Accessible design program submission deadline is April 15

Co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board (AAB), this program recognizes excellence in the design of buildings or facilities that are accessible for persons of all abilities. Successful projects include the integration of accessibility requirements and exceed the legal requirements with features that anticipate diverse user needs and benefits. Creative solutions are sought that include effective accessibility as part of well-designed, responsive architecture in these categories: * Public Architecture projects are buildings and facilities to which Massachusetts statute 521 CMR applies. * This statute (MGL Chapter 22, Section 13A) may be viewed at mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/22-13a.htm. * Private Residential projects address an individual's personal accessibility needs. * William D. Smith Memorial Award projects integrate accessibility with historic preservation. Entries may be for entire facilities or site-specific solutions. Project types might include exteriors (ramps, signage, campuses, landscape); interiors (entries, bathrooms, hardware, lifts, details); or buildings. Entries will be judged in part on effectiveness in integrating the specific access solution into the overall project design. The jury is empowered to determine the extent to which design excellence is informed by aesthetic, functional, social, sustainable, as well as accessible and other characteristics. Eligibility This program is open to everyone—designers, building officials, citizens, community groups, building owners and public agencies. Projects and solutions must be located in Massachusetts. Associate AIA members and other unlicensed designers may submit projects that do not require the stamp of a licensed professional. Projects must have been completed after January 1, 2006, and before April 15, 2011. Projects that have been honored in past years and work by jurors or by their firms are ineligible. Entry fees The nonrefundable entry fee for the first submission is $50 for Massachusetts AIA members and $100 for all others. The fee for each additional submission by the same architect or firm is $30 for Massachusetts AIA members and $60 for all others. (There is no limit on submissions.) Checks should be made payable to Boston Society of Architects. Submission Complete this entry form, and mail it with your entry fee and design materials to: Accessible Design Awards, The Architects Building, 52 Broad St. Boston, MA 02109 All submissions are due by 4:00 pm on April 15. Conceal references to the architecture firm on all materials submitted for the jury's review.