Registration is available at the bottom of this page.
Seminar description
Architecture is about joyful buildings. Climate change makes clear our ethical responsibility to protect our future by make higher performing buildings and cities. Between those duties, habit, knowledge, and real or perceived time and costs often compromise the end result of our efforts. The Tree House is a study in Joy, of building small(er), but also the potential of following a rigorous Passive House certification process. Spoiler Alert: this project, although robust, ultimately fell just short of achieving final compliance. Details of why, and the practical techniques used in this very small building, the panelization process, and its interface with Passive House will be explained as a model for crafting sustainable construction. The mostly fiber-based house contains half a dozen “trees” that make up a stairway, closets, railings, and even an entire boathouse. The in-depth, practical case study will also share the selection and use of digital modeling tools to design these complex geometries, communicate intent, and achieve their practical execution. The BIM and scripted-algorithm process will be discussed, as well as the transfer and communication of this information to fabricators.
Learning objectives
- Examine the ethical, strategic imperative, and dual nature of AI as both a threat and opportunity for design firms.
- Identify the steps to assess an organization’s readiness, including technical capabilities, business vulnerability and ethical responsibilities.
- Describe how to engage stakeholders in developing strategic scenarios and a board-approved AI strategy that maintains ethical practices.
- Outline the key components of an implementation roadmap to drive organizational change.
Presenters
Tim Eian, Assoc. AIA, is an architect educated in Germany with over 20 years of experience practicing in Germany and the US. He has been instrumental in educating and transforming how Minnesota owners, developers, municipalities, legislators, and building professionals think about high-performance buildings. Tim designed the first certified plus-level Passive House homes in the U.S., Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minneapolis, in some of the most challenging climates on earth. Tim founded Passive House Minnesota—now a chapter of the Passive House Network—and was a founding board member of the Passive House Alliance US.
Geoffrey Warner, FAIA, is a principal at Alchemy and the founder of weeHouse. He has made a career of embracing Big Thinking for Small Projects. A product of the Midwest, Geoffrey embraces the farmer’s practical, hands-on sensibility, combining it with an admiration for the poetics of the industrial and agrarian landscape. His weeHouse® and related explorations leverage design systems and prefabrication with an emphasis on craft, restraint, efficiency, and a celebratory use of resources. Alchemy’s uniquely integrated process embraces balanced aesthetics; practical production; and efficient cost, materials, and energy use. Looking to the future of architectural practice, Alchemy paves a way for others that is both achievable and sustainable.
Eric Winter, AIA, proudly wears his farmer’s sense from growing up in southern Minnesota. He is a product of Minnesota and a graduate of the University of Minnesota’s Masters of Architecture program. His passion for collaboration comes from his background in nonprofit, educational, and religious architectural design. He brings strong digital modeling and 3D representation skills to Alchemy’s design process.
Cost
AIA members $50
Non-members $65
Continuing education credit
This program has been approved for 1.5 HSW LU Hours + Ethics.
Instructions
- Complete registration and payment below
- You will then receive a confirmation email with the link and password to access the webinar
- View the 1.5-hour webinar and then complete the ten-question quiz (must score 70% or above for credit)
- Within 3 to 7 days you will receive a certificate of completion and/or credits will be recorded to your AIA member transcript
