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LITERALLY GREEN FACADES
"Facade greening" is essentially the use of a living — and therefore self-regenerating — cladding system for buildings in which climbing plants, or in some cases trained shrubs, cover the surface of a building.
Climbers can dramatically reduce the maximum temperatures of a building by shading walls from the sun. They can reduce the daily temperature fluctuation by as much as 50 percent, a fact of great importance in warm-summer climate zones. — Published 2004.0728
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AIA TOP TEN GREEN BUILDINGS 2004
In recognition of Earth Day 2004, The American Institute of Architects and its Committee on the Environment selected ten exemplary "green" buildings that — through their construction and operation — minimize damage to the environment. Together, they showcase environmentally responsible design through brownfield redevelopment, alternative heating and cooling systems, and/or creative use of daylighting. — Published 2004.0602
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GREEN SCHOOL GATHERS FOR TAKEOFF
When architects speak of "green" buildings these days, they seldom mean it literally. But for the elementary/ middle school in Lake Zurich, Illinois, Legat Architects, Inc. have justified both environmental and chromatic interpretations of the word. They designed the new school for sustainability and gave it a distinctive copper entrance that the students have dubbed "the green spaceship." Says their principal: "They keep waiting for it to blast off!" — Published 2004.0526
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POSTCARD FROM EUGENE, OREGON
Dear ArchitectureWeek,
The Chapel of Second Chances is an open-air structure intended for second-wedding ceremonies and the renewal of vows. Designed and built by my architecture students at the University of Oregon in Eugene, it illustrates the design potential of reused materials. Besides recycled romance, it will shelter workshops and other educational events. — Published 2004.0421
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BARCELONA RUNS DEEP
The Poblenou area of Barcelona is experiencing a renewal. As the doorway to the site for the 2004 Universal Forum of Cultures — with themes of cultural diversity, sustainable development, and world peace — this traditional industrial district is taking on a new technological focus. — Published 2004.0317
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ARCHITECTURAL GLOBAL WARMING
When we think about the causes of "global warming," what commonly comes to mind are gas-guzzling cars and smoke-spewing industrial processes. But a lion's share of the pollutants that cause global warming are attributable to architecture.
Architect Edward Mazria of Mazria, Riskin Odems, Inc. in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has been making a case for why his profession should take greater responsibility for the problem. — Published 2004.0218
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ECOHOUSES IN INDIA AND WALES
Eco-architecture sees buildings as part of the larger ecology of the planet and the building as part of a living habitat. This contrasts with the more common notions of many architects, who see a building as a work of art, perhaps on exhibition in a settlement or as "frozen music" in the people-less pictures of glossy magazines. — Published 2004.0121
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PV AT HOME
As the cost of photovoltaic (PV) technology declines, it is becoming more common for large companies and institutions to install vast arrays of PV cells to capture solar radiation and convert it into electricity. But until recently, it was the rare individual who would place expensive photoelectric panels on the roof of his or her house. Increasingly, however, lower costs and the appeal of an independent power supply have encouraged small businesses and homeowners to take a closer look at the options. — Published 2003.1210
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PIANO'S BEYELER FOUNDATION MUSEUM
Modern-art collector Ernst Beyeler wanted a tranquil, naturally lit environment for his paintings, despite conventional wisdom that would exclude all sunlight from most art collections. He had been impressed by the building designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano for the Menil Collection — a nonmonumental space open to contact with nature, facilitating a direct and relaxed relationship between visitor and artifact. — Published 2003.1105
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NATURALLY COOL CONVENTION CENTER
Echoing the shape of bridges arcing over the Allegheny River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is the new David L. Lawrence Convention Center. A sail-like roof is suspended from steel cables over the four-story riverfront building.
The dramatic form designed by architect Rafael Viñoly Architects is more than visually striking, however. The sweeping roof channnels river breezes and creates a degree of natural ventilation that is extraordinary for a building of this type and size. — Published 2003.1008
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