Build Boston 2003

November 18-20, 2003
World Trade Center Boston

On This Page:

• 2020 Vision
  A Diversity Conference for Design Professionals sponsored by the AIA Diversity Committee and the Boston Society of Architects (BSA).

• Universal Design and ADA Workshops
  Workshops on universal design or the ADA sponsored by Adaptive Environments and other organizations.

• Build Boston Registration Information

2020 Vision: a Diversity Conference for Design Professionals

Sponsored by the AIA Diversity Committee and the Boston Society of Architects

Wednesday and Thursday
November 19-20, 2003
World Trade Center Boston

At this two-day conference on diversity in the design professions added to the Build Boston event this year, national and international researchers and practitioners will gather to share the latest research, discuss practice-based solutions and create a stronger future for increasing diverse participation in shaping the built environment. From the opening session to the closing plenary, attendees will participate in meaningful discussion and interactive workshops geared toward helping individuals and firms understand the history of diversity in design and embrace new education, hiring and practice models. Ideas shared at this conference promise to revolutionize the way design is taught and practiced. Adaptive Environments has worked closely with the BSA and the AIA Diversity Committee to help ensure that the important diversity perspective include people with disabilities.

B01 - Breakfast of Champions
8:00-10:00 am Wednesday

Sponsored by the BSA and the AIA Diversity Committee

This breakfast is the kick-off session of the Diversity Conference. It includes an update on diversity initiatives in the design professions and eloquent statements by three designers who have used their diversity to challenge the status quo and succeed in today's design professions.

Ted Landsmark, Assoc. AIA (Conference Chair), Chair, AIA Diversity Committee; President, Boston Architectural Center
Elizabeth S. Padjen, FAIA (moderator), Editor, ArchitectureBoston
Daniel G. Hunter, ASLA, Associate Director, Access to Design Professions, Adaptive Environments, Springfield OR
Rena Klein, AIA, Principal, RM Klein Consulting, Seattle
Leroy Stewart, NOMAS, AIAS, APA, Architecture Student, Chicago

B36 - Everything you always wanted to know but were afraid to ask about hiring, firing and all that stuff in between!
1:30-3:00 pm Wednesday

Sponsored by Adaptive Environments, the International Network of Designers with Disabilities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the AIA Diversity Committee and the BSA

In a nonjudgmental discussion environment, we address common fears, myths and questions about employing people with diverse characteristics. We describe management practices that welcome diversity. We provide an overview of applicable laws, tips on employment processes and lawsuit avoidance, and resources for making changes in the workplace environment. Panelists describe their personal experiences of hiring people with disabilities as well as seeking work as designers with disabilities. We also review the ADA and other diversity-related laws you need to know, the differences between the "essential functions" of a job and a daily routine, and how to set up effective, non-discriminatory human resource processes.

Karen L. Braitmayer, AIA (moderator), Principal, Studio Pacifica, Seattle
George Balsley, AIA Project Architect, Kuhn Riddle Architects, Amherst MA
Jan L. Bishop, AIA Principal, The Hillier Group, Princeton NJ
Kathy Gips, Director of Training, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Mary Miller, J.D., PHR, President, Equinox Group, Charlottesville VA
Harold Dean Kiewel, AIA, CSI, Senior Architectural Specifier, Ellerbe Becket, Minneapolis

C14 Debunking the typical consumer myth: expanding the definition of the user
10:30 am-noon Thursday

Sponsored by the BSA, the AIA Diversity Committee, Adaptive Environments, the International Network of Designers with Disabilities and the National Endowment for the Arts

We highlight the work of designers and educators who have created places and programs that welcome diversity in culture, economic status, gender, and ability. We debunk the myth of the typical consumer and consider the impact on design practice. This practical session will help you recognize and respond to user needs when they are rooted in totally different life experiences. Panelists illustrate multiple ways that they have engaged users in participatory processes, both in community design practice and in educational settings. The outcomes of these experiences include client satisfaction and award-winning buildings as well as attitudinal changes in future designers.

Elaine Ostroff, Ed.M. (moderator), Founding Director, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Manuel Delgado, Housing Project Manager, Fenway Community Development Corp., Boston
Ricardo Gomes, IDSA, Director, Design Center for Global Needs; Associate Professor and Acting Chair, Design and Industry Department, San Francisco State University, San Francisco, California
Harold Dean, Kiewel AIA, CSI, Senior Architectural Specifier, Ellerbe Becket, Minneapolis
Leslie Weisman, Assoc. AIA, Professor of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey

C35 - NAAB: where and how does diversity fit?
1:00-3:00 pm Thursday

Sponsored by Adaptive Environments, the International Network of Designers with Disabilities, the National Endowment for the Arts, the AIA Diversity Committee and the BSA

The National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB) held its triennial Validation Conference this year to consider changes in the accreditation process in schools of architecture. Led by members of the NAAB board and staff, we highlight some of the Validation Conference recommendations on both the institutional conditions and student performance criteria. We also continue the discourse begun at the Validation Conference about 'studio culture' in order to discover more balanced, humane and inclusive educational approaches that move the profession forward. Collegiate programs in the area have an opportunity to discuss the recommended changes in accreditation; all participants can discuss ways that the architecture curriculum can meet the student performance requirements for human diversity. This workshop has the potential to expand the way architectural programs interpret NAAB accreditation conditions and performance criteria in relation to diversity issues.

Joseph P. Giattina Jr., FAIA, President, NAAB; President, Giattina Fisher Aycock Architects, Birmingham AL
Nicole Kuhar, Assoc. AIA, AIAS Representative to NAAB; Steffian Bradley Architects, Boston
Sharon Matthews, AIA, Executive Director, National Architectural Accrediting Board, Washington DC
Elaine Ostroff, Founding Director, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Peter Steffian, FAIA, NCARB, Former Chair, Massachusetts Board of Registration of Architects; Former President, NCARB; Principal, Steffian Bradley Architects, Boston

A Diversity Conference Special Event:

7:00 - 9:00 PM Wednesday
B95 - Network Dinner Meeting for Designers with Disabilities - a moderated discussion - option to join by teleconference.

Sponsored by the International Network of Designers with Disabilities and Adaptive Environments

Daniel G. Hunter, ASLA, Associate Director, Access to Design Professions, Adaptive Environments, Springfield OR

Designers with disabilities are invited to a dinner meeting that includes a moderated discussion among members of the International Network of Designers with Disabilities. Network members at a distance may participate by phone (see www.AdaptiveEnvironments.org/accessdesign). To register, use the registration form on the inside back cover; friends and family of Network members and other interested persons are also welcome to register.

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Workshops on Universal Design or the ADA Sponsored by Adaptive Environments and Other Organizations

Tuesday 11/18 9:00 am-noon A10 - The ADA and Massachusetts Architectural Access Board Regulations: understanding the differences*

Sponsored by the New England ADA & Accessible IT Center

Kathy Gips, (moderator), Director of Training, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Deborah Ryan, Esq., Deborah A. Ryan & Associates, South Boston MA
David Yanchulis, Accessibility Specialist, U.S. Access Board, Washington DC

Architects' most common plea is, "Please give us one code!" Since it's not going to happen, come to this workshop. We clarify requirements for alterations (most confusing), older buildings, employee-only areas, variances, children's elements, housing and more. If your project receives federal funds, we discuss that wrinkle too. We look at common errors and omissions and work together on case studies.

Tuesday 11/18 1:00-2:30 pm
A35 - Construction materials, IAQ and health

Sponsored by the BSA's Indoor Air Quality Committee

Rosalind Anderson, Ph.D., President, Anderson Laboratories, Inc., West Hartford Vermont
Greta Eckhardt, AIA, CSI, Specifications Writer, HMFH Architects, Inc., Cambridge MA
Kathy Gips, Director of Training, Adaptive Environments, Boston

Beginning with an overview of health concerns related to indoor environments, we discuss the potential impact of construction materials on indoor air quality. Which materials do we need to be concerned about? What information is available about their health effects? We plan to address these and related questions to give construction professionals a strategy for creating healthful buildings through informed product selection. (See also workshops A61, A84, & B85.)

Tuesday 11/18 1:30-3:00 pm
A36 - Universal design in housing -- strategies for design and construction*

Sponsored by Adaptive Environments

Peg Joukowsky, Homeowner/Client, Sherborn MA
Liz Karp, AIA, Architect, Karp Architects, Inc, Belmont MA
Gabriela Sims, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Raymond Wiese, CR, CKD, President, The Wiese Company, Natick MA

Why universal design in housing? How can you create a more usable home environment for your clients? How can good design enhance the lives of all family members now and in the future? We show how universal design can make homes more functional, enjoyable and healthier. We explain how to respond to your clients' present and future needs through case studies, design features, products, cost impacts and resources. Because variation in ability affects most of us for some part of our lives, it makes sense to design housing environments to work seamlessly over time for the widest possible spectrum of users. Universal design is good design responsive design, and intelligent design.

Tuesday 11/18 3:30-5:00 pm
A61 - Indoor air quality problems -- how to find them, how to evaluate them

Sponsored by the BSA's Indoor Air Quality Committee

Mark Goldman, Senior Air Quality Specialist, EFI - Engineering and Fire Investigations, Dartmouth MA
Joseph Matrisciano, Mechanical Engineer, EFI - Engineering and Fire Investigations, Dartmouth MA
Stephen Nicholas, Air Industries, North Andover MA

We focus on three related issues. The first topic -- air quality tests -- is an assessment of what air quality tests measure, what they miss and how they are abused. This includes tests for mold/bacteria, dust, volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide and thermal comfort parameters (temperature and relative humidity). The second topic -- air filtration -- includes a description of the new filter evaluation system and what it means to the building designer and property manager, and the relationships among energy use, air quality and liability. Finally, we explore common HVAC problems in commercial buildings and include a description of HVAC system failures encountered during building investigations. (See also workshops A35, A84 & B85.)

Tuesday 11/18 4:00-5:30 pm A62 - ADA Updates 2003

Sponsored by the New England ADA & Accessible IT Center

Kathy Gips, Director of Training, Adaptive Environments, Boston
David Yanchulis, Accessibility Specialist, U.S. Access Board, Washington D.C.
Andy Washburn, Information Specialist, New England ADA & Accessible IT Center, Boston

We discuss the newly revised and overhauled ADA Accessibility Guidelines (six years in the making and note specifically where the guidelines clarify confusing aspects of the original ADAAG. A review of the U.S. Access Board's rule-making for outdoor developed areas such as trails, beaches, and picnic and camping will also be provided. We discuss legal cases, settlement agreements and architects' liability -- and there will be time for your questions.

Tuesday 11/18 6:00-7:30 pm
A84 - Indoor air quality insurance and legal problems -- and how to prevent them

Sponsored by the BSA's Indoor Air Quality Committee

Sarah Gibson, Esq. (moderator) , Co-Chair, BSA Indoor Air Quality Committee, Law Office of Sarah Gibson, Boston
Mark Goldman, Senior Air Quality Specialist, EFI - Engineering and Fire Investigations, Dartmouth MA
Leah Rochwarg, Esq., Gadsby Hannah LLP, Boston

When indoor air quality problems develop, affected parties may try to hold building owners, managers, and design or construction professionals responsible. We explore legal issues related to indoor air quality, including insurance issues for building owners and managers, liability issues for design and construction professionals, and legal issues for building occupants affected by indoor air quality problems. We focus on prevention: how good operations and maintenance programs can help you avoid legal problems and how design/construction professionals and building occupants can work to protect themselves and prevent indoor air quality problems from developing. (See also workshops A35, A61 & B85.)

Tuesday 11/18 6:30-8:00 pm
A85 - Understanding signs, egress and the new ADA guidelines

Sponsored by the Society for Environmental Graphic Design

Ken Ethridge, AIA, ASI/Modulex, Dallas TX

In late 2003, the ADA will be completely revised with new standards put in place for emergency egress, building signage and other crucial issues. We provide an overview of the ADA code for building sign standards and the important new updates. We discuss new NFPA fire code standards for building egress maps and exit signs and tips on how to seek approval successfully in a number of states. Participants earn a certificate for successful completion of the SEGD ADA/Fire Safety Standards Preliminary Course.

Wednesday 11/19 8:00am-noon
B04 - Kids, outdoor play, ADA and accessibility standards

Paula Barber, Sales Director for Atlantic Division, Kompan Unique Playgrounds, Johnson City NY
Helle Burlingame, M.A., Kompan Play Institute, Olympia WA
John LaRue, CTRS, CPSI, Kompan Unique Playgrounds, Tiverton RI
Carsten Madsen, Vice-President, Kompan Unique Playgrounds, Olympia WA

We begin this four-hour session with a discussion of recent research on children's play and development. Children today, as masters of modern technology, challenge us to create supremely engaging playgrounds. As we plan for differing styles of play for various age groups in public facilities, we focus on play styles of children 2-5 and 5-12. We review ADA guidelines for play areas and the U.S. Access Board's "Design Guide for Play Area Accessibility." We describe the work of the regulatory groups -- the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (US/CPSC), the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), and the International Play Equipment Manufacturers Association (IPEMA) -- which are continually developing and revising play equipment safety standards and guidelines and providing independent quality assurance testing. We review recent findings and changes that have occurred through the Fall of this year. Finally, we focus on ADAAG Sections 15.1-15.8, which address accessibility standards for amusement rides, boating, fishing, golf and miniature golf, sporting facilities and swimming areas. We review the standards for outdoor developed areas including trails, beaches, warming huts, overlook areas, picnic tables and grills and we identify the regulatory agencies and other groups that have the technical knowledge, resources and support to ensure that you have the most current information you need.

Wednesday 11/19 10:00 am-noon
B13 - Air barriers in the building envelope

Sponsored by the BSA's Building Envelope Committee

Vince Cammalleri, AIA, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc., Waltham MA

We begin with the theory of moisture migration in the building envelope and lead into air barriers -- what they are, why they are needed, and how they are different from vapor retarders. The design principles that generate effective air barriers for the envelope are explored and examples of how continuity of the air barrier can be achieved in difficult wall/roof intersections are shown. Technical and practical limitations of various building materials used as air barriers are discussed. Finally, the potential consequences of inadequate air-barrier detailing and construction are illustrated through case studies of three natatoriums and the development and implementation of remedial designs are examined.

Wednesday 11/19 3:30-5:30 pm
B55 - Why do women leave architecture?

Sponsored by the BSA and the AIA Diversity Committee

Ann De Graft Johnson, Riba and Sandra Manle, MRTPI, Senior Lecturers, University of the West of England, Bristol, U.K.
Brad Grant, AIA, Chairperson, Hampton University, Department of Architecture, Hampton, VA
Beth Tauke, Associate Professor, School of Architecture & Planning, University at Buffalo

Low pay - long hours - sidelining - macho culture - inflexible working schedule - lack of scope for creativity - little chance of promotion - difficult to combine with family life - too regulated. Do these laments strike a chord? Do they explain the alarming statistics that even though about 37% of students in the UK are female only 13% of practicing architects in the UK are women? Do they throw light on the reason why the architecture profession in the UK and the U.S. finds it difficult to reflect society by attracting and retaining a diverse range of people from different backgrounds? This workshop centers around findings of the RIBA-sponsored research project that identified these headline issues as some of the reasons why the architecture profession is not attracting and retaining women. (See p.x for the full listing of Diversity Conference workshops.)

Thursday 11/20 9:00 am-noon
C04 - Cities fit for people -- international models*

Sponsored by Adaptive Environments

Francesc Aragall, President, Design for All Foundation, Barcelona
Valerie Fletcher, (moderator) , Executive Director, Adaptive Environments, Boston
Hitomi Hagino, Japan, Urban Wayfinding Designer, Principal, iDesign, Tokyo
Sandra Manley, MRTPI, Senior Lecturer, University of the West of England, Bristol, UK

Almost half the world's population is now concentrated in cities hosting populations more diverse in culture, age and ability than ever before in history. Universal design, sometimes called design-for-all, is a worldwide response to that reality. In the US, universal design builds upon legal requirements for accessible design, a fact that is both an advantage and a disadvantage. Other societies arrive at the notion of human-centered design through different catalysts and contexts. We bring together three international urbanists who discuss the motivation to integrate universal design into urban planning and design. They present examples from Britain, Barcelona and Yokahama.

Thursday 11/20 9:00 am-noon
C21 - Understanding the state's accessibility requirements and variance process

Thomas Hopkins, Director, Architectural Access Board, Boston
Deborah Ryan, Esq., Deborah A. Ryan & Associates, South Boston MA

We focus first on the rules and regulations of the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board and discuss the application of the regulations, common questions and mistakes and misunderstandings using case studies. We also illustrate good solutions to difficult accessibility problems and discuss the variance process and the kinds of information necessary to make a successful presentation to the Board, what the Board is looking for, and we show examples of good applications that were successful without the need for a formal hearing.

Thursday 11/20 5:45-7:15 pm
C84 - When accessibility compliance is (really) impracticable

Myra Berloff, Executive Director, Massachusetts Office on Disability, Boston
Jim McBain, AIA, Principal, CBT/Childs Bertman Tseckares, Boston
Katherine McGuinness, Assoc. AIA, Principal, Kessler McGuinness & Associates, LLC, Newtonville MA

The Massachusetts Architectural Access Board can grant variances from its accessible design and construction regulations when the petitioner proves that compliance is "impracticable". Cost alone is not enough; and support from people with disabilities is important. We discuss the Board's variance process as well as how to work with people with disabilities on accessibility issues. We examine successful and unsuccessful variances from various projects, including educational, commercial and historic properties.

Build Boston Special Events

Great Places Fit for People: Excellence in Universal Design Design Awards Reception
Wednesday 11/19 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Design Gallery

Adaptive Environments is celebrating its 25th anniversary with an international design awards program jointly sponsored with the Boston Society of Architects and the New York AIA. Everyone is invited to congratulate the winners and help to celebrate an important milestone for Adaptive Environments. Cash-bar reception.

Thursday 11/20 1:00-2:30 pm C44 - International Commission on Technology and Accessibility (ICTA) meeting

Betty Dion, Betty Dion Enterprises Ltd., Ottawa

International Commission on Technology and Accessibility - North America (ICTA-NA) is hosting a general meeting open to all Build Boston attendees. ICTA-NA is part of an international not-for-profit organization (Rehabilitation International) dedicated to the promotion of accessibility. Everyone is welcome. You'll hear news about the International Committee on Accessibility and Usability of the Built Environment, the World Summit on the Information Society and share ideas about accessible reconstruction in war zones. Please bring your lunch and join us. For information in French or English, call 613-725-0566 or email ictana@bdel.ca. The agenda is posted on the ICTA-NA web site (www.starlingweb.com/ictana/).

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Build Boston Registration Information

All registration questions should be directed to the BSA. Call 1-800-544-1898 or go to the BSA web site (www.buildboston.com) (this link will open a new window in your web browser)

Free Workshops

Build Boston can be free or it can be inexpensive. To attend workshops free, call the BSA (617-951-1433 x221) or write (bsa@architects.org) and volunteer to work for a few hours at Build Boston. In exchange for your time, you will earn free admission to workshops.

Workshops

Save! Select any three workshops for a total of $210.

Individual Workshop:
Before 10-24-03: $80
After 10-24-03: $90

3-Workshop Economy Plan:
Before 10-24-03: $210 ($70 each)
After 10-24-03: $240 ($80 each)

If you purchase three workshops you automatically save. Pay $210 for three and save $30. All three workshops must be attended by the same individual. Registrations cannot be combined with your colleagues. No combinations are allowed under any circumstance. Tours, luncheons, special events and meetings are priced separately and do not apply to the three workshop discount.

Exhibit Hall

Admission to the Exhibit Hall is FREE if you register before October 24… or if you register for any Build Boston workshop or event then you automatically receive free admission to the exhibit hall. After October 24, the admission price is $15 per person, unless you register for any Build Boston workshop or event (then it's still FREE).

Exhibit Hall Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday Noon-7:00 pm

Adaptive Environments & the New England ADA and Accessible IT Center Booth: Please visit us at our booth #957, where you can learn about our projects, pick up free ADA Materials and earn CEU's by watching videos.

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