As recovery progresses, AIANY looks to the future

By Joseph Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP First and foremost, I hope that everyone was spared Superstorm Sandy's full fury and has resumed normal life with minimal disruption. To those who have been hard-hit by this disaster, please know that you are in all of our thoughts. After the storm passed, AIA New York sent out a call to architects and engineers for help. Within 12 hours, more than 300 volunteers replied. Through our design for risk and reconstruction committee, the chapter is working directly with the multi-agency NYC Office of Emergency Management-coordinated recovery task force on ways in which architects might help during this difficult time. AIA New York is also working with the chapters in the other New York City boroughs to get the word out that our members are available to provide professional services. To reach an architect in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, or Staten Island, please call 855-41-SANDY (855-417-2639). To contribute further, the chapter, in conjunction with the Center for Architecture Foundation, raised money for the mayor's Fund to Advance New York City by hosting a forum at the center. "Designing the City after Superstorm Sandy" was an informative panel moderated by New York Times architecture critic Michael Kimmelman that brought to light many imaginative and resourceful ideas regarding disaster relief and resilient design. Although many are eager to jump in and help immediately as volunteers, one challenge is the absence of New York State legislation for "Good Samaritan" liability protection for registered architects and professional engineers when volunteering professional help. Our advocacy team at the chapter and in Albany is moving quickly to bring this important issue to New York State's attention. Recovery is, of course, an ongoing process and initiatives and information will continue to evolve. New York City has come a long way this year - especially since the first dark days after the storm. I would like to thank our membership for donating their valuable time and all the other resources that have been committed to helping the recovery effort. To keep abreast of other things AIA New York and its members are doing to help rebuild our region, please visit the Sandy recovery page on AIA New York's website. Looking back over the past year, I am proud and humbled by all that our board and committee members have done to enhance our advocacy profile, increase our membership, and expand the professional services offered at the Center for Architecture. My presidential theme "Future Now" was conceived as an opportunity to envision the future of our profession and the health of our building environment by addressing its most profound challenges. Working collaboratively with our New Practices Committee and the Emerging New York Architects Committee, we highlighted the skills, goals and concerns of young professionals through exhibits, conferences, and dialogues. I wish 2013 president Jill Lerner, FAIA, the best of luck in the coming year. Please stop by the Center for Architecture to see her inaugural exhibit "Hong Kong at 15: Redefining the Public Realm," which kicks off the 2013 presidential theme "Global City/Global Practice." Climate change and its effects on our built environment are local issues with international implications. As we continue to look to the future, Jill and the Center for Architecture will bring together municipal city officials, real estate industry leaders, and design professionals to discuss important worldwide issues. Joseph Aliotta, AIA, LEED AP, is the 2012 president of the AIA New York Chapter, New York, N.Y.