A House for an Ecologist: A Design Ideas Competition

Sustainability has become a significant force in every area of human enterprise.

As it is normally practiced in design, however, it often is seen as a purely technical or ethical agenda and not as an aesthetic one.

In the construction industry, efforts to improve environmental performance have focused primarily on the science of building and neglected the art of architecture.

How can environmental innovation contribute directly to design excellence?

The AIA challenges architects and students everywhere to propose a unique dwelling that combines integrity and inspiration.

The program is a live/work dwelling for an ecologist in residence at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS).

The ecologist in residence, a fictitious position, will be an annual fellow who will receive a stipend and expenses to live and conduct research on site and in the field.

The expertise of the resident will vary from year to year, so the specific focus of his or her work or personality are not relevant.

Instead, assume the resident will work to promote the mission of the FWS: working with others to conserve, protect ,and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The dwelling is to include the resident's personal quarters (living, sleeping for one, eating for