person

Tour dates are:• June 14 & 28• July 12 & 26• August 9 & 23• September 6Walking tours are sponsored by the Iowa

Architectural Foundation, an independent,non-profit group dedicated to fostering anappreciation of design excellence and work-ing for preservation of Iowa’s cultural heritage.

In PrintIowa Architect is

a national award-winning magazinepublished four timesa year by AIA Iowa.Each issue includesreviews of new con-struction and histori-cally significantbuildings in Iowa,along with additional information for note-worthy events and achievements in the arts.

Subscriptions are available to the public ata cost of $25 per year or $45 for two years. Tosubscribe, contact AIA Iowa at 515-244-7502or [email protected].

Architects solve problems in creative ways.An AIA architect…• can see the big picture and create a

total environment.• can help you meet your needs and work

within your budget and time frame.• has broad knowledge of design and

construction.• can show you alternatives and options

you might have never thought of onyour own.

• can save you money.• can design space that meets your needs

today and is flexible enough to meetyour needs tomorrow.

• will provide services that are a wiseinvestment for your money.

• will conceive a project that can be builtmore efficiently and economically.

• can design an energy efficient building

that can save you money on fuel billsdown the road.

• can help you choose materials and fin-ishes that are durable as well as beauti-ful, saving on frequent maintenanceand replacement costs.

• looks out for your interests and findsways to make the building process runsmoothly.

• can coordinate an appropriate team ofquality experts for your project so youdon’t have to.

• can take a large amount of informationand synthesize it into a focus and direction.

The architect is the one professional whohas the education, training, experience,and vision to guide you through the entiredesign and construction process by help-ing you get the most for your constructiondollar…good design is good business.

AIA Iowa thanks the following azsponsors for making this

publication possible.

Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future |

TOP: St. Paul's Lutheran Church,Winterset, RDG Planning & DesignPhoto by Farshid Assassi, Hon. AIA, AssassiProductions BOTTOM: NovakResidence, Cedar Rapids, Novak DesignGroup, P.L.C. Photo by Novak DesignGroup, P.L.C.

Why You Should Hire an AIA Architect

Copyright © 2007 AIA Iowa. Publication prepared by the AIA Iowa Public Relations Committee. www.AIAIowa.org

THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTSJoin Us in Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future | 1857 - 2007

Iowa: Becoming America’sBest Place to LiveBy Matt Cole, AIA and Tim Hielkema, AIA

What will it take to make Iowa America’s Most LivableState? The answer lies in the design and planning of ourcommunities and neighborhoods.

What makes Iowa special? Most people reminisce about asmall Iowa town that they grew up in or visited as a child.Whether they describe the Amana Colonies,Winterset’s cov-ered bridges or the quaint Dutch architecture of Pella, theresponse is typically the same; they describe a communitythat grew through the generations to typify the social her-

itage of the residents.Some people may recall landmarks of the larger cities,

such as the State Capitol or a Regent’s University, or a spe-cific neighborhood within an urban core like CedarRapids’ Czech Village or the East Village in Des Moines. Stillothers refer to naturally occurring phenomena such as theIowa Great Lakes, the Loess Hills or the Rivers that bracketIowa’s borders. Although these answers are diverse, theypaint an appropriate framework for the continuance ofthe underlying principles that make Iowa such a great

place to live and raise a family.The American Institute of Architects has published a list

of 10 Principles for Livable Communities.These tenets worktogether to maximize people’s independence, assure safetyand security, promote inclusiveness and provide choice.

Communities that are truly great places to live do nothappen by accident. They must be carefully planned andconsistently promote the highest quality of design.Members of The American Institute of Architects providetheir services to help communities accomplish this.

1928Salisbury House

Boyd & Moore and Rasmussen & Wayland

Des Moines

1930Badgerow Building

Knute WesterlindSioux City

1932Iowa-Des Moines

National Bank BuildingProudfoot Rawson Souers

& ThomasDes Moines

1935Grandview Park Band Shell

Henry L. KamphoefnerSioux City

1936Eagle Point Park Shelters

Alfred CaldwellDubuque

1937Earl Butler House

Kraetsch & KraetschDes Moines

1941High School Auditorium

and GymnasiumThorwald Thorson

Ventura

1943Julien Dubuque Bridge

Edward L. AshtonDubuque

1944Chicago, Burlington and

Quincy StationHolabird & Root

Burlington


Livable Community = a well-planned, well-

designed community that supports inclusive-

ness, accessibility, affordability, health, and

opportunity for all; a great place to live

LEFT: Great places to liveprovide choices andvibrant public spaces,example: Village ofPonderosa, West DesMoines, BSB DesignRendering by Milo Olea,Olea Studio RIGHT: Gooddesign can revitalize urbancenters, example: DurrantOffice, Des Moines, DurrantPhoto by Rick Peters,InsideOut Studios

Iowa must continue to keep an eye on the past as welook forward to the future. We must celebrate the landand culture that has made this state so beautiful.This can-not be attained alone, without the support of both thepublic and private sectors. It must be embraced by smallcities as well as by major metropolitan areas. It must bechampioned by farmers as well as financiers, by mayors aswell as mailmen, by educators as well as students.

Iowans must band together to create a groundswell ofsupport for these guidelines through integrated policiesand action. As a result, Iowa can improve upon its success-es and become America’s “Most Livable State”.

1 Design on a Human ScaleCompact, pedestrian-friendly communities allow residentsto walk to shops, services, cultural resources, and jobs andcan reduce traffic congestion and benefit people’s health.

2 Provides ChoicesPeople want variety in housing, shopping, recreation, trans-portation, and employment. Variety creates lively neighbor-hoods and accommodates residents in different stages oftheir lives.

3 Encourage Mixed-Use DevelopmentIntegrating different land uses and varied building types cre-ates vibrant, pedestrian-friendly and diverse communities.

4 Preserve Urban CentersRestoring, revitalizing, and infilling urban centers takesadvantage of existing streets, services and buildings andavoids the need for new infrastructure. This helps to curbsprawl and promote stability for city neighborhoods.

5 Vary Transportation OptionsGiving people the option of walking, biking and using publictransit, in addition to driving, reduces traffic congestion, pro-tects the environment and encourages physical activity.

6 Build Vibrant Public SpacesCitizens need welcoming, well-defined public spaces to stim-ulate face-to-face interaction, collectively celebrate andmourn, encourage civic participation, admire public art, andgather for public events.

7 Create a Neighborhood IdentityA “sense of place” gives neighborhoods a unique character,enhances the walking environment, and creates pride in thecommunity.

8 Protect Environmental ResourcesA well-designed balance of nature and development pre-serves natural systems, protects waterways from pollution,reduces air pollution, and protects property values.

9 Conserve LandscapesOpen space, farms, and wildlife habitat are essential for envi-ronmental, recreational, and cultural reasons.

10 Design MattersDesign excellence is the foundation of successful andhealthy communities.

The American Institute of Architects’ 10 Principles for Livable Communities

1948Des Moines Art Center

Saarinen Swanson & SaarinenArchitects and Brooks Borg,

Architects-EngineersDes Moines

1948Fitch Pharmacy Hall,

Drake UniversitySaarinen, Saarinen, Swanson

and AssociatesDes Moines

1950"Cedar Rock"

(Lowell Walter House)Frank Lloyd Wright

Quasqueton

1951Jack Lamberson House

Frank Lloyd WrightOskaloosa

1955Charles Medbury Hall and

Oreon E. Scott Chapel,Drake University

Eero Saarinen & AssociatesDes Moines

1959Central YMCA Building

Wetherell & HarrisonDes Moines

1959Crites House No. 1Crites & McConnell

Cedar Rapids

1962Home Federal Savings

& Loan BuildingLudwig Mies van der Rohe

Des Moines

1966American Republic Insurance Building

Skidmore, Owings & MerrillDes Moines


Good Design is Good BusinessBy Matt Ostanik, AIA, Greg Kanz, APR, andJessica Reinert

A building is a building, right? It is com-mon to hear ads on the radio for steelbuildings constructed for less money anddelivered in a shorter time frame than tra-ditional construction. More and more itseems, buildings are like commodities—nodifference other than price.

Research is painting a different picture.In fact, studies indicate that well designedbuildings actually enhance an organiza-tion’s bottom line, and this is getting theattention of businesses and organizationsthroughout Iowa.

A team of researchers at Iowa StateUniversity noted that the relationshipbetween good architecture and good busi-ness is critical, but often overlooked. Theresearchers found that in many organiza-tions, decisions about the design of facili-ties or offices were made on the basis oftechnical, financial, or political concerns,without looking at the broader perspectiveof how the overall design shapes and influ-ences every aspect of the workplace.

IdentityArchitecture can provide a sense of

identity for businesses and organizations,identity that strengthens relationships andperceptions among customers, local com-munities and employees. In an era of gener-ic office buildings, architectural identitymight seem way down the list of priorities,

but it has become even more importantand rewarding to those who invest in it.

An example can be seen in theMeredith Corporate Expansion project inDes Moines, which was recognized for thesense of corporate and community identi-ty it provides as it welcomes visitors to thedowntown district. The project was credit-ed with helping to spur other develop-ment in the Gateway West area, includinga new downtown library, performing artsand higher education centers, and othercorporate expansions. As an added bonusthe building saved costs for its owner withenergy efficiencies, including a 46 percentreduction in lighting costs that earned itMidAmerican Energy’s highest award forenergy conservation.

EfficiencyGood design of a workplace can play a

key role in improving efficiency by reduc-ing the costs of construction materials,

energy usage and other direct costs. At theIowa Association of Municipal UtilitiesTraining and Office Facility in Ankeny, the

design strived for maximum energy per-formance. The results were stunning: thefacility uses 28,000 BTU/square foot peryear, a savings of 65 percent compared to asimilar building in the same climate.

Other means of efficiency can also befound with visionary thinking aboutopportunities for partnerships andeconomies of scale. The Citizen’sCommunity Center in Huxley started as asimple idea for a new library. But it was

realized that by combining a library withtown offices, educational spaces, and arecreational complex, greater efficiencies

could be a achieved forthose organizations andfor all the citizens ofHuxley who rely onthem. In the first yearalone, recreation centerrevenue came in threetimes higher than antici-

pated, the city saved countless dollars inoperational efficiencies, and the library wasable to expand their staff, hours and bookcollection.

ProductivityJust as design can affect an organization’s

inputs and reduce costs, it can also boost theoutputs by increasing overall organizationalproductivity. In many cases, this productivityenhancement may be much more significant


AdditionI.M. Pei & Partners

Des Moines

1969C.Y. Stephens Auditorium,

Iowa State UniversityCrites & McConnell and

Brooks Borg & Skiles,Architects-Engineers

Ames

1969Maucker Union Building,

University of Northern IowaHunter, Rice & Engelbrecht and Brooks, Borg & Skiles

Architects-EngineersCedar Falls

1971A.H. and Theo Blank

Performing Arts Center,Simpson College

Charles Herbert & AssociatesIndianola

1972Brenton Bank & Trust

Company BuildingCharles Herbert & Associates

Urbandale

1972Iowa Society of Christian

Churches BuildingSmith, Voorhees, Jensen

Des Moines

1975Ruan Center,

Bankers Trust BuildingKendall Griffith Russell Artiaga

Des Moines

1979Civic Center of

Greater Des MoinesCharles Herbert & Associates

Des Moines

1982Carver-Hawkeye Arena,

University of IowaCaudill Rowlett Scott

Architects and DurrantIowa City


Examples of invest-ments in design thatimprove businessidentity, efficiency,and productivity: FARLEFT: Plaza Towers,Iowa City, NeumannMonson Architects,Photo by FarshidAssassi, Hon. AIA,Assassi ProductionsLEFT: Wells FargoHome Mortgage, WestDes Moines, SVPAArchitects, Photo byCameron Campbell, AIA

In a world of global markets andincreasingly intense competition,business can’t afford to not investin good design.

than any direct cost savings from reducedenergy use or other efficiencies.

The Rocky Mountain Institute’s (RMI)Greening the Building and the BottomLine, noted that the costs of human capitalare much higher than the resources spenton building maintenance and energyusage. According to RMI’s research, a typi-cal U.S. office building in the 1990s spent$1.81/SF on energy, $1.37/SF on mainte-nance, $21/SF for rent, and $130/SF foremployee salaries. In an article published

in the October 2004 EnvironmentalBuilding News, author Alex Smith notedthat a building design that creates even atiny improvement in employee productivi-ty or reduces staff absenteeism ultimatelyhas a tremendously significant impact onthe organization’s bottom line.

Research continues into the exact linksbetween design and productivity, butmost experts agree there is ample evi-dence to show they are interrelated.Various national studies have shown links

between productivity and design ele-ments such as daylighting, access to out-side views and environmental controls thatcan be customized at each employee’sworkstation. In one famous example, thedesign of a new, daylit Lockheed-Martinfacility was credited with reducingemployee absenteeism by 15 percent andimproving organizational efficiency andcreativity such that the company was ableto land significant new contracts—all as aresult of good design.

Iowa State University researchers notedthat many design variables contribute tojob satisfaction and overall productivity,including office layout, air quality, noise,temperature and lighting. In addition,design also shapes how different compo-nents of the organization relate to eachother, how communication occurs and howbasic operational tasks are accomplished.

Good Design Means aCompetitive Edge

The results are in, and the verdict isclear. In a world of global markets andincreasingly intense competition, businesscan’t afford to not invest in good design. Anumber of companies and organizationshave led the way in demonstrating howworking closely with architects to focus onthe value of good design can result in real,meaningful improvements to their busi-ness model. Will others follow suit? Howcan they afford not to?

RESOURCES“Good Design is Good Business.” Publishedby AIA Iowa. Created by the Department ofArchitecture, College of Design, Iowa StateUniversity. Kate Schwennsen, Editor. JamieHorwitz, PhD., Research Consultant. 1997.

1985Des Moines

Convention CenterBrooks Borg & Skiles,Architects-Engineers

and Loschky Marquardt and NesholmDes Moines


AdditionRichard MeierDes Moines

1986Agronomy Hall Expansion

and Remodeling,Iowa State University

Bussard / Dikis AssociatesAmes

1987Coppola House

Douglas A. Wells ArchitectDes Moines

1991801 Grand Building

Hellmuth, Obata & KassabaumDes Moines

1992Iowa Advanced

Technologies Laboratory,University of Iowa

Frank O. Gehry & Associatesand Herbert Lewis Kruse

Blunck ArchitectureIowa City

1992Forest Avenue Library,

Public Library of Des MoinesBaldwin Clause Architects

Des Moines

1997EMC Insurance Building

Brooks Borg SkilesArchitecture-Engineering

Des Moines

1998Meredith Corporation

Headquarters ExpansionHerbert Lewis Kruse Blunck

ArchitectureDes Moines


Kemin Industries, Des Moines, Shive-Hattery Architecture-Engineering withArchitetto Ken Sowerby, Rendering by Architetto Ken Sowerby

The American Institute of Architects | Celebrating the Past, Designing the Future | 1857-2007

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