In 2006 and 2007, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) sponsored research to identify the most popular works of architecture in the United States.
[1][2] As part of the commemoration of the organization's 150th anniversary in 2007, the AIA announced the list of the 150 highest-ranked structures as "America's Favorite Architecture".
Urban design critic John King of the San Francisco Chronicle described the list as "the architectural equivalent of comfort food.
"[4] King noted that the public's ratings were based on seeing a single photo of each building, and pointed out that "There's more to architecture than a picture can convey.
"[4] Architect and past AIA president R. K. Stewart acknowledges that the list "isn't necessarily the design professional's view of the best buildings, but the emotional connection to where people live and work and play.