The Washington Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA|DC) and its partner, the Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF), have announced a plan to relocate their headquarters to a historic building in Northwest Washington, D.C. On Oct. 6, the organizations launched a competition to select the project architect for the design of their new common home: the District Architecture Center.
Running until 4 p.m. EST, Tuesday, Oct. 12, the design competition is open to AIA|DC members only. AIA|DC and WAF envision the District Architecture Center as a venue for design professionals, consumers, patrons, students, and others interested in building design to gather, learn about new architecture techniques, pursue continuing education credits, and inspire a greater appreciation for the city’s architectural heritage and future. The competition’s goal is to attract creative interior design concepts for the District Architecture Center.
The center will be located at 419 Seventh St. on the ground level of the existing Odd Fellows Temple Building. Appropriately enough, this historic building houses the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia Independent Order of Odd Fellows, a fraternal order that evolved from Old World craft guilds. Also sharing the space will be one tenant organization, L’Alliance Française.
Click here for complete competition prospectus, including the project’s program and entry requirements. A jury will review entries beginning Oct. 13 and the winning firm will be announced on Oct. 15. A cash prize of $10,000 will be awarded.
AIA|DC and WAF anticipate a mid-2011 opening for their new headquarters.