The American Institute of Architects (AIA) was founded in 1817 in New York City, aiming to promote the profession of architecture and improve the quality of buildings. This establishment marked a significant step in the professionalization of architecture in the United States, influencing urban development and design. The AIA played a crucial role in shaping the architectural landscape of American cities.

The establishment of the AIA inspired poets and writers to explore themes of urbanization, architecture, and the relationship between built environments and human experience. Poets like Walt Whitman later reflected on the changing American landscape, using architecture as a metaphor for societal progress and individual identity in their works.