flexiblefullpage -
billboard - default
interstitial1 - interstitial
catfish1 - bottom
Currently Reading

It’s not just traditional infrastructure that requires investment

Market Data

It’s not just traditional infrastructure that requires investment

A national survey finds strong support for essential community buildings.


By AIA | November 29, 2016

Pixabay Public Domain

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 | Jun 14, 2016

Transwestern: Market fundamentals and global stimulus driving economic growth

A new report from commercial real estate firm Transwestern indicates steady progress for the U.S. economy. Consistent job gains, wage growth, and consumer spending have offset declining corporate profits, and global stimulus plans appear to be effective.

Market Data | Jun 7, 2016

Global construction disputes took longer to resolve in 2015

The good news: the length and value of disputes in the U.S. fell last year, according to latest Arcadis report.

Market Data | Jun 3, 2016

JLL report: Retail renovation drives construction growth in 2016

Retail construction projects were up nearly 25% year-over-year, and the industrial and office construction sectors fared well, too. Economic uncertainty looms over everything, however.

Market Data | Jun 2, 2016

ABC: Nonresidential construction spending down in April

Lower building material prices, a sluggish U.S. economy, and hesitation among private developers all factor into the 2.1% drop.

Market Data | May 20, 2016

Report: Urban area population growth slows

Older Millennials are looking to buy homes and move away to more affordable suburbs and exurbs.

Market Data | May 17, 2016

Modest growth for AIA’s Architecture Billings Index in April

The American Institute of Architects reported the April ABI score was 50.6, down from the mark of 51.9 in the previous month. This score still reflects an increase in design services.

Market Data | Apr 29, 2016

ABC: Quarterly GDP growth slowest in two years

Bureau of Economic Analysis data indicates that the U.S. output is barely growing and that nonresidential investment is down.

Market Data | Apr 20, 2016

AIA: Architecture Billings Index ends first quarter on upswing

The multi-family residential sector fared the best. The Midwest was the only U.S. region that didn't see an increase in billings.

Building Technology | Apr 11, 2016

A nascent commercial wireless sensor market is poised to ascend in the next decade

Europe and Asia will propel that growth, according to a new report from Navigant.

Industry Research | Apr 7, 2016

CBRE provides latest insight into healthcare real estate investors’ strategies

Survey respondents are targeting smaller acquisitions, at a time when market cap rates are narrowing for different product types.

boombox1 - default
boombox2 -
native1 -

More In Category

Construction Costs

New download: BD+C's May 2024 Market Intelligence Report

Building Design+Construction's monthly Market Intelligence Report offers a snapshot of the health of the U.S. building construction industry, including the commercial, multifamily, institutional, and industrial building sectors. This report tracks the latest metrics related to construction spending, demand for design services, contractor backlogs, and material price trends.




halfpage1 -

Most Popular Content

  1. 2021 Giants 400 Report
  2. Top 150 Architecture Firms for 2019
  3. 13 projects that represent the future of affordable housing
  4. Sagrada Familia completion date pushed back due to coronavirus
  5. Top 160 Architecture Firms 2021