AIA's Framework for Design Excellence Considerations
AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence Considerations
National AIA strongly encourages state and local components to use The Framework for Design Excellence, describing how its 10 Principles apply to the project. We ask that jurors and applicants consider the following:
- We want no ugly winners, nor any shallow beauties. Entries should discuss the aesthetic underpinnings and the impact of the work. Jurors should use the Framework to understand the project in greater depth. We want winning projects to be creative and high-functioning, neither banal nor irresponsible.
- No one project excels in every way, and some issues are not relevant to some projects.
Entries should use only the relevant aspects of the Framework to explain their project and not feel compelled to address other aspects. - Size doesn’t matter—a bathroom renovation can win a design award. The jury should consider that some projects can afford multiple consultants and impressive analyses, but that should not work against more constrained projects.
Summary:
Each submitter will be given open-ended prompts to describe in a few sentences how their design achieves outcomes for each measure. Entrants should use the Framework to communicate the values and impact of the project, disregarding principles that do not apply. Jurors should holistically consider the projects from the relevant Framework principles, recognizing creativity and beauty consistent with its purpose and place with a positive impact.
Note: For expanded guidance on how the Framework applies to AIA Potomac Valley’s Excellence in Design Awards program, click here.
The outline below is a brief summary of each Principle. To learn more about the AIA Framework for Design Excellence click here.
FRAMEWORK FOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE
- Design for Integration: How does the project engage the senses and connect people to place? What is the purpose of the project that helps to align with the other Principles?
- Design for Equitable Communities: How does the project engage and promote human connection? How does the project promote inclusion and social equity within the community?
- Design for Ecosystems: How does this project support the local ecosystem? How are users connected with the local ecosystem? How does the design build resilience while reducing maintenance?
- Design for Water: How does the project use water wisely and handle rainfall responsibly?
- Design for Economy: How does the design show that higher performance can be cost-effective?
- Design for Energy: Does the project exceed building code requirements? Is energy generated on-site from renewable or passive sources? What is the zero net carbon impact?
- Design for Wellness: How does the design promote comfort and health? How does the design connect place with nature? How does the design encourage a healthy lifestyle?
- Design for Resources: How does the project promote zero waste? How are materials and products selected and designed to reduce embodied carbon and environmental impacts while enhancing building performance?
- Design for Change: How does the project design anticipate adapting to new uses, adapt to climate change, and support resilient recovery from disasters?
- Design for Discovery: What lessons for better design have been learned through the process of project design, construction and occupancy and how was that shared with project teams?
