A new survey by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) finds that a large majority of Americans (83%) consider public buildings—schools, libraries, community centers, and parks—part of their community’s infrastructure. And, 94% of those surveyed say that having well maintained public buildings are important to the future of their community.
In a key finding for policy makers, 83% of survey respondents agreed that investment in these public buildings is just as important as investment in roads and bridges. The survey also found that seven in 10 Americans want their public buildings renovated, and almost three-quarters of Americans consider public schools in good condition a “must have” in the communities in which they live.
These are some of the major findings of the first-ever AIA survey of American attitudes toward essential community buildings. The survey results, conducted by The Harris Poll, were made public today at the AIA Build America Summit.
Major survey findings:
- More than three in four Americans (78%) think their local government should take some financial responsibility for supporting the investment in their public buildings. Just under two-thirds (61%) think state government should take some financial responsibility. A majority (53%) think that community members should support it, and almost half (46%) believe private entities should also invest.
- A majority of Americans believe that the condition of community buildings can lead to notable benefits, particularly higher property values (60%) and improved quality of education (62%).
- 69% of Americans believe schools are one of the most important buildings to receive a consistent level of public funding.
- On average, Americans feel about one third (34%) of public funds budgeted for community features should be allocated to public buildings and/or spaces. Of the remaining, they would allocate 37% to transportation and 29% to public housing.
- Significant gender differences exist in attitudes toward public buildings and spaces. For example, women are more inclined than men (44% to 34%) to consider public housing options a “must have.” Conversely, older men (44%) place the most emphasis on funding transportation.
- Almost half those surveyed (48%) believe public housing (defined as a combination of senior and affordable housing) is one of the most important community features to receive a consistent level of public funding.
“It is clear from the survey that Americans consider investment in community buildings and spaces a priority,” said AIA CEO Robert Ivy, FAIA. “Not only do they believe that that investment would lead to improvements in property value, education, and public safety, but also serve to attract new businesses and enhance their overall quality of life.”
A copy of the survey results can be found here.
Related Stories
Market Data | May 30, 2018
Construction employment increases in 256 metro areas between April 2017 & 2018
Dallas-Plano-Irving and Midland, Texas experience largest year-over-year gains; St. Louis, Mo.-Ill. and Bloomington, Ill. have biggest annual declines in construction employment amid continuing demand.
Market Data | May 29, 2018
America’s fastest-growing cities: San Antonio, Phoenix lead population growth
San Antonio added 24,208 people between July 2016 and July 2017, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Market Data | May 25, 2018
Construction group uses mobile technology to make highway work zones safer
Mobile advertising campaign urges drivers who routinely pass through certain work zones to slow down and be alert as new data shows motorists are more likely to be injured than construction workers.
Market Data | May 23, 2018
Architecture firm billings strengthen in April
Firms report solid growth for seven straight months.
Market Data | May 22, 2018
Vacancies stable, rents rising, and pipeline receding, according to Transwestern’s 1Q US Office Market report
The Big Apple still leads the new construction charge.
Market Data | May 18, 2018
Construction employment rises in 38 states and D.C. from April 2017 to April 2018
California & West Virginia have biggest annual job gains, North Dakota has largest decline; California & Louisiana have largest monthly pickup, Indiana & North Dakota lead monthly drops.
High-rise Construction | May 18, 2018
The 100 tallest buildings ever conventionally demolished
The list comes from a recent CTBUH study.
Resiliency | May 17, 2018
Architects brief lawmakers and policy-makers on disaster recovery as hurricane season approaches
Urge senate passage of disaster recovery reform act; Relationship-building with local communities.
Market Data | May 17, 2018
These 25 cities have the highest urban infill development potential
The results stem from a COMMERCIALCafé study.
Market Data | May 10, 2018
Construction costs surge in April as new tariffs and other trade measures lead to significant increases in materials prices
Association officials warn that the new tariffs and resulting price spikes have the potential to undermine benefits of tax and regulatory reform, urge administration to reconsider.
