There is an increasing focus on architectural achievement in public projects in America rather than on eye-catching private buildings that attract headlines for individual architects, according to Cathleen McGuigan, editor-in-chief of Architectural Record, America’s leading architecture publication.

McGuigan, who was speaking to an Auckland audience on ‘New American Urbanism’ during a recent visit, said that urban renewal projects that improved public recreation, access and inner city revitalisation were a firm trend in design and architecture. Her magazine was enthusiastic to cover this story that was unfolding across many American cities.

In New Zealand to help judge the HOME New Zealand Home of the Year Award, sponsored by Altherm Window Systems, McGuigan said that famous American architects had designed several iconic buildings that were built in the late 2000s but more important since then was what was happening in the public realm.

McGuigan focused on three case studies of cities where exciting central city revitalisation was occurring: Cleveland, Oklahoma City and Pittsburgh. All were grappling in imaginative ways with the transformation of America’s manufacturing and industrial landscape and seeking to reverse the decline and abandonment of central cities.

Young people especially were driving the push to the centre. They were carving out a different world to their parents, driven by factors such as changing trends in entertainment, declining car ownership and tougher economic conditions. McGuigan also noted the central role of restaurants and cafes in reviving decaying downtowns. “I’m interested how food is driving the revitalisation of a lot of cities.”

McGuigan said that women now made up 50 per cent of the enrolments in architecture schools but just 18 per cent of the membership in the American Institute of Architects. There were many factors which made it hard for women to be in architecture. She implied that the focus on single architects and their achievements through such things as the Pritzker Prize underplayed the contribution of women architects, who were more likely to be present in collaborative settings. “I think architecture is a team sport,” she said. “Large projects take teams.”

McGuigan also gave a public lecture in Christchurch.

With Altherm’s sponsorship, the Home of the Year award is New Zealand richest architectural prize ($15,000). This year’s award shortlist comprises 11 homes spread throughout New Zealand. The winner will be announced in HOME New Zealand's April issue.