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The AIA launched Soloso in September 2007 as a centralized knowledge and content acquisition experience. The site is more than a series of linked Web pages it is a research tool that, over time, will become a premiere resource for information about architecture and the profession. Soloso will house member content, AIA contributed content, and third party content. All of the content is accessible through three search mediums, the ThinkMap, the scroll tape, and the typical search box method. Soloso was created as a platform for member interaction currently members interface with Soloso by contributing their own content in the form of articles, projects and/or images as well as reviews, profile pages, and feedback.
You must be a member of the AIA to log in to Soloso. To find out more about membership in the AIA, go to http://www.aia.org
To access member only content/tools, you will need the e-mail address and password you use to access the member only portion of aia.org. Your username is your e-mail address. The default password is your last name capitalized appropriately. The password must be at least six characters long. If your last name is fewer than six characters, apply the first digits of your member number to the end of your last name. All AIA member numbers start with 30. For example, if your last name is Smith, your password could be Smith3.
If you have difficulty logging in, please contact AIA Information Central at Infocentral@aia.org (Click the Contact AIA button at the bottom of the Support Page or 800-242-3837 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST.
You must be a member and be logged in to the site. Once you have successfully signed in, your profile will automatically be created and you can update it. Click on the Menu tab at the top of the screen. Click the My Profile button next.
You must be a member and logged in to the site to add content. Once logged in, select the Menu tab and then select My Profile. Choose the Contributions tab. Select either New Project Profile Submission or New Individual Item Submission.
You must be a member and logged in to the site to add margin notes. Each article has small margin bubbles to the right of every paragraph. Click on the corresponding bubble for the paragraph you would like to comment on. A margin window will open where you can read other member comments. To add your own comments, select Add Comments in the upper right hand corner. If no comments exist, the margin bubble will show a plus (+) sign and will automatically open to the Add Comment screen.
You must be a member and logged in to Soloso to rate and/or write a review. You can rate and review content by selecting Write a Review at the bottom of the page or on the right hand side of the page near the starred rating system.
Select Contact AIA at the bottom of the support page to send a message to the Information Central department.
The Editorial Content Review Board approves all member-contributed content. It reviews the content for its applicability to the site and value-added quality.
The Editorial Content Review Board will oversee all comments and act as a moderator to the site. If inappropriate content has been posted, it will have the authority to remove the content.
The AIA stamp of approval identifies content that has been published by AIA. Soloso is an interactive tool that allows members to upload their own content. The AIA stamp is one way for viewers to recognize which content pieces come directly from the AIA.
Thinkmap and the scroll tape are comprehensive browsing tools that organize content along terms in the taxonomy. The keyword search is a typical search method based on words within the text. All three search methods will provide the user with the same search screen; however, the search results within the screen may differ. As an example let’s use the term environmentally responsible. You would not be able to find the term environmentally responsible using Thinkmap because the term is not in the taxonomy; however, sustainable business practices is in the taxonomy. To find articles using environmentally responsible, you would have to use the keyword search.
The Soloso project will feature content partners to help diversify and enrich the knowledge available through the site. Content partners are organizations (either firms or schools of architecture) that have given permission for us to link to specific areas of their Web sites rich in architectural content. This allows our search engine to do a running index (full word search) of the site with scheduled checks for new posted content. The resulting list will be displayed in the Soloso Web site. When the results are opened, you will see the item in the context of the organization’s Web site.
The terms you see in the Thinkmap are part of a taxonomy that guides the organization of content within Soloso.
Thinkmap requires Flash version 8 and Java.
If Java is installed follow these instructions:
For Windows; IE 6 and 7
Windows; Firefox 1.5
Mac; Firefox 1.5, Safari
If Java is NOT installed follow these instructions:
Windows; IE 6 and 7
Windows; Firefox 1.5
Java Not Enabled:
Windows IE 6 and 7
Windows Firefox 1.5
Mac; Safari 2, Firefox 1.5
Taxonomy
Click here to view the complete taxonomy
Click here to view an overview and explanation of the taxonomy
AIA Soloso Terms of Use
Website Users
The AIA Soloso website ("Soloso") is controlled and operated in whole or in part by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) from its offices within the United States. The AIA makes no representation that these materials are appropriate or available for use outside the territory of the U.S. Users outside of the U.S. who access Soloso do so at their own risk and are responsible for compliance with applicable local laws. The AIA reserves the right in its sole discretion to refuse or terminate access to Soloso at any time.
Your Acceptance of These Terms of Use
You acknowledge you have read and agree to be bound by these Terms of Use and to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. You further agree to comply with all local laws, regulations, and rules regarding online conduct and acceptable website/internet content. You represent you have the legal authority to accept these Terms of Use on behalf of yourself or any party you represent. If you do not agree to these terms, please do not use Soloso.
AIA Trademarks
Soloso contains proprietary logos, service marks, trademarks, slogans and product designations. By displaying them on Soloso, the AIA is not granting you a license to use them in any fashion. Access to Soloso does not confer upon you any license under any of the AIA's or any third party's intellectual property rights.
Use of Blogs, Wiki, Message Boards, Member Profiles, Commentary Tools, and and Other Communications Forums.
Soloso contains functions that allow users to interact with one another in a constructive, positive manner. It is important, however, that users follow basic terms and conditions so that Soloso continues to be a useful tool.
Users agree to use the Soloso blogs, wiki, message boards, member profiles, commentary tools, and other communications forums or functions (individually "Forum" or collectively "Forums") only to send and receive messages and material that are proper and related to the particular Forum. By way of example, and not as a limitation, the user agrees that when using a Forum, the user shall not:
You represent and warrant also that the content you supply does not violate these terms, and that you will indemnify and hold the AIA harmless for any and all claims resulting from content you supply.
You acknowledge that the AIA does not pre-screen or regularly review posted content, but that it shall have the right to remove in its sole discretion any content that it considers to violate these terms.
You understand that all content posted to Soloso is the sole responsibility of the person who originally posted the content. You understand, also, that all opinions expressed by users of Soloso are expressed strictly in their individual capacities, and not as representatives of the AIA.
You agree that the AIA will not be liable, under any circumstances and in any way, for any errors or omissions, loss or damage of any kind incurred as a result of use of any content posted on Soloso. You agree that you must evaluate and bear all risks associated with the use of any content, including any reliance on the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of such content.
The AIA respects the intellectual property of others, and requires that our users do the same. If you believe that your work has been copied and is accessible on Soloso in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, or that your intellectual property rights have been otherwise violated, please contact AIA at Soloso@aia.org.
A. If you are a copyright owner or an agent thereof and believe that any User submission or other content infringes upon your copyrights, you may submit a notification pursuant to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act ("DMCA") by providing our Copyright Agent with the following information in writing (see 17 U.S.C 512(c)(3) for further detail):
The American Institute of Architects designated Copyright Agent to receive notifications of claimed infringement is: Mark Carpenter, email: mcarpenter@aia.org, fax:202-626-7580. For clarity, only DMCA notices should go to the Copyright Agent. You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with all of the requirements of this Section 5(D), your DMCA notice may not be valid.
B. Counter-Notice. If you believe that your User Submission that was removed (or to which access was disabled) is not infringing, or that you have the authorization from the copyright owner, the copyright owner's agent, or pursuant to the law, to post and use the content in your User Submission, you may send a counter-notice containing the following information to the Copyright Agent:
If a counter-notice is received by the Copyright Agent, the AIA may send a copy of the counter-notice to the original complaining party informing that person that it may replace the removed content or cease disabling it in 10 business days. Unless the copyright owner files an action seeking a court order against the content provider, member or user, the removed content may be replaced, or access to it restored, in 10 to 14 business days or more after receipt of the counter-notice, at the AIA's sole discretion.
DISCLAIMERS
THE CONTENT, CODE, ACCESS, AND OTHER FEATURES OF THESE SITES ARE PROVIDED "AS IS" AND WITHOUT WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WARRANTIES OF ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, AND/OR NON-INFRINGEMENT. THE AIA DOES NOT WARRANT THAT ANY SUCH FEATURES WILL OPERATE IN AN UNINTERRUPTED OR ERROR-FREE FASHION, THAT DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED, OR THAT THESE SITES OR THE SERVER ARE FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AIA BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION LOST PROFITS AND COST OF PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE PRODUCTS, ARISING OUT OF YOUR USE OR INABILITY TO USE ANY CONTENT OR FEATURES, OR YOUR FAILURE TO ACCESS OR CLICK-THROUGH ACCESS ANY CONTENT OR FEATURES, EVEN IF THE AIA HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. THE AIA SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY FOR ANY CLAIMS BROUGHT BY THE OWNERS OF CONTENT OR SITES ACCESSED THROUGH CLICK-THRU ACCESS BASED ON YOUR INAPPROPRIATE OR UNPERMITTED ACCESS OF SUCH CONTENT OR SITES. YOU HEREBY AGREE TO INDEMNIFY THE AIA FOR SUCH CLAIMS IF BROUGHT AGAINST THE AIA IF YOU USED THIS SITE FOR SUCH INAPPROPRIATE OR UNPERMITTED ACCESS.
Click here to review the AIA's Code of Ethics
The Editorial Content Review Board (ECRB) is comprised of five members; one editor-in-chief and four subject matter experts (Leadership, Building Performance, Design, Practice) who advise on and approve content for Soloso. As members of the ECRB they write content, vet content, and oversee blogs and reviews on the site.
Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA, specializes in planning, and design of justice, healthcare, and institutional facilities. Since founding Barbara Nadel Architect in 1992, she has provided programming, master planning, design, security reviews, pre-construction, value engineering, and expert witness services to public and private sector organizations nationwide and globally. As an award winning author, editor, and writer, her work has informed the public and educated the profession in over 100 media outlets. Nadel has spoken about security design at over 45 venues in the U.S. and Canada since 2001, including AIA Conventions, the Swedish Embassy, and allied organizations. She was the 2001 national AIA vice president, served twice as New York regional director on the AIA National Board, was 2002 chair of the AIA Academy on Architecture for Justice, and chaired the AIA National Advertising Committee.
Over her career, Ms. DeBernard has provided strategic leadership for a wide variety of offices and teams. Ms. DeBernard began developing her leadership skills by directing small teams, and quickly progressed to leading large offices with many teams. She now undertakes a key leadership role for the firm of Leo A Daly, which employs over 1,000 professionals. She has served the Leo A Daly firm as Project Manager and Principal-in-Charge for numerous projects on which she led and supported client and project teams. In her current role as Assistant Chief Operating Officer she oversees the Directors of Operations in each of Leo A Daly’s domestic and international offices. This role encompasses strategic leadership, risk mitigation, technical and design quality control, marketing and financial management. Ms. DeBernard identifies her skills in strategic planning, problem resolution and collaboration as the hallmarks of her personal leadership style.
Linda Reeder is the sole proprietor of Linda Reeder Architecture, LLC. In addition to providing design and construction administration services to her clients, she consults with other architectural firms that specialize in educational, institutional, and high-end residential projects. Ms. Reeder has 12 years of writing, reporting and editorial experience, teaching experience, and is active on the AIA Connecticut Building Performance Committee.
Rena M. Klein, FAIA, is principal of RM Klein Consulting, a Seattle firm offering meeting facilitation, business planning services and management education to architects in firms nationwide. She is an adjunct professor at Washington State University where she teaches design studio, as well as leadership, ethics, and professional practice. Rena regularly presents seminars and workshops on small firm practice at AIA Conventions and to various AIA Knowledge Communities. Responding to the need for management education among small firm practitioners, she has developed numerous original programs including courses on financial management, organizational design and team building. Her participatory and engaging approach to professional education has drawn highly favorable responses and helps architects in the Northwest and nationwide achieve success in their practices.
Alan Ford, AIA, established Alan Ford Architects PC on June 1, 2007. Previously, Alan was a design and managing partner with Hutton Ford Architects PC from 1993 to May 2007. A licensed architect with 28 years of experience, Alan has a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado. Prior to 1993, Alan worked with W.C. Muchow and Partners in Denver, The New York office of Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects and John Burgee Architects with Philip Johnson in New York. Alan served for several years on the editorial board of the award winning AIA magazine Architect Colorado and has been an honorarium professor, lecturer and guest critic at the University of Colorado, School of Architecture. Alan's passion is participating in and promoting quality architecture. Author of the recent book Designing the Sustainable School and co-author with Paul Hutton on the book A Sense of Entry: Designing the Welcoming School. Alan has published articles
on architecture in Architect Colorado and World Architecture News.
The term blog is a concatenation of the words web and log. A blog is a shared online journal where users can post their own opinions and read other users’ opinions typically in reverse chronological order.
An AIA member or AIA affiliate who contributes content to Soloso is considered a content contributor.
A domain is a province of thought, field of activity, range, or scope. Soloso uses four domains, design, building performance, practice, and leadership, to deliver information in an organized manner.
ECRB is an acronym for Editorial Content Review Board. Please see Subject Matter Experts and Vetted Content for more information.
Podcasts rely on RSS feeds as a form of promoting media in the form of audio and/or video. The AIA offers a podcast series for design professionals, featuring interviews, discussions, and best practices by architects and other design professionals who are at the forefront of the profession. AIA podcasts can be downloaded via one of three media types: XML, iTunes, or MP3. Once downloaded, the media can be viewed or listened to on a personal computer or a portable media player at the time and place of the viewer’s choosing.
RSS specifies a means for disseminating news and current events from web publisher to web user via “feeds,” or syndication, using XML language. RSS can be an abbreviation for one of three standards: Really Simple Syndication, RDF Site Summary, or Rich Site Summary.
The ECRB is made up of four subject matter experts and one editor-in-chief. The four subjects refer to the four main domains of the taxonomy: practice, leadership, building performance, and design. The editorial members are responsible for reviewing all contributed content within one of these categories.
When content is uploaded to Soloso, either the contributor or a member of the ECRB identifies key terms found in the taxonomy that relate to the subject matter and adds these terms to the profile or metadata of the content.
The AIA created an organizational system of more than 12,000 architecture-related terms to help users browse content housed in Soloso. All 12,000 terms are organized in one of four domains: leadership, practice, building performance, or design. From the four domains, terms are organized by most general to most specific. The terms are based on a lexicon or spoken word dialect.
Thinkmap is a sophisticated reference tool. It organizes words based on relationship and displays them in an interactive visual form.
Vetted content means there is a process of approval in place to establish that all content on Soloso brings value to members and is appropriate for the site. The ECRB oversees this task.