Many architecture firms are still struggling, but the industry, a bellwether for planning and the larger economy, has recovered a little from the lows of the spring and summer months.

"Last month fewer architecture firms reported a decline in billings, up slightly from previous months, but still lagging behind pre-pandemic numbers," reports Paul Petrunia of the latest figures from Architecture Billings Index released by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
"The AIA's Architecture Billings Index (ABI) report for the month of September shows a score of 47.0, indicating that a little over half of firms are continuing to see a decline in revenue, up from 40.0 in August," adds Petrunia. "The reported number of inquiries, however, are promising, up to 57.2 compared to 51.6 in August."
The article includes regional and sector breakdowns, and projections for how the dust will settled when the year finally ends. Information about the office status (i.e., work from home or not) is also included.
For more on the recent trends in the ABI, see previous coverage from Planetizen:
- Bottom Falls Out on Architecture Billings Index (April 24, 2020)
- The Architecture Billings Index Was Strong on the Eve of the Pandemic (March 20, 2020)
- Bad News From the Architectural Billings Index (September 24, 2019)
FULL STORY: September sees modest improvement in Architecture Billings Index relative to recent months

What ‘The Brutalist’ Teaches Us About Modern Cities
How architecture and urban landscapes reflect the trauma and dysfunction of the post-war experience.

‘Complete Streets’ Webpage Deleted in Federal Purge
Basic resources and information on building bike lanes and sidewalks, formerly housed on the government’s Complete Streets website, are now gone.

Montreal’s Gorilla Park Repurposes Defunct Railway Track
The park is part of a global movement to build public spaces that connect neighbors and work with local elements to serve as key parts of a city’s green infrastructure.

Safe Parking Programs Help People Access Housing
The safety and stability offered by Safe Parking sites have helped 40 percent of unhoused San Diego residents who accessed these programs get into permanent housing.

Study: Single-Staircase Buildings Pose No Additional Risks
Zoning codes have long prohibited single-stair residential buildings due to safety concerns, but changing that could lower the cost of construction and allow for more flexible housing designs.

Forest Service Rescinds Tree Planting Grants
The $75 million program fell victim to the federal government’s purge of ‘DEI’-related projects.
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