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Technique Newsletter

September 2016

Letter from the Chair

Pamela SamsThis year at the Convention in Philadelphia, we had an opportunity to meet some of our members in person and get feedback regarding the workshops and presentations that we gave.

In addition to all of the valuable technical content in the presentations, we tried to get the message out that a technically sound design is based on a solid understanding of Building Science and a Design Process that includes asking the right questions especially early in design and making decisions based on reliable data. In this loop of "Question, Research, Resolve" that is played out many times throughout the design process, we are all in a perpetual state of inquiry. None of us begins a project with all of the knowledge required to develop a successful design and we are all trying to close gaps in our knowledge throughout our careers.
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In this issue

Feature Articles
Around the AIA
Upcoming Events

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Features


Eight factors to consider when designing solar-ready roofs

By Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C

The Bullitt Center

The roof of the Bullitt Center in Seattle, designed by Miller Hull and featuring 575 pv panels on the roof at 425 watts per panel.
Photo: Nic Lehoux

Energy use and production is one of the largest sources of carbon emissions in the US, as well as one of the costliest expenses for businesses and households. To improve efficiency of resources, many building owners have developed an interest in solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. Rooftop solar installations can provide long-term economic and environmental benefits for building owners, and future tax breaks, technological advances in solar panels, and caps on carbon production may further increase the return on investment (ROI) for renewable energy sources. Read More >

Building Enclosure Councils: Looking Back - Looking Forward

By Cheryl Smith, AIA, LEED AP

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates Office

Wiss Janney Elstner Associates Office, Austin, Texas Photo: Larry Speck, FAIA

Once a year, the BECs gather nationally for an all-day symposium to present and discuss the latest building enclosure topics. In May 2016, BEC-Austin had the honor of being the host city. Their "Perspectives on Building Enclosures" Symposium began with Larry Speck, FAIA, walking us through "Historical Perspectives on Building Enclosures." His talk generated interest as we examined architectural history through the building enclosure. We examined how we can increase building performance by learning from generations-old structures, and then evaluated current practices to see if they are, in fact, best practices. Read more >

How small firms can go green

By Stephanie Horowitz, AIA

It's a challenge for smaller firms to master high-performance buildings, but these resources will get you on the path to smart and sustainable design. Read more >


Around the AIA


Education Spotlight: Building Enclosure Fundamentals
and New Technologies

Did you miss our Building Enclosure Fundamentals session in Philadelphia? It is now available on AIAU! This course provides a toolkit of guidelines for assemblies, details, components, and materials important in designing high-performance building enclosures. Learn more >

Profile: Energy Leadership Group

The American Institute of Architects Energy Leadership Group (AIA ELG) has been formed to coordinate, align, and advance the array of energy related activities of the AIA and thereby optimize building environmental benefits. Buildings are both the origin of and the solution to significant global warming impacts; the AIA ELG is providing high-level advice and direction for building solutions. Read more >

I Look Up Film Challenge: Choose your favorite

More than 45 short films were submitted to this year's challenge, and all demonstrate architecture as a solution. Organized by eight categories, the I Look Up Film Challenge is inviting you to watch, vote, and share your favorite film to win the People's Choice Award. Vote now >


Upcoming Events


October 5-7, Greenbuild 2016: Iconic Green

Los Angeles

Greenbuild 2016 celebrates the icons of our movement. Those who are working in the trenches today, and those who are in line to take up the banner and lead the way into the future. Learn more >

Did you know anyone can join AIA Technical Design for Building Performance for FREE?
Sign-up on AIA KnowledgeNet and start a discussion in the TDBP Discussion Forum.

AIA TDBP Advisory Group:
Pamela Sams, AIA, LEED AP (2016 Chair); David Altenhofen, AIA; Joseph Berchenko, AIA, CSI, CCS; Joseph J. Deringer, AIA, LEED AP; Brad Gellert, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C; David Herron, AIA; Daniel Lemieux, AIA; Cheryl Smith, AIA, LEED AP; Drake Wauters, AIA, CSI, LEED BD+C, IES
The American Institute of Architects
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