AARP and the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) are accepting entries for the third annual Livable Communities Awards that honor forward-looking housing industry professionals who have designed, built or remodeled creative and unique homes and communities that improve the daily comfort, ease of use and safety of residents.
Applications for the third annual Livable Communities Awards are due Thursday, July 23. For more information on the awards or to apply online, please visit www.nahb.org/livablecommunities.
New categories have been added this year to recognize architects and planners for home and community design. These two new categories have been added to the original awards that recognized remodelers, builders and developers.
Regardless of the category, the Livable Communities Awards seek to promote and recognize projects that effectively incorporate Universal Design, accessibility and aging-in-place features. These might include:
- Design elements that accommodate the needs of all residents with all levels of physical ability from children through grandparents
- Easy access to community services and features such as retail, restaurants, medical, social and cultural activities, as well as viable transportation options
- Improved energy efficiency that reduces long-term utility costs
- Enhanced site design that enables residents of a neighborhood to easily commune with the broader community
A panel of expert judges selected by NAHB and AARP will review the applications and select the finalists. Judging criteria vary from category to category, but points will be awarded based on:
- Universal Design Features
- Ease of Maintenance and Energy Efficiency
- Exterior Design and Landscaping/Site Design
- Incorporation of Livable Community Design Features
- Stakeholder Involvement
Winning entries will be publicly recognized and announced at an awards program in January 2010. Winners will be notified by NAHB and AARP no later than Nov. 1. Winners also will be provided with supporting materials to recognize their award.
