The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Institute of Building Sciences (NIBS) have developed the Building Research Information Knowledgebase (BRIK), an interactive portal offering free online access to peer-reviewed research projects and case studies in all facets of the built environment, from pre-design through occupancy and reuse.

“By providing a portal to comprehensive research and data, this initiative is intended to help better educate the entire real estate marketplace on how design strategies and innovations can have a profound impact on building performance,” said AIA Chief Executive Officer, Robert Ivy, FAIA. “The BRIK offering is an entry-way to show quantifiable proof of evidence-based design approaches.”

“The BRIK website is for professionals by professionals,” said NIBS President Henry L. Green, Hon. AIA. “BRIK users can view the peer review process each article has undergone, and, thanks to BRIK’s system of individually applied search tags, target the type of research they need at the moment. They can help their fellow users by commenting on and tweeting about particular articles. BRIK also allows knowledge contributors to share findings in their own professional fields with a much broader audience.”

With contributions from government agencies, architecture firms, academics and research groups, the initial online offering will focus on healthcare facilities, learning environments and high-performance building types and contain 500 different reports. Additional building types will be added in the near future. The first BRIK Knowledge Contributors to sign Memorandums of Agreement with AIA and NIBS are HKS/Center for Advanced Design Research & Evaluation, the Environmental Design Research Association and the Center for Healthcare Design.

 Features of BRIK research include:

• Interactivity: all users may comment on and rate research projects publicly.

• Comprehensive search ability: research projects are searchable by text, title, keyword, taxonomy and contributor.

• Events calendar: BRIK keeps users abreast of research-related events concerning the built environment.

• Connectivity: BRIK will feature RSS feeds, Twitter links, and bookmarking capabilities.

For further information on BRIK and on how to become a Knowledge Contributor, visit the “Frequently Asked Questions” section on the website home page, www.brikbase.org.

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public well being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

About the National Institute of Building Sciences
The National Institute of Building Sciences, authorized by public law 93-383 in 1974, is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization that brings together representatives of government, the professions, industry, labor and consumer interests to identify and resolve building process and facility performance problems. The Institute serves as an authoritative source of advice for both the private and public sectors with respect to the use of building science and technology. Visit www.nibs.org