FutureNow is about the future for all new Yorkers

By Joseph Aliotta, AIAAs this new year begins, I am enthusiastic about the projects I am undertaking in my new role as president of the AIA New York chapter. I am especially pleased to continue working with the board, Center for Architecture staff, and my colleagues from across the building and real estate professions as we further develop my presidential year theme: FutureNow. In last month's AIANY message, my predecessor, Margaret Castillo, AIA, LEED AP, introduced FutureNow and the two AIANY design competitions that will comprise its major exhibitions at the Center for Architecture later this year: the Emerging New York Architects (ENYA) The Harlem Edge|Cultivating Connections competition, and the New Practices New York 2012 competition. Both exhibitions will feature the work of the younger architecture and design professionals who are the future of our industry. However, FutureNow is not just about the work and careers of emerging architects and designers. In fact, FutureNow, as a year-long theme, picks up where Margaret's concentration on sustainable design, environmentally sound building practices, and energy efficient building lifecycles left off. The future of the built environment is inherently the future of the City of New York. The AIA New York Chapter will continue to advocate for initiatives such as PlaNYC 2030, working with elected and appointed city officials and industry leaders to ensure that we are all doing our respective parts to achieve essential reductions in carbon footprints in new construction and retrofits. The Chapter is presenting "Cracking the Code," a four-hour course to familiarize architects and engineers with the ECCCNYS-2010 and Energy Conservation Code of New York City, which was developed in partnership with our colleagues at the Urban Green Council. FutureNow programming - lectures, symposia, presentations, exhibitions - will strategically address key concerns of PlaNYC, including: Energy & the Environment, Infrastructure &Transportation, Water & the Waterfront; Public Space & Housing, and Education & Public Health. There are many ways to participate in these broad-ranging discussions about the future of New York City. I encourage you to contact AIANY if you or your company would like to contribute. Certainly, part of the mission of AIANY is professional development, and I am enthusiastic to spotlight the innovative contributions of our younger professionals. The Chapter will discuss a range of opportunities and challenges in professional practice by convening an Emerging Professionals FutureNow Conference to focus on the future of the design profession and the development of new goals for young professionals. I invite you to join us at the Center for Architecture on January 23, 2012, from 6 - 8 p.m., as the winners of the New Practices New York 2012 competition are announced. Introductory remarks will be made by Russ Wheeler, President of Hansgrohe North America, one of the generous underwriters of the competition, and Philipp von Dalwig and Marc Clemenceau Bailly, co-chairs of the AIANY new practices committee. Announcement of winners and the following discussion will be led by the 2012 jury, including Stan Allen, FAIA, principal, Stan Allen Architect; Kit von Dalwig, AIA, principal, Manifold, and winner of New Practices New York 2010; Billie Tsien, AIA, principal, Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects LLP; Mahadev Raman P.E., chairman, Americas, Arup; and William Menking, editor-in-chief, The Architect's Newspaper. The conversation with these innovative design professionals is certain to lend a unique insight into the future of architectural practice. I look forward to cultivating a provocative and productive dialogue on the future of New York City's built environment throughout 2012. FutureNow is a continuation of the AIANY tradition of providing leadership in matters that impact people every day. It is an honor to work together towards securing a better future for all New Yorkers. Joseph Aliotta, AIA, is the 2012 president of the N.Y. chapter of the AIA, New York, N.Y.