Ken Bentsen Named to Honorary Membership
The Board of Directors of the AIA/Houston has elected U. S. Representative Ken Bentsen to Honorary Membership in the Chapter, according to James D. Hill, AIA, President. "His sponsorship and support of legislation for inner city revitalization, improvement and expansion of educational facilities, and construction of affordable housing as well as his accessibility to constituents made Bentsen an obvious choice," said Hill.
A third term Congressman representing the 25th Congressional District of Texas, Bentsen serves on the Budget Committee and the Banking and Financial Services Committee. His legislative priorities have included federal budget, health care, financial, and economic policy. He has been active in crafting legislation to modernize the nation's banking and securities laws and authored legislation to reform and strengthen federal export finance policy and federal mortgage finance policy.
This legislation as well as initiatives expanding the Houston Ship Channel, reforming federal flood control policy, and funding the Johnson Spacecraft Center not only bring economic benefit to Houston but also demonstrate sensitivity to the interdependence of all parts of the Houston region, including those outside of his district. AIA Houston sees this understanding as a necessary condition for an effective urban growth policy.
Bentsen is a graduate of the University of St. Thomas and holds a Masters of Public Administration in Finance and Economics from American University. Bentsen's father, Kenneth Bentsen, Sr., FAIA, is a member of AIA Houston.
Bentsen will be honored at Celebrate Architecture on April 16, AIA/Houston's annual tribute to the inventive spirit and recognition of distinguished architecture, urban design, and community and public service.
Cultural Arts Council Receives Citation of Honor from AIA Houston
The Cultural Arts Council of Houston/Harris County (CACHH) was named the recipient of the 1999 Citation of Honor from the American Institute of Architects/Houston, according to James Hill, AIA, President. This award is reserved for an individual or organization that has inspired and influenced the architectural profession, or made outstanding contributions to the community in the fields of civic improvements, conservation, beautification, transportation, or social responsibility.
"CACHH has done all of those things," remarked Hill, "but their recent production of the Houston Framework with its base maps of natural systems, infrastructure, neighborhoods, gathering places, and treasurers is especially exemplary." The inclusion of artists and architects on infrastructure design teams and the commissioning of public art for Sesquicentennial Park and other prominent sites have enriched the city.
The CACHH was founded in 1977 to provide equitable support and services to artists and arts organizations, to enhance the physical environment through art and design, and to lead community cultural development. The Civic Art and Design program, responsible for the Houston Framework, initiates and manages civic enhancement projects in the region. The program serves as a community resource and works on a consulting basis with both public and private sector entities.
Luci Dabney is the Interim Executive Director of CACHH; Jessica Cusik is Director of the Civic Art and Design program.
The award will be presented at Celebrate Architecture on April 16, AIA/Houston's annual tribute to the inventive spirit and recognition of distinguished architecture, urban design, and community and public service.
Pre-Publication Sale
Houston Architectural Guide, second edition
Reserve your copy now of the new, revised, and expanded guidebook to Houston. If you have lost your 1990 copy, loaned it to someone who forgot to return it, gave it away thinking you could always get another one, or have been looking through used bookshops for one, now is your chance. The second edition of Houston Architectural Guide, with text by Stephen Fox and photography by Gerald Moorhead, FAIA, will be available in June 1999, with a $20 cover price. You may reserve your copy at the 1990 price of $15, plus tax.
The first printing of the 1990 edition sold out in five months, so act now to reserve your copy. Or buy several for gifts. To confirm your order, send a check payable to AIA Houston for $16.24 per copy to the Chapter office or call 713/520-0155 with your MasterCard/Visa information. That's less than you'd pay through Amazon.com. We will let you know when to pick up your copy, signed by Stephen and Gerald.
Architect's Handbook Available on CD-ROM
The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice (12th Edition) is now available on CD-ROM. Like the familiar four-volume set, it contains sample copies of all AIA contract documents. The digital version permits readers to search the 2,000 page handbook rapidly by key word or topic. Although the text cannot be altered (contracts include the notation, "sample" which cannot be deleted), pages can be easily printed for reference.
The Handbook is being revised, with the new edition available mid-1999. A limited number of the 4-volume sets are still available in the Chapter office. The new CD-ROM version is also available. The cost of either version is $225.
Listen and Watch to Earn LUs
Seminars on audio tape available in the Chapter office:
- AIA/AGC Seminars: Recommended Practices: June 17, 96, Focus on the Owner
- AIA/AGC Seminars: Recommended Practices: May 20, 96, Project Delivery Systems
- AIA/AGC Seminars: Recommended Practices: April 22, 96, Programming and Planning for Facilities Design
Video tapes available in the Chapter office:
- Back from the Brink: Saving America's Cities by Design
- Building Design Concepts (An Architectural Perspective)
- Frank Lloyd Wright Companion (CD)
