The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has inaugurated the new AIA Global Campus for Architecture & Design in Washington, DC. Spread across seven stories and 180,000 square feet, the net-zero design expresses an accessible, welcoming air in contrast to its former DC headquarters in the Octagon Building, which is also integrated onsite. The five-year transformation was led by San Francisco-based EHDD in collaboration with Hartman-Cox Architects, Hood Design Studio, Point Energy Innovations, and Turner Construction Company. “With over 200 chapters and 100,000-plus members, we want to be inclusive. Even the name,” says 2024 AIA president Kimberly Dowdell, “signals this is not just about architecture.”
Conceived to convey transparency by the AIA Building Committee, the design blurs workspace hierarchy as it heralds AIA staff, members, and the public with a sundrenched atrium. Linked to an external courtyard via glazed curtain walls, the atrium is anchored by a mass timber staircase as well as a multi-level climbing planter that most dramatically imbues greenery into the biophilic interiors. Further embodying principles of openness, the fourth floor houses a social gallery and coffee space alongside an array of diverse workspaces including designated areas for individual focus and collaboration. Private offices line the rear perimeter, where photovoltaic-covered sunshades are arranged in a diagrid-inspired frit pattern for a biophilic, dappled lighting effect. Informal and formal furniture also establish improved department connectivity beneath ceilings outfitted with waffle slab structures, textured baffles, and LED lighting with occupancy sensors. Ergonomic furniture as well as updated technology enhance a tiered boardroom on the second floor as well. Additional amenities include a wellness studio, focus rooms, a mother’s room, virtual reality/media lounge, and a library with access to AIA archives.
