Grants awarded to initiatives that study various aspects of design within the built environment

Washington, D.C. – November 6, 2013 – The jury for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative, a joint program of the College of Fellows and the Board Knowledge Committee to support knowledge sharing between practitioners and academicians, has announced the five projects selected to receive grants. 

The purpose of this grant, now in its seventh year, is to provide base funds for applied research projects that advance professional knowledge and practice.  The 18-month long project grant qualifies recipients to have their findings and outcomes published both electronically and in a nationally distributed publication.  The total award of $105,000 will be spread across the selected proposals.  The jury felt the process and deliberations were fully consistent with the blind-peer review intent of the program.  This blind-peer review helps add an element of rigor to the process whereby proposals are debated on their own merits. The following five submissions were selected for funding:

Project Title: Daylighting Design Performance Criteria for Alzheimer Care Facilities, Towards Evidence-based Best Practices for Improved Care
Principal Investigator:Kyle Konis, PhD, AIA, University of Southern California
Abstract: The objective of this research is to establish empirical daylighting design requirements and performance criteria for assisted living facilities serving people with Alzheimer disease. 

Project Title:Tenant Engagement in High Performance Buildings and Communities
Principal Investigator: Julie Kreigh, AIA, LEED AP, CSBA, Kriegh Architectural Studios 
Abstract: Design professionals have developed methodologies to predict and analyze post-occupancy energy performance in project-specific high performance design environments. 

Project Title: Learning Environments Design and Diversity
Principal Investigator:  James Determan, FAIA, Morgan State University 
Abstract: The primary intent of this research is to provide learning space designers and educators with evidence of the link between classroom design and enhanced learning outcomes using subjects that accurately reflect the future student population. 

Project Title: Sustainable Transparency: Kinetic Building Facades
Principal Investigator:  Kyoung-Hee Kim, PhD, University of North Carolina 
Abstract: This applied design research project advances two domains of architectural knowledge: Kinetic Facade Design and Sustainability Performance Assessment. 

Project Title: Responsive Pneumatics: Prototypes for Biologically Inspired Air-Based Envelope Systems
Principal Investigator: Kathy Velikov, University of Michigan 
Abstract:This proposal seeks funding to advance physical prototype-based research examining new performative, formal and aesthetic potentials of cellular pneumatic foil-based envelope systems towards low energy light-transmitting building facade applications. 

The jury for the Upjohn Research Initiative includes: Jury Chair William Joseph Carpenter, PhD, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C,  Southern Polytechnic State University Lightroom Architecture + New Media;  Leonard Bachman, University of Houston;  Christine Barber, Director of Research at Gensler;   Henry Hardnett, FAIA, Indian Health Service;  Marlene Imirzian, FAIA, Imirzian Architects;  Calvin Kam, PhD, AIA, PE, LEED AP, Stanford University;  Keith Diaz Moore, PhD, AIA, University of Kansas;  Burton L. Roslyn, FAIA, FARA, DBIA Roslyn Consultants, LLC. and William J. Stanley III, FAIA, Stanley, Love-Stanley, P.C.  The Upjohn Research Initiative is named after Richard Upjohn, the first president of the AIA and a founding member. 

About The American Institute of Architects

Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being.  Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit  www.aia.org. 


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