The flagship program of AIA150, the Blueprint for America engages the profession in service to communities across the nation, working collaboratively with government officials and business leaders, engaging citizens in dialogue, sharing basic community design principles, identifying neighborhood conditions in need of improvement, and, along the way, demonstrating the visionary role of architects in creating a better quality of life for all.

AIA members, working through more than 280 AIA state and local components, will collaborate with mayors, local government officials, other professionals, and their fellow citizens to define and advocate a shared vision for healthier, safer, and more dynamic communities. The component-led initiatives will tackle such issues as accessibility, affordable housing, homelessness, sprawl, disaster preparedness, and renewal of infrastructure, among others. Selection of projects will be guided by the unique needs identified in each community and the criteria in the AIA Center for Communities by Design's "Ten Principles of Livability."

The AIA launched its nationwide Blueprint for America community service program on May 19, 2006 by awarding grants to 60 components. On October 13, 2006 the AIA awarded supplemental grants to an additional 96 components in support of their community visioning initiatives. View abstracts of current Blueprint for America initiatives. [PDF]

A compendium of the local programs will be gathered within a framework, providing a national mosaic with interrelated themes, issues, and solutions designed by AIA architects, community members, and community partners. The resulting mosaic will be presented to the nation as a gift for the future and as a testament to the value of design and the AIA architect.

For more information, contact the AIA.