The American Institute of Architects, Pittsburgh Chapter (AIA Pittsburgh) supports the provision of affordable housing as a fundamental human right. We believe in the power of design to create healthy, sustainable, and thriving communities. We also recognize that solving complex challenges requires a comprehensive, collaborative, and inclusive approach. We feel the proposed amendments to Title Nine, as recommended by the City Planning Commission, risk unintended negative consequences in both the short and long term.
Inclusionary zoning has the potential to make a meaningful impact in our city as one tool within a comprehensive solution. Given the many other pressing zoning issues facing the City of Pittsburgh requiring immediate attention, this proposal unfortunately lacks the appropriate amount of collaboration and feels rushed – even in the face of a housing crisis.
The members of AIA Pittsburgh are experts in providing thoughtful and effective solutions to these types of issues; with experience designing multifamily projects on all scales and across various diverse markets across the country. Much work has been done within our industry to study these issues, as briefly described in this article: https://www.aia.org/aia-architect/article/making-homes-attainable-how-architects-can-help
Despite our ongoing efforts to engage with local policymakers, there has been little to no opportunity for our expertise to be utilized to inform these critical discussions. Our members routinely collaborate with community development groups, local stakeholders, developers, consultants, and government officials to create vibrant and inclusive projects within our communities. We stand ready to help facilitate these conversations and contribute to the proposed policies that promote equitable and sustainable growth, not just in the housing sector, but in all aspects of development.
Pittsburgh for several years has been deemed ‘most livable city’; but we have continued to question ‘most livable for whom?’ We urge city leaders to engage AEC (Architectural, Engineering, and Construction) industry experts, especially architects, urban planners, and fellow members within the engineering and construction industries, along with community stakeholders in an effort to create a more effective, balanced approach to these policies. We call for processes, as well as policies, that ensure Pittsburgh’s housing future is both inclusive and sustainable.
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About AIA Pittsburgh: AIA Pittsburgh, then called the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, was founded in 1899 and covers an 11-county region of southwestern Pennsylvania. Representing over 600 members, we are located in Pittsburgh’s downtown Cultural District in the historic Ewarts Building.
The AIA has been advancing the value of architects and architecture for more than 165 years. We are the collective and credible voice of the profession, and help make architects better architects through access to the institute’s resources, knowledge, tools and events.
Please contact Endy Reindl, Executive Director at 412-470-6882 or ereindl@aiapgh.org with questions or comments.