Other key concerns expressed at the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Convention included sustainability and professional development, according to the AIA.
But interoperability was clearly a focus of those at the meeting. A statement signed and endorsed by 20 high-ranking officials in architects' associations re-affirmed their commitment to the principals of interoperability, which they said would help promote sustainability.
"Responses to the well-documented waste and inefficiencies of the construction industry, owner demand for increased productivity and cost-control, and the technological evolution, are all converging to move the profession toward revolutionary models of cross-disciplinary collaborative methods of project delivery, using new forms of information technology," the statement said.
"We support the development of collaborative practice and business models that will enhance the role and the creativity of the architect. We are committed to interoperability, based on open, non-proprietary international standards, as the key to maximum exploitation of software applications which will allow us to attain the goals of sustainability, wise use of resources and environmental stewardship expressed in the 2005 Las Vegas Declaration," the statement continued.
