Green Design a Big Hit at Architects' Convention

Interest in environmental programs was unexpectedly high at The American Institute of Architects (AIA) convention, held May 13-17 in San Francisco. Standing-room-only crowds packed in to hear about solar-electric buildings and tools for green design. Product manufacturers seemed unprepared for the interest, however, as the exhibit hall was lacking in products aimed at the green crowd.

The convention as a whole was a record-breaker, with attendance exceeding 16,000. These numbers are largely attributed to the fact that for the first time AIA members did not have to pay for admission to the seminars or exhibits. Many sessions were overcrowded, so it may be premature to declare that architects are flocking to learn about green design based on the crowds alone. A better indicator might be in the fact that, based on preregistration interest, three environmental sessions were assigned to the largest available seminar rooms, and all three packed the place with over 300 attendees.