Greetings from AIA 2011: Ecology Matters!

With an intense focus on regional design and other green building issues, AIA 2011 looks to the future.

I've just arrived in the press room at the AIA National Convention in New Orleans, and am really looking forward to learning a lot, finding some exciting new products to share with you, and perhaps even meeting some of you in person. If you couldn't make it this year--or if you're here and we're at different sessions-- watch this space for updates for the next few days.

Thomas Friedman keynote

I'm really excited about Thomas Friedman's talk, "Mega-regions: The World of the Future," which starts in about half an hour. I have not always agreed with this New York Times columnist and Pulitzer Prize winner, but he is a really smart and engaging writer even when I disagree with him--and I certainly can't argue with this:

If we have one obligation, it is to pass on this country, with its institutions and opportunities, to the next generation so that they have a chance to achieve the American dream and live better lives than we do. The consequences of globalization and a lack of seriousness when it comes to protecting the environment are making this an increasingly complicated task. ... To remain competitive, Americans must be willing to invest in things like infrastructure, education, immigration, and the environment.

I am really looking forward to hearing his ideas about how this relates to our built environment--and sharing them with you.

IGCC, SITES, and daylighting

This afternoon I hope to catch sessions on the International Green Construction Code, the SITES sustainable landscaping rating, and design for daylighting. Stay tuned!

UPDATE: Just a quick note to offer this nugget Thomas Friedman delivered (to loud applause): "Green is the new red, white, and blue." I'll be writing a longer post on his talk this evening.