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AIA Virginia > Uncategorized > Board Clarifies Test of Time Award Criteria

On June 6, 2014, the Board of Directors of the Virginia Society AIA unanimously approved a motion put forward by the Honors Committee clarifying the Test of Time award criteria. There has long been discussion among committee members about the intent of the award. Although it had been understood that award was not intended to recognize historic preservation or acknowledge landmark status, the existing criteria did not address maximum building age. As Honors Committee Chair Mary P. Cox, FAIA, quipped, “Debate about the award could, itself, win the Test of Time.”

[adrotate banner=”59″]A sub-committee chaired by Marvin Cantor, FAIA, studied the issue and developed a set of recommendations to provide additional clarity. The following criteria (largely inspired by the national AIA Test of Time Award eligibility statement), was approved by the VSAIA Board of Directors.

This award recognizes architectural design of enduring significance that meets the following eligibility conditions:

  1. The period of time for which the project must have endured the “Test of Time” shall be not less than 25 years nor more than 50 years from the date of initial construction.
  2. The project may be a single structure or group of buildings forming a single project.
  3. The project should still carry out the original program in a substantial manner (i.e. residential, place of assembly, institutional, education, etc.).  The project must be standing as originally designed in appearance and in good condition.
  4. The project must be located in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

The primary purpose of the award is to recognize the structure(s) itself and not necessarily the architect, owner or tenant.

Any AIA member, group of members, component, or VSAIA Knowledge Community may make a nomination in this category.  Projects previously nominated and not selected may be re-nominated in following years providing they meet the eligibility criteria. These criteria will be used for the 2014 Honors Awards cycle. If you have questions, or would like additional information, contact Rhea George.

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