CHANCELLOR’S MESSAGE 2020 – A crisis for the profession
PHOTO BY PAT STEWART
“2020 has forced the College of Fellows, the AIA, the Profession, and all of us as citizens to reconsider public health, economic stability, climate change, and institutional racism together, with a renewed focus on diversity and inclusion.” Peter G. Kuttner, FAIA
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n just a few short months 2020 has fundamentally shocked us all by revealing a series of crises provoking our society to finally become aware of the pervasiveness of systemic injustice. The College of Fellows and the AIA believe as architects we must acknowledge the scale and scope of this injustice around us, and support efforts for change.
minorities in general are disproportionately affected by the impact of climate change, access to health care, downturns in economy, and pervasive racism. We need to address this in our own firms, in the AIA, in the schools of architecture, and in our communities. The article “An End to Racism” talks more about efforts within the College, and ways to be involved.
Awakening to the Need for Societal Change In our first February issue this year, we emphasized the long overdue and pressing need to address climate change, and the activity around the AIA Climate Initiative. By the May issue, the coronavirus had taken hold, creating a new public health crisis and an economic meltdown for every element of society, including architects. Now, in the aftermath of George Floyd, the BLM movement, urban protests, and the deterioration of fundamental civil rights for underrepresented minorities, we are struck with how blind we have been to inequity around us everywhere.
2020 Business Meeting We were not able to hold the Annual COF Business meeting at A’20, which we are required to do and look forward to. With AIA holding the Annual AIA Business meeting beginning on September 1, 2020, we are planning to hold the College online on October 1, 2020. The article “Look Forward To Seeing You On October 1st” has more detail on the event and a link to register. This is an opportunity for Fellows who might not ordinarily be able to attend to join online via Zoom.
It is clear now that all the issues we face today are related. Climate, health, employment, and inclusion must be addressed. Black Americans and most
COF Regional Representatives In the same way our last issue focused on our 2020 class of New Fellows, this issue is highlighting our 2020 Council of Regional Representatives, the 5
