Institutionalizing Change: Decorbonization roadmap
Across BNIM, we redoubled our commitment to sustainable design by developing an aspirational Sustainability Action Plan in 2019. Our Action Plan asks that all projects, big and small, start off by setting clear performance goals with the project team and client, and then report metrics through the life of the project across six categories: Energy, Water, Ecology, Wellness, Equity & Resources. This presentation will introduce the BNIM plan and methodology and Focus in on embodied carbon reduction through building re-use, carbon footprint analysis, and strategic goal setting.

Learning Objective 1:

Upon completion, participants will be able to explain the urgency for climate action in architecture and its impacts on the health, safety and welfare of building occupants and communities.

Learning Objective 2:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe a framework for a sustainability action plan, how to set benchmarks, measure impacts over time and provide support for team success.

Learning Objective 3:

Upon completion, participants will be able to prioritize actions that have the largest impact on sustainability.

Learning Objective 4:

Upon completion, participants will be able to describe how to institutionalize change in their design practice to achieve a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient and healthy built environment.

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GIS Data for Resilient Communities

This course will showcase the power of GIS and data to inform the design of healthy and resilient communities. We will explore how GIS can be used to assess multiple dimensions of community health and wellbeing including food security, nutrition, access to health care, economic security, risk from extreme weather and many other factors. We will work through a planning project together and identify what parts of a community may be at risk, and how we can propose solutions to enhance its overall health and wellbeing. By leveraging robust science and smart tools, we can build healthier, stronger, and more resilient communities.

Learning Objective 1:

Explore how GIS tools can be used to track community health and identify potential risk factors

Learning Objective 2:

Examine data trends within communities over time and identify potential areas of community health may be deficient or at risk

Learning Objective 3:

Understand how GIS can be used to assess multiple dimensions of community health and wellbeing including food security, nutrition, access to health care, economic security, risk from extreme weather and many other factors.

Learning Objective 4:

Discuss how GIS is evolving and how it may be used in the near future to further enhance community health and resilience.

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Advancing Justice Through Low-income Supportive Housing

A case study of Great River Landing in Minneapolis MN will showcase how innovative low-income supportive housing models can advance social justice. The project will highlight prioritizing the health, safety, welfare, and dignity of building occupants who are primarily men who have been homeless or at risk of homelessness due to prior incarceration. 4RM+ULA deployed an iterative design process that employed the healing power of art to center people and broaden the definition of project stakeholder.

Learning Objective 1:

Participants will learn that 4RM+ULA's design process begins BEFORE pen is ever put to paper by focusing on the change that architecture can create for the health and welfare of the individual.

Learning Objective 2:

Participants will learn fundamental premises of Art-Integrated Architecture. How to use a wide variety of applications to focus on the welfare and improving the life of the building occupants.

Learning Objective 3:

Participants will learn creative stakeholder engagement strategies that focus on bringing justice and better solutions to underprivileged communities.

Learning Objective 4:

The case study will highlight the need to challenge prevailing marketplace assumptions about low-income housing.

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IEDA: A variety of funding opportunities for your clients

This session will discuss the many community development funding programs offered through the Iowa Economic Development Authority. These programs are designed to meet community needs, while enhancing the built environmental, promoting historic preservation and encouraging sustainable design. Many projects require professional architectural services. Get to know IEDA's programs and how your clients can participate in these unique funding opportunities.

Learning Objective 1:

Gain knowledgeable and awareness of IEDA programs including how to find detailed program information, who is eligible to apply, what programs require architectural services, and how to apply for such programs.

Learning Objective 2:

Gain basic knowledge of federal compliance requirements associated with federally funded programs through IEDA, and how architects can use their expertise in the construction of affordable housing that ensures the physical, emotional and social-well being of its occupants.

Learning Objective 3:

Gain basic knowledge of state requirements for energy efficiency, sustainability and resilience to mitigate the impacts of climate change on Iowa's most vulnerable residents.

Learning Objective 4:

Gain basic knowledge of program requirements to identify and preserve the historic cultural resources that may be present at a project site.

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Architectural Metal Surfaces

Knowledge of architectural metals, specifically material selection to meet the quality expectations for the environment it will be used in, helps facilitate a comprehensive approach to design and architecture. Knowing how natural metallic surfaces will react over time, and understanding how to maximize durability in surfaces during fabrication can help mediate risks and improve cost efficiency in the design. Understanding the constraints of material availability and fabrication techniques requires collaboration. Will also be touching on digital fabrication methods.

Learning Objective 1:

Navigate architectural metal and surface treatments for aesthetic, durability and sustainability project objectives.

Learning Objective 2:

Identify the broad project and specific design benefits of early inclusion of select trade partners on the design team and how everyone plays a role in focusing on the health and safety of the project.

Learning Objective 3:

Outline the benefits of collaboration between design, construction, and manufacturing to increase innovation and safety in the built environment.

Learning Objective 4:

Understanding the benefits of digital fabrication methods utilizing automation to minimize material waste, improve sustainability and conserve the embodied energy of manufactured materials.

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Nature | Place | Craft | Restraint

Nature, Place, Craft and Restraint: those are the ideals and design principles that have driven Lake|Flato’s work for over 35 years. In this keynote presentation, Matt Wallace, Co-Leader of Lake|Flato’s Eco -Conservation Studio, will delve into the design process for a number of the firm’s projects including the AIA COTE Top Ten Award winning University of Southern Mississippi’s Marine Education Center, a building shaped by resilient design strategies and the AIA Institute Honor Award winning Confluence Park, a pavilion designed of concrete petals that collect and funnel rainwater to promote water conservation in its community. The case studies will focus on the health, safety and welfare of these projects and the strategic planning that goes into building resilient buildings.

Learning Objective 1:

The speaker will discuss strategies the team employed to address Nature, Place, Craft, and Restraint as overlays on program and budget along with both the successes and compromises inherent in the process. Discussion of incorporating the core priorities of the health of the core users as an integral goal to every project will also be discussed.

Learning Objective 2:

Participants will learn how an integrated design process helps the entire team understand the potential for a project and set aspirational goals, including understanding the concepts of building on sensitive coastal sites, addressing floodplain issues, hurricane resistance, and protection of the natural environment.

Learning Objective 3:

Participants will understand specific case studies and setting goals early in the project help guide the success of the project.

Learning Objective 4:

Participants will learn how to leverage the role of architecture in the natural landscape, including how to address sustainability as a core value through material choice, orientation, etc. Focusing on the health of the surrounding environment.

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Path to Licensure -A guide to growth in your profession

The path to becoming a licensed architect can be an arduous one from the perspective of an emerging professional. This course aims to ease the path for EP's seeking licensure by presenting important information through the perspectives of those who have gone through, or are going through similar experience. We will be discussing pitfalls, advices and updates to the current AXP and ARE testing procedure.

Learning Objective 1:

Learn about updates to the AXP and ARE requirements.

Learning Objective 2:

Understanding the pitfalls and best practices during your architecture license pursuit.

Learning Objective 3:

Help guide you to create a plan for your path to licensure.

Learning Objective 4:

Facilitate discussions on the best resources and programs that are available to you through your AIA Iowa membership.