Design and the Environment: Observations and Experiments

Phillips Swager Associates Lecture

Monday, May 3, 7:00 PM
7:00 P.M. - Lawrence J. Plym Auditorium
Temple Hoyne Buell Hall

Rafael Pelli
Partner
Cesar Pelli & Associates, New York

Mr. Pelli will speak of his personal explorations about gaining a better understanding about creating a sustainable architecture and how these lessons are being applied in his design. His approach to sustainable design is one of investigation of opportunities, discovering the appropriate responses based upon building site and program rather than a formulaic solution or a "green checklist," He cites a number of influences, including client mission, regulatory changes and incentives, and emerging technologies that have helped shape the development of the building design.

Using a series of project case studies, Mr. Pelli will illustrate how such influences have been applied to his firm's work. The firm actively uses new computer technology to analyze building performance in the areas of thermal gain and loss, day-lighting and ventilation, using this analysis to improve more traditional construction techniques as well as to incorporate new approaches to building systems and enclosure. A recently completed condominium building at Battery Park City in New York includes photovoltaic panels in the brick and aluminum curtain wall. Computer modeling assisted in the detailing of windowsill and jamb conditions and attachment points to the structure to minimize thermal loss. The building uses a green roof and a storm water recovery system provides back-up water for the fire suppression system. Conceptual planning for a new School of Business building at the University of Illinois investigates alternatives for daylighting and the use of natural passive ventilation of the major public spaces.

Mr. Pelli advocates a design approach that incorporates sustainable initiatives as a normal part of the design and planning process. Each new response suggests other opportunities. For him, the journey of exploration and innovation is as important as the final destination.

About the Lecturer

Rafael Pelli is the Partner in charge of Cesar Pelli & Associates’ New York office, which was established in Summer 2000. He is directing the design for a new College of Business building at the University of Illinois and several of the firm’s New York projects, including a 1.4 million square foot mixed-use high-rise in Midtown that will be the headquarters for Bloomberg, L.P., a new 293-unit apartment building in Battery Park City, and the recent new entry and reconstruction work to the Winter Garden at the World Financial Center. The apartment building is the first to be designed under ambitious new environmental guidelines developed by the Battery Park City Authority. It was selected as one of five US projects by the US Department of Energy for the 2002 Green Building Challenge, which compares buildings from around the world, and has recently been designated as a 2004 AIA Top Ten Green Award winner.

Mr. Pelli has been the Project Principal, and a collaborating designer with his father Cesar, on a number of the firm’s projects over the last ten years, including the master plan of two new campus’ for private universities in Argentina (Siglo 21 and UNSTA), the Torre BankBoston Headquarters, in Buenos Aires, Argentina , the expansion of the Payne Whitney Gymnasium at Yale University, the Town Center Cinema in Celebration, Florida; and the Sea Hawk Hotel & Resort in Fukuoka, Japan.

Mr. Pelli is a Member of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and has lectured widely on the results of the firm's sustainable building design efforts. He has lectured and served as Guest Critic for design reviews at various universities. He received a Bachelor of Arts in 1978 from Yale University and a Master of Architecture in 1985 from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design.