America’s Favorite Architecture: The Movie Version

       AIA Launches Web-based Shape of America film series, promoting

     architectural history and design, continuing dialogue with public



    WASHINGTON, July 17 /EMWNews/ -- Like any good novel or play

immortalized on film, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) takes a

page out of Hollywood's playbook. The AIA announces Shape of America -- a

series of web-based short movies starring some of the 150 structures chosen

by the public for the America's Favorite Architecture (AFA) list created

last year.



    The web-based film series is designed to expand the public dialogue

about architecture and how it impacts our lives, that began with the

published survey results of the AFA list in February 2007. Shape of America

is designed to be interactive. Visitors are encouraged to learn, discover,

and share feedback and experiences online at http://www.shapeofamerica.org.



    From The Empire State Building (AFA #1), to Fenway Park (AFA #113),

each Shape of America movie highlights one structure from the AFA list and

provides a retrospective look at it through fun and engaging stories edited

into a stimulating video. In each episode, AIA architects share their

opinions, insights and personal stories about architectural masterworks and

encourage public discussion of the buildings and their opinion of the

architecture.



    "These exciting Shape of America videos captivate even the casual

architecture fan, and highlight the impact architects have had in

developing timeless structures for the public to enjoy throughout America's

history," says Elizabeth Chu Richter, Chairwoman, Shape of America

Committee, FAIA.



    "Shape of America puts a human face to architecture and helps viewers

understand how good architecture is created and the importance of design

and sustainability in our communities," says Christine McEntee, AIA

Executive Vice President/CEO. "We hope this series captures the shared

vision, interest, and passion between AIA architects and the public

regarding architecture and how these structures play a dominant role within

the communities in which we live, work and play."



    The Shape of America launches with seven episodes, each featuring

engaging discussions about the structures that shape our communities, from

guests such as former AIA president RK Stewart, FAIA, and Topaz Medallion

winner Stanley Tigerman, FAIA, and others.



    The first AFA structures featured in the web-based film series include

the Empire State Building; Boston's Fenway Park; Washington, DC's National

Air and Space Museum; and Chicago's Tribune Tower, with more episodes to be

produced as an ongoing series.



    The Shape of America web site features guest commentary, a forward to a

friend option, public ratings of each building and a vote for the next

structure to be featured.



    For more information about Shape of America please contact Ryan

Mitchell (410.821.8220 or [email protected]).

    About The American Institute of Architects



    For more than 150 years, members of the American Institute of

Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more

valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By

using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA

architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance

needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk

the walk on sustainable design. Visit http://www.aia.org/walkthewalk.