SON SON
The president of the American Institute of Architects announced that in celebration of AIA’s 150th anniversary Google has added two new 3D layers called America’s Favorite Architecture and Blueprint for America.
RK Stewart said on Google’s official blog that: “starting today, there are two new Google Earth layers with which to explore architecture’s most popular structures and take away some ideas to help enhance the communities we live in.”
Announcing his enthusiasm for the collaboration with the Mountain View-based giant, Stewart said the partnership is a result of AIA’s 150th anniversary.
According to him, the 3D layer called America’s Favorite Architecture features “American public’s favorite architecture (as selected though a national poll announced earlier this year)”. Among the buildings included in the layer are The White House, Washington National Cathedral, Thomas Jefferson Memorial and the Empire State Building. However Stewart says there are more than 150 structures (buildings, ballparks, bridges, and memorials) “that characterize architecture in the eyes of Americans.”
The second layer, Blueprint for America “is a community service effort funded by the AIA, in which AIA members donating their time and expertise are collaborating with community leaders and local citizens to enhance the quality of life in their community.”
According to the official site, Blueprint for America projects range from bus-stop extreme makeovers to a new expressway corridor in Brooklyn and are created to inspire people to change the way they view architecture and its role in their daily lives. Three-dimensional models will bring to life visions for revitalizing sleepy downtowns, and teams of AIA architects and citizens will determine new standards for affordable housing.
Stewart also promised further enhancements and additions to the layers from Google Earth in the next year.