Over the weekend, the architecture community erupted in debate over a statement from the American Institute for Architects (AIA) that declared support for President-elect Donald Trump and his infrastructure policies. Architects remain split over how the profession should confront the incoming administration, and many are expressing dismay over the AIA's conciliatory tone on behalf of its members.
Architect's Newspaper was among the first to release an official response, which reflects the unwillingness of many in the profession to be grouped into the AIA's statement. "The memo’s imprecise language, uncritical stance, and congratulatory tone not only willfully misunderstand the stated policy objectives of the President-elect, but in committing such a lapse in judgement, submit the 89,000-member profession to the willful service of the destructive goals stated above," the editors wrote. The statement also collected feedback from practitioners and academics expressing disagreement with Ivy's statement, including Zach McKown, Cooper Union School of Architecture dean Nader Tehrani, and even Center for Architecture, the AIA New York Chapter.