Armchair Architects Play Favorites With Buildings

25 March 2007 - 9:00am

The results are in and tongues are still wagging -- about buildings that Americans both love and hate. The AIA released the winners and losers of its survey to discover America's favorite architecture.

“The American Institute of Architects (AIA) polled 1,804 members of the American public on their favorite U.S. architecture and revealed the 150 winners on Feb. 7. Respondents chose from a list of 248 structures that was developed from an AIA survey of almost 2,500 of its members."

"Within days, the critics began wrestling with the question of What It All Means and whether the results should even be taken seriously. Blair Kamin at the Chicago Tribune: Does fame trump quality? John King at the San Francisco Chronicle: Are looks more important than innovation? Dan Glaister at The Guardian: Is a poll of nonarchitects really in the AIA's best interest?"

Should the Bellagio Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas rank among the favorites? Take exception to the list and contribute to the debate at www.aia150.org.

Source: ArchitectOnline.com, March 1, 2007
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