The AIA’s Consensus Construction Forecastprojects an 11 percent decline in design and construction activity in2009. To revitalize the building sector, which accounts for about onein every 10 dollars of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product, GDP, the AIAhas developed the Rebuild and Renew Plan,which details its recommendations for the allocation of funds inPresident-elect Obama’s economic recovery plan. The AIA is calling onthe new administration and Congress to create policies that ensurethese monies are spent on the planning, design, and construction ofenergy-efficient, sustainable buildings and healthy communities thatare advantageous for both the environment and economy. The AIAestimates that, if implemented correctly, the nearly $100 billion planwould create 1.6 million jobs throughout the design and constructionindustry, including 14,000 jobs for architects.
www.aia.org/aiarchitect/thisweek09/0116/0116n_stimulus.cfm