The Historic Resources Committee was THRILLED to learn that the Boston Public Library (BPL), has been named the 2025 winner of the AIA's Collaborative Achievement Award, 2025 AIA Collaborative Achievement Award: Boston Public Library !
The BPL stands as a national model of inclusive, community-driven architecture and collaborative achievement. Since its founding in 1848, and the opening of its Central Library in 1895 with the motto "Free to All" carved in stone, the BPL has championed equitable access to knowledge, culture, and public space. That mission endures today through the library's deep commitment to architectural excellence, universal design, and sustainability. AIA Honors Boston Public Library's Visionary, People-Centered Spaces – The Boston Sun
There are over 9,000 libraries in our country today and they need advocates, architects, and civic leadership, now more than ever.
There are still seats remaining for the AIA HRC's upcoming program and luncheon-to be held along with the AIA25 Conference on Design, at 11:30 AM on Thursday June 5, 2025-as we explore the legacy, challenges, opportunities, and role of the architect in navigating these important issues. 1.5 HSW/RIBA/LUs are offered. Register today! Program Code EV123 Schedule - AIA Conference on Architecture & Design 2025
This program is open to all and we invite attendees to join us and our esteemed panelists for this timely and engaging discussion at Boston's landmark Central Library (McKim Mead and White, 1895; Philip Johnson, 1972) in its remarkable Guastavino Room-showcasing structural and architectural innovations for which this extraordinary landmark is known.
The HRC has engaged three speakers for this program:
David Leonard
President of the Boston Public Library
Ann M. Beha FAIA
Founder and Principal of Ann Beha Architects (now Annum Architects)
John Ochsendorf
MIT Professor of Architecture; Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Author of Guastavino Vaulting, the Art of Structural Tile.
Please refer to the attached flyer for additional information!
Looking forward to seeing you in Boston!
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Robert Burns, AIA
2025 Chair
Historic Resources Committee Advisory Group
Richmond, VA
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