Advocates for Architecture

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ADVOCATES

2011

THE VALUE OF ARCHITECTURE: where we live, work, and play

Dan Hart, AIA, 2011 President of the Texas Society of Architects/AIA

ARCHITECTURE...

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HOUSE AT WIND POINT IMAGE (ON THE COVER) COURTESY MAX LEVY ARCHITECT, BY CHARLES DAVIS SMITH, AIA; CAPITOL IMAGE BY ELIZABETH HACKLER.

How we design buildings affects the way we live, work, worship, and assemble. The practice of architecture is the art of establishing the form and appearance of a building, and the science of ensuring utility, sound construction and safety for its occupants. Architects are specifically trained in sustainable design to achieve these goals.

The 2011 Legislative Session will no doubt be historic. Architects understand the economic pressures facing Texas lawmakers and look forward to being a resource on issues impacting the built environment.

INCREASES INVESTMENT VALUE. CREATES COMMUNITY. COMFORTS OCCUPANTS. DEFINES A LASTING IDENTITY.

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2011

CONGRESS & 11TH

TWENTY ELEVEN

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It is an honor to serve the people of Texas and a privilege to work in one of Texas’ most stunning and historic architectural masterpieces. While architects are skilled at designing buildings which are as beautiful as they are functional, I’m particularly appreciative of the Capitol architects’ ability to use Texas materials, like granite and

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mortar, to inspire and memorialize our state government and significant events from Texas history.

LT. GOVERNOR DAVID DEWHURST

PEOPLE SPEND 95% OF THEIR LIVES INDOORS: ARCHITECTS ARE THE ONLY PROFESSIONALS EDUCATED AND TRAINED TO DESIGN BUILDINGS FOR HUMAN OCCUPANCY.

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Frisco ISD’s Career and Technical Education Center, designed by SHW Group, is one recent example of a new school that has successfully enhanced a school district’s curriculum. The facility responds to the local community’s need for a cutting-edge learning environment that can accommodate future expansion as the district grows.

RESEARCH SHOWS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE SCHOOLS RESULT IN INCREASED ATTENDANCE AND IMPROVED TEST SCORES.

ARCHITECTURE INCREASES INVESTMENT VALUE 4

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The buildings in which our children are educated should not only serve as functional spaces, they should inspire and ignite creative learning.

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REP. ROB EISSLER, CHAIR, HOUSE PUBLIC EDUCATION

Architects design educational facilities to enhance learning.

Rep. Rob Eissler, House District 15, knows the importance of a school’s architectural design. “I’ve heard the saying that ‘a brick does not educate a child’ in the context of the state over-spending in the public school arena,” he says. “While I am a strong advocate for the efficient use of public school funds and indeed have a plan to that effect for the 2011 Legislative Session, the buildings in which our children are educated should not only serve as functional spaces, but should inspire teachers to teach and students to learn, embracing the value of education, and igniting creative learning. No less is acceptable.”

Superintendent Dr. Wes Cunningham speaks to the success of his architect-designed school: “Frisco ISD’s Career and Technical Education Center has encouraged the learning and motivation of students by providing an environment that promotes engagement in the instructional process and by being a place that students want to come to. The well-thought out and planned execution by the inter-connected stakeholders have yielded a superlative facility for the students and the entire community of Frisco. Our CTE Center is a place where learning is academically rigorous and personally relevant to the students. Not only that, design efficiencies save on operating costs, so the building continues to pay dividends.”

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El Paso’s Esperanza Acosta Moreno Regional Branch Library in El Paso was designed by the local firm IDEA as a friendly place for life-long learning. One of the first branch libraries built with funds from a “Quality of Life” municipal bond election passed by voters in 2000, the design expresses more than merely a place where books are housed.

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The design of the building aesthetically expresses the value of books and learning.

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REP. JOE PICKETT , CHAIR, HOUSE TRANSPORTATION

Architects design libraries to excite the public to read.

El Paso’s Esperanza Acosta Moreno Regional Branch Library is a testament to the value of well-designed architecture and what architects bring to every public building project.

According to Rep. Joe Pickett of House District 79, his hometown’s new library is a symbol of the community’s interest in reading and learning. “While a public library’s function is to house books,” he says, “the design of the building itself should not only be functional, but should aesthetically express the value of books and learning to draw our communities into the space. The design of the Esperanza Acosta Moreno Regional Branch Library building unquestionably demonstrates that the citizens of El Paso value reading.”

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Good design is an investment that adds value to a building. Having a degree in Architecture, I know architects design spaces to maximize function for its users as well as spaces that feel good.

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REP. JESSICA FARRAR, VICE CHAIR, HOUSE LAND & RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Architects design healthcare facilities to enhance healing.

Architects added therapeutic value to Dell Children’s Hospital in many ways, according to Sen. Kirk Watson, vice chair, Senate Transportation and Homeland Security: “Architects designed Dell Children’s Hospital to provide natural light, outdoor views, and plenty of courtyard spaces for children. It’s a classic example of the way thoughtful and skilled building design adds immeasurable value to therapeutic, healing environments.”

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RESEARCH SHOWS: HIGH-PERFORMANCE HOSPITALS RESULT IN SHORTER PATIENT STAYS (QUICKER HEALING) AND FEWER DOSES OF ANALGESIC MEDICINE FOR PAIN. The Dell Children’s Hospital in Austin is a great example of a successful partnership between design professionals, Karlsberger, and a private owner, the Seton Family of Hospitals, who sought public participation from community activists during the design phase. The facility literally provides a beacon for the community in the form of an illuminated tower that can be seen for many miles.

The tower ensures rapid way-finding for families in need of critical care for their ill or injured child.

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Originally designed by famed architect J. Riely Gordon of San Antonio, the restoration of Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie by the firm of ArchiTexas was completed in 2002. The preservation project was partially funded by the first round of grants awarded by the Texas Historical Commission in 2000. During each subsequent Legislative Session, lawmakers have approved further funds for preservation efforts in a total of 45 counties across Texas.

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I’m grateful that we saw the value, not only to build the courthouse right, but to preserve it too. It will mean as much to the next generation as it has to all those who came before.

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REP. JIM PITTS, CHAIR, HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS

Architects design civic buildings to be an enduring symbol of democracy.

IMAGE COURTESY ARCHITEXAS

An enduring symbol of our democratic ideals is the county courthouse, and Texas lawmakers have shown their commitment to these historic edifices by approving $227 million since 1999 for their restoration.

There is no finer example in Texas of the power of public architecture than the Ellis County Courthouse in Waxahachie. That fact is attested by Rep. Jim Pitts, House District 10, who described it as follows: “The Ellis County courthouse is a nationally recognized treasure and has been the heart of our community for over a century. I’m grateful that we saw the value, not only to build it right, but to preserve it too. It will mean as much to the next generation as it has meant to all those who came before.”

Ellis County Judge Carol Bush agrees, and adds: “Since 1897, when the Ellis County Courthouse was completed, it has stood as an eloquent symbol of government by the people, for the people and of the people. It has always been a source of civic pride and a symbol of progress in Ellis County. The Courthouse has served as the heart of the community and the hub of social activity, and continues in this role today.”

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Texas Society of Architects | AIA ND

82 REGULAR LEGISLATIVE SESSION T S  A | AIA

Architects recognize that Texas is facing a historic budget shortfall, and that balancing the budget will be a top priority. The same economic conditions that created this shortfall have led to depression-like conditions for architects and the construction industry.

• Business Week features the architectural industry as one of the hardest hit professions.

• Architects have seen a 26% decline in employment since 2008.

• Commercial and residential construction is on virtual life support.

BILL #

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OPPOSE BILLS:

WHY?

Creating a Sales Tax on Services or Increasing Occupation Fees

The vast majority (over 75%) of Texas architectural firms are small businesses that employ fewer than 10 people. Additional taxes on services and/or increased occupational fees will further depress this economic sector.

Weakening Qualifications-Based Selection (“QBS”)

Changes to the qualifications-based selection (QBS) process would make buildings more expensive to build, operate and renovate.

Standardizing Architectural Plans for K-12 (State Stock School Plans)

Standardizing architectural plans for governmental entities would create a new bureaucracy, driving up site adaptation and operating costs. For example, a school building designed for Amarillo doesn’t work in Galveston – regional climate, geographic and topographic factors must be considered.

Diminishing the Scope of Practice

Diminishing scope of practice endangers public health, safety and welfare and cheats taxpayers from quality design that promotes efficient use of space and return on investment.

Increasing Liability Exposure

Increased liability would threaten economic viability.

SUPPORT BILLS:

WHY?

Maintaining the Margins Tax Exemption Threshold at $1 Million

Keeping the exemption threshold where it is will help keep small businesses alive.

Requiring More Cost-Effective, EnergyEfficient Public Buildings

High performance building standards will lower operational costs for public buildings and save taxpayer dollars.

Consolidating Multiple Alternative Project Consolidation will create efficiency in the process of constructing public buildings saving taxpayer dollars.

Delivery Statutes into One Chapter