WASHINGTON - The American Architectural Foundation
(AAF) is scheduled to present its 2009 Keystone Award today (Feb. 6) to U.S.
Conference of Mayors President Miami Mayor Manuel A. Diaz at the 20th Annual
Accent on Architecture Gala in Washington,
D.C.
AAF presents the
Keystone Award annually to an organization or individual outside of the
architectural profession for their leadership in demonstrating the power of
architecture and design to improve lives and transform communities.
Three years ago,
Mayor Diaz launched Miami 21, a comprehensive master plan for Miami based on
new urbanism and smart growth principles, which includes economic development,
park and public places, transportation, historic preservation, and arts and
culture.
AAF is also honoring
Mayor Diaz for his vision for Miami
that is guided by an understanding of, and commitment to, sustainable design.
He created the city's first Office of Sustainable Initiatives which coordinates
Miami's
environmental programs, retrofitted City Hall, which now sports solar panels,
and launched the city's first Citywide Tree Master Plan, which aims at
enhancing and restoring the city's tree canopy.
“Mayor Diaz has been
a leader in design and smart growth on the national level, as well as in Miami,” said Tom Cochran,
CEO and executive director of The U.S. Conference of Mayors. “His achievements
in design leadership have enriched the quality of life for the residents of Miami and transformed his
community into being recognized as one of the best cities in the world.”
Mayor Diaz is a
member of the National Advisory Council of the Mayors' Institute on City
Design, a partnership program of the National Endowment for the Arts, American
Architectural Foundation, and The U.S. Conference of Mayors.
This year's event
will feature the presentation of the AAF Keystone Award, as well as the AIA
Gold Medal, AIA twenty-five Year Award, and AIA Architecture Firm Award.
Approximately 1,000 guests will attend the black-tie gala at DAR Constitution
Hall in Washington, D.C.