‘Zero-energy’ architecture expert to speak at NWTC February 26

Students from the Architectural Technology program at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College will learn about sustainable building design strategies next week from a Chicago-based architect who is currently involved in a landmark, “zero-energy” concept tower in China.

     Russell Gilchrist, RIBA, the director of technical architecture in the Chicago Office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), will present “Zero Energy – Green Building Solutions” to about 50 NWTC architectural technology students at 3 p.m., Tuesday, February 26, in the Student Center, Room SC132, on the NWTC Green Bay campus. All members of the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Institute of Architects are also invited to the event which includes a half-hour reception from 2:30 to 3:00 p.m.

     “Energy is a huge issue today with global warming, the price of oil, and the effects of humans on the environment in general,” said John Maternoski, architectural technology program student. “The biggest energy use category in the world today is actually buildings – they consume 40 percent of all the energy in the world!”

     “As future architects, designers, and builders,” Maternoski continued, “it is our responsibility to design sustainable structures that rely more on renewable energy and less on the non-renewable energy sources.”   

     Gilchrist’s presentation will describe strategic sustainable strategies for the Pearl River Tower, a zero-energy concept project that is currently under construction in Guangzhou, China. Scheduled for completion in 2009, the 71 story, 2.3 million square foot tower will be the most energy efficient super tower ever built, according to SOM.

     Gilchrist, member of the Royal Institute of British Architects, is the director of technical architecture in the Chicago Office of SOM. He has more than 23 years of experience in the European architecture industry working with UK-based firms.

     In 2000, Gilchrist was project architect for the 88 Wood Street project for Daiwa Securities in London, winner of an RIBA Award, Civic Trust Award and nominated for the Stirling Prize Award for the best building in the UK. As director of technical architecture, Gilchrist works to improve design solutions through the use of building science. He also works to ensure integration of technological and sustainable strategies into all SOM projects.

     Maternoski is excited to learn from “the man who designed what could very well be the greenest skyscraper in the world.”

     “A presentation like this will benefit our learning by taking students out of the classroom and into the world of a high-status professional who can share his thoughts and philosophy with us,” Maternoski said. “After hearing his words and seeing his techniques, we can apply them to our own buildings as we design the structures of the future and work to make a better environment for ourselves and for the world.”

     Tricia Croyle, AIA, NWTC architectural technology instructor, said it is the responsibility of educators to provide students with “exposure to socially responsible design and sustainable alternatives.”

     This event is being coordinated by the NWTC Architecture Club. For more information, contact John Maternoski, the club’s activity coordinator, (920) 819-2936.

For News Information or Updates, Contact:
Casey Fryda, PR/Communications Specialist at 920-498-6288 or
Ann Malvitz, PR/Communications Specialist at 920-498-5593