Summary: AIArchitect canvassed the Expo2007 floor to ask convention-goers what new products and technologies will help them grow their practices “beyond green.” Two of the trends they are seeking out are green-roof technology and photovoltaics. Learn what some of your colleagues are thinking about sustainable design and what piqued their interest in San Antonio.

Arend Hilhorst, managing director, and René Marey, senior architect, KOW, The Hague, The Netherlands
It is interesting to compare trends and to get the flavor of what is happening in the U.S. That has partly to do with trends in thinking, of course, like the discussion about climate change, and that sort of thing. That’s the large scale picture, and that’s reflected on this floor with technical products that can assist you in building in a responsible way. We’re working in China where there is so much building activity that if you get it right now, it will save you a lot of trouble in the future. China is receptive to that, but it is very dependent on cost-effective systems to be able do that in a way that is responsible for them given their economic situation. That’s where we think we can help, by using the right products and by having the right attitude ingrained.

Vicki Harper and Nancy Lokocz, Madsen, Kneppers & Associates Inc., New Orleans
I am interested in seeing some of the new solar products. I’m thinking about the next house I’m going to build and trying to make it more sustainable and self-sufficient. If you’re going to move to a mild climate, then you’re going to have to make the best of it. We’re also interested in green roofing.

Lloyd Fruchtman, AIA, principal, Fruchtman Associates, Atlanta
It’s all piquing my interest. I’m looking for all kinds of things, and it looks like everyone else is, too. In this particular case we’re looking for something specific because we’re dealing with a municipality in Northern Virginia that requires a green roof, in this case on the low-rise portion of a hotel. The product is modular, which means they can put it down faster, its replaceable, and all sorts of nifty things, but all that comes with a price, probably twice as much of the cost of laying it down, but you get it immediately, which is neat.

Clarence Mobley, AIA, CSI, Associate Architect, Maiden and Associates, Washington, D.C.
I came here with the expectation of finding some new information, and it’s amazing how much green technology there is on the Expo floor. Since I’m here I’ve seen so many things that are green. I’ve seen green in partition systems, green ceilings, green floor systems, and wall systems, just for some examples. That is all very interesting to me. I was thinking about writing a book. I’m shooting for any type of green architecture.

Barbara Nelson, AICP, Planning Services manager, Seaside, Calif.
As planning director, I have responsibility for civic applications, but also for residential design review. I’m planning to promote a sustainable building program in my city, and I’ve just been looking at sustainable lumber and flooring products. You can always see products online or in catalogues, but you really need to see stuff physically to see if it will work. For example, I was looking at streetscape furniture, so it was helpful to sit on the bench and see how it feels. I’d like to see more space dedicated to LEED.