Design for Equitable Communities
Design solutions affect more than the client and current occupants. Good design positively impacts the future by helping communities thrive—socially, economically, and environmentally.
Learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence.
Reproduced with permission of The American Institute of Architects, 1735 New York Avenue, N.W.; Washington, D.C. 20006
Design for Equitable Communities
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Native Landscaping for Biodiversity
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Removal of invasive plants and support of native plantings are critically important for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
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Resilient, Sustainable Water Management: A Holistic Approach
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Water is our planet’s lifeblood. But climate change has redefined how we view water, with drought amplifying water scarcity and changing our relationship with the landscape and the built environment.
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Re-forming the Building Industry: Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
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People from marginalized communities are shockingly underrepresented in the U.S. building industry. It’s past time to change that.
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Equity in Design and Construction: Seven Case Studies
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From an affordable multifamily building to an iconic museum, these projects are designed and built to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion
Product Guidance
Unbiased information from our product experts helps you separate green from greenwash.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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COTE Top Ten for 2022 Elevate Community Engagement
News Analysis
The AIA COTE Top Ten for 2002 went above and beyond to bring stakeholders into the fold.
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A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity to Green Public Schools
News Analysis
With federal funds flooding in, the industry can transform K–12 education in the next three years—but only if we do it right.
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Forced Labor and the Building Material Supply Chain
News Analysis
Forced labor is used to create many building products, but changes are underway that are helping to address this serious issue.
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Jobsite Hate: Tools for Dismantling an Ugly Trend
News Analysis
Nooses, racist graffiti, and harassment are all too common in the construction workplace. What’s a contractor to do?
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
Syllabus supplements and CEU content, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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Wood: Is It Still Good? Part Two: Moving from Carbon to Climate
Spotlight Report
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Wood's Latest Move: from Carbon Neutral to Climate Smart
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If we’re going to start using a lot more wood in buildings, we need to think hard about where that wood is going to come from and how it will be harvested.
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Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
Spotlight Report
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Build More or Build Green? Affordable Housing’s False Choice
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The housing crisis is also a climate crisis and a social equity crisis. If we change our ways, we can address them all at once.
