Keep the Current Viaduct? - Talks continue

AIA members have spoken many times about how the Viaduct must be taken down for the health and welfare of the city. The AIA/WA continues to participate in talks and work alongside AIA Seattle to voice the opinion of architects.

Yet in the midst of many Viaduct proposals on how to replace the aging structure, a different, and potentially risky, idea has been added. A former state historic preservation officer wants to preserve the Viaduct and have it declared a historic landmark.

The AIA position favors removing the Viaduct in order to revitalize Seattle's waterfront. Eight proposals for replacing the current structure are being considered at this time.

What do you think?

Voice your opinion at any of the public meetings held by the Department of Transportation.

Viaduct Meeting Thursday - Will Consider Options

Scenarios for replacing the central part of the Alaskan Way Viaduct will be discussed Thursday, June 26, at a meeting of viaduct neighborhood representatives and other interested groups.

The meeting will be from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Bertha Landes Room of Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Ave. The location was changed from a previously scheduled site to accommodate larger crowds.

State Department of Transportation spokeswoman Emily Fishkin said the session will concentrate on two types of solutions: "surface and transit," in which viaduct travelers are shifted onto surface streets and into buses; and "bypass scenarios" that would retain a highway in the viaduct alignment between the Battery Street Tunnel and the Sodo area.

AIA Opposes Resolution 2008-07

Is it fair to hold one person accountable for the action or non-action of a group? One wouldn’t think so. However, that is exactly what Resolution 2008-07 will do. And, if you are an intern, the person who loses could be you.

The AIA and NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards) partner to offer architects the opportunity to gain certification through the Intern Development Program (IDP). For participation IDP credits are awarded.

NCARB Resolution 2008-07 puts a time limit, commonly known as the “6 Month Rule,” on reporting internship training. If passed, Resolution 2008-07 will require candidates report their IDP credits every 6 months or lose them. AIA National President, Marshall E. Purnell, has sent two letters regarding AIA opposition to the institution of the “6 Month Rule” included in the Resolution.

Other stakeholders in the IDP process besides the intern – the System Administrator (NCARB), Mentor, and Supervisor—are responsible too. Several people must review, sign and submit forms, and can lose or misplace paperwork, or be late when responding to requests. However, only the intern can, and will, lose credits for processes left undone.

Further, in order to make reporting easier NCARB is transitioning to an electronic reporting system. Once the new electronic system is in place paper submissions of IDP training units will no longer be accepted. However, unforeseen glitches in the system could cause delays which, after the passage of Resolution 2008-07, would result in consequences for interns.

The AIA does not support Resolution 2008-07. The Council has received amazing response in opposition to the resolution. To express your opinion about Resolution 2008-07 send NCARB an email or call 202/879-0520.

The NCARB Annual Meeting begins tomorrow, June 25. For more information visit the NCARB website

Amazing Time Lapse Construction Video

On June 12 Tacoma Public Utilities officials dedicated a $19 million, 110,000-square-foot addition to their administration building off South 35th Street; it now houses 325 employees. Construction took about two years. The building, designed by BCRA, is touted as a model of energy efficiency. Click below to watch the amazing time-lapse video showing the demolition and construction.