Crisis in Ukraine

AT A PRO-UKRAINE RALLY IN RENO, NEVADA, PEOPLE GATHER TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR UKRAINE AND CONDEMN THE RUSSIAN INVASION. THEY ALSO SOUGHT TO RAISE MONEY FOR THOSE AFFECTED.
Image from Ty O'Neil via Getty Images

As the war in Ukraine escalates, and other humanitarian crises unfold around the globe, architects and the design community may be seeking ways to help in any way they can.

Below is a collection of organizations, compiled and vetted by the American Society of Association Executives™ (ASAE), providing assistance and some relief to people in Ukraine and beyond.

UNICEF

UNICEF is supporting health, nutrition, safe drinking water, sanitation and protection for children and families caught in the conflict in Ukraine.

Medecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders

MSF is conducting a range of activities in Ukraine to help people travel to health care facilities and access prescribed medications.

International Committee of the Red Cross

The Switzerland-based international organization seeks to help people affected by the conflict and support the work of the Ukrainian Red Cross.

Save the Children

The London-based organization helps deliver essential humanitarian aid to vulnerable children in Ukraine and around the world.

UN Refugee Agency

The international organization is providing emergency assistance to families in Ukraine, including cash assistance and opportunities for resettlement.

Voices of Children

The charitable foundation of this organization is helping to provide psychological and psychosocial support to children affected by the Ukrainian conflict.

AIA awards research grants to advance climate action

Upjohn Research Initiative supports AIA's commitment to climate action by awarding grants to sustainable design research.

WASHINGTON - March 3, 2022 - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Upjohn Research Initiative is providing up to $30,000 to five research projects that will advance sustainability in architecture.

The purpose of the grant is to provide base funds for applied research projects that will advance the design profession’s knowledge and practice. This year’s recipients will research climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies for the built environment.  Grant recipients were selected by a seven-member jury comprised of members from the AIA College of Fellows and AIA Board Knowledge Committee.

This year’s selected Upjohn Research Initiative projects include:

Architects and Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs): The Role of the Profession in the Emerging Field of GEBs. Principal Investigator: Deane Evans, FAIA (New Jersey Institute of Technology)

From Waste to Biodegradable Structures with Local Fungi Species. Principal Investigators: Benay Gürsoy Toykoç, PhD (Penn State); John A. Pecchia, PhD (Penn State); Ali Ghazvinian (Penn State)

Collaborators: Alale Mohseni (Penn State); Natalie Walter (Penn State)

The Future of Green Infrastructure: Measuring and Designing the Built Environment for Pedestrian and Bicycle Activities in Dallas-Fort Worth. Principal Investigators: Hyesun Jeong, PhD, Assoc. AIA (University of Texas at Arlington); Matthew Ables (Arup)

Collaborators: Brian Hammersley (Hammersley Architecture); Meghna Tare (University of Texas at Arlington); Lawrence Agu, Assoc. AIA (City of Dallas)

Priority Green for Community Benefit: A Framework for Tailoring Entitlement Benefits to Neighborhood-specific Priorities Around Climate Change Mitigation, Adaptation, and Equity Principal Investigator: Adele Houghton, AIA (Biositu)

Synergies between Ultra-Low-Energy Buildings, Microgrids, and Direct Current. Principal Investigators: Lisa White (Passive House Institute US (PHIUS)); Graham Wright, PhD (Passive House Institute US (PHIUS))

Collaborator: Walter Grondzik, PE (Ball State University)

AIA Grants Honorary Membership to Five Individuals

Recipients are recognized for their contributions to the architecture profession.

WASHINGTON – Feb. 16, 2022 – The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is granting Honorary AIA Membership to five people for their exemplary service to the architecture profession.

Honorary AIA Membership is conferred upon individuals who have made notable contributions to the advancement of the architecture profession but are not otherwise eligible for AIA membership. In order to be considered for honorary membership, candidates must meet a host of criteria. Additionally, candidates must be nominated by a member of the AIA Board of Directors, Strategic Council, chapter leadership, or Knowledge Communities. Nominations are subject to the review and consideration of a jury.

This year’s honorary members are:

Learn more about Honorary AIA Membership on AIA’s website.