米国の建築："賞は卓越性と革新性のベンチマークである"

iF：AIAは、米国（そしておそらく世界）において最も古く、最も大きく、最も影響力のある建築家とデザイナーのネットワークです。AIAの主な目標と責任は何ですか？

ジェシー・ラザール1857年に設立された AIAニューヨーク （AIANY）は、アメリカ建築家協会で最も古く、最も大きな支部です。当支部は、5,000人を超える実務建築家、関連専門家、学生、設計愛好家から構成されており、卓越した設計、公共支援、専門家育成という3つの目標に取り組んでいます。

私たちは、ネットワークづくりや教育の機会を提供し、賞を通じて優れたデザインを表彰し、デザインの価値に対する一般の人々の認識を促進しています。20を超えるボランティア・プログラム委員会は、会員に技術的スキルを向上させるためのリソースを提供し、業界の重要なトピックに取り組み、支援のネットワークを育成するためのイニシアチブを組織しています。展示会、講演会、ツアーでは、住宅、計画、歴史的保存、都市デザインなど、建築の専門家にとって不可欠なトピックを探求しています。

iF: The AIA and the iF DESIGN AWARD have recently entered into a new partnership. What is it about? What most excites you about the opportunity?

Jesse: We are so excited to be entering into this partnership with iF Design and to be promoting design excellence on a global scale. The iF DESIGN AWARD represents quality and creativity in design, highlighting innovative solutions across different disciplines. By leveraging AIANY’s prominent role in the architecture community and the iF DESIGN AWARD’s international prestige, this partnership enhances the opportunity for New York architects to gain wider visibility and recognition for their projects. This collaboration opens avenues for international, cross-cultural exchange and we’re excited to be a part of a broader conversation on the advancement of design, its impact, and its community.

iF: In architecture and interiors generally, what is the significance of awards and award programs?

Jesse: Awards and award programs in architecture and interiors are significant because they serve as benchmarks of excellence and innovation. They celebrate individuals’ and firms’ creativity and expertise, providing recognition for outstanding work, while also elevating the profession’s visibility and encouraging a high standard of design. We love how our changing lists of award winners over the years provide a snapshot of the kinds of projects that have inspired the architecture community and captured the attention of the public, too.

iF: What motivates creative leaders in architecture? How are they most likely to be inspired? Do you see any major intercultural or geographic differences in this?

Jesse: Creative leaders in architecture are driven by a desire to solve complex problems and push the boundaries of design. They lead with a sensitivity and awareness of the social-emotional health of communities and cities; they are inspired by the opportunity to contribute to cultural dialogue and address social issues through their work. While this is likely true for architects and designers universally, professionals in different regions may prioritize their processes in different ways based on their local climate and community needs. Designers in densely populated urban areas, for instance, may focus more on space optimization or adaptive reuse, while those in regions with rich historical contexts might draw from traditional design elements or local materials.

What is the state of architecture today and where is it heading? (i.e. how will the work of architects change in the future given newer technologies, climate change, growing urbanization, other trends and more)

Jesse: As urbanization continues to accelerate globally, we are concerned now more than ever with how to create efficient, community-minded cities. There is, of course, a tremendous focus on sustainability and resilience. The integration of sustainable practices like carbon neutrality, LEED certification, or adaptive reuse are paving the way. Moreover, architects and urban planners today are prioritizing fostering a sense of place­, designing buildings rooted in their community contexts. Equity is also at the forefront of this conversation—inclusivity in architecture is essential to creating spaces that are accessible, equitable, and reflective of our communities. This means amplifying youth design education, dismantling barriers to access, and ensuring representation and greater community engagement in design processes.