American Institute of Architects SDAT Team

SDAT Team

Culver City Selected by American Institute of Architects for its Community Assistance Program to Promote Sustainability.

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Center for Communities by Design selected Culver City, as one of eight communities from the United States, to receive technical assistance under the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) program for 2007.

The City Council unanimously approved submittal of an application at the City Council meeting of November 27, 2006. On December 29, 2006, Culver City was selected after submitting the application to the SDAT review panel outlining the economic, environmental, and social equity challenges facing the community. Environmental quality and economic health are mutually dependent as a healthy environment is crucial for the long-term prosperity of the city, its residents, and its business community. Awareness, responsibility, involvement and education will be key elements to designing a sustainable plan for Culver City.

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment & Development, 1987.) A Culver City Sustainable Community Plan will encompass the concept of sustainability that will guide City policy and underline the long-term impact of policy choices.

The collaborative SDAT program brings together architects and other professionals assembled from across the country to help the community to develop a roadmap for sustainability. The team of professionals included architects, planners, hydrologists, economic development specialists selected based on their credentials and the specific needs of this community. To provide the most objective assessment, SDAT members volunteer their time and expertise and are selected from areas outside the project communities. The SDAT worked with Culver City’s community leaders to help shape the community’s strategy for a Sustainable Community Plan.