The American Institute of Architects recently created a

The American Institute of Architects recently created a Center for Livable Communities, which is directed by Stephanie Bothwell, a long-time new urbanist. The center is designed to provide information sharing, policy development, member advocacy, and resource guidance to architects in 300 chapters nationwide seeking to become more involved in pedestrian-oriented, human-scale community design. Current initiatives include: creating a centralized bank of information on livable communities, developing relationships with elected and appointed officials to strengthen advocacy for such communities, planning for an April conference on “Rebuilding Downtown” in Detroit, Michigan, and working with organizations like the American Architectural Foundation and Mayors’ Institute on City Design.