Climate Literacy/Education

Tuesday, January 5

• 1:30-3:00Engaging the Public in Climate Literacy (Lead: Dave Jones)

Amy Philipson, Research Channel

Sheril Kirshenbaum

• 3:15-3:45Science in the City: Scientific theory vs. Political Campaigns (Lead: Doug Cohen)

Fred Blood, Environmental Program Co-ordinator,Austin Energy, Austin, TX

Wednesday, January 6

• 2:3:30 Climate Literacy Network - CLEAN NSDL Pathway (Lead: Tamara Ledley)
• Environmental Information for the Green Building Industry (Lead: Doug Cohen)

• 4:00-5:30 'The Digital Design Ecosystem - Towards a Pre-Rational Architecture'

Speaker: Paul Seletsky, Sr. Manager - Digital Design, SOM New York

The traditional design process in architecture has entailed the development of forms and surfaces based on metaphor or overt utilitarian needs. Energy and performative validation are typically applied after building forms have been developed, as a means to determining their ability to withstand a variety of environmental conditions.

The Digital Design Ecosystem seeks to invert this process, injecting a holistic approach to the development of buildings such that a variety of performative challenges can be applied as environmental feedback through a visual dashboard; simultaneous performance metrics tied to any given set of site, programmatic, or design conditions. This approach doesn’t ignore key aspects of design influence but can provide a greater range of options currently missing from traditional architectural practice and education. The architect becomes an interpreter, rather than mere implementer, of building conditions. This might then confer a new type of professional significance where “neutral” product information and environmental data, delivered freely over the internet, become the central platform for ongoing environmental information exchange - displacing existing modes of design, construction, and operational collaboration. Estimated energy use versus real-time energy monitoring are incorporated throughout the building lifecycle - from the earliest design concepts through all subsequent operations.

Paul Seletsky is the Senior Manager of Digital Design for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP in New York. He presides over research and development efforts, implementing building information modeling and other new strategic processes in design. His professional work and writings have helped engender discussion and awareness of Digital Design and its potential impact on the future of architectural practice. In 2003, he began organizing a monthly technology lecture series at the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, highlighting technology’s widespread impact on architectural practice. He has also served on several national AIA technology committees. A 1982 graduate of Cooper Union’s Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture in New York, Mr. Seletsky has managed Digital Design in both the public and private sectors, and has lectured at numerous national and international academic and professional venues.

Thursday, January 7

• Joint Session (morning) with Environmental Decision Making Breakout
• 1:30-3:00 Upstream Requirements for Downstream Data Use (session to be confirmed)