Architecture and Climate Change: Grand Visions in Urban Planning

Presented by ND Energy

Architects play a major role in designing outdoor spaces to mitigate the effects of climate change. In coordination with others, they design spaces to reduce the deadly effect of urban heat and to absorb and redirect water after extreme weather. Rethinking traffic patterns and public transportation allows for more pedestrians in urban areas while reducing air pollution. All of this is done in the context of the culture, history, geography, and economics of each location.

A virtual conversation about projects in China, India, and the United States that are both functional and beautiful was held during Energy Week on Monday, September 19, 2022. Ms. Dou Zhang, director of the Shanghai office of Sasaki, shared some award-winning urban ecosystems that she designed and used the Xuhui Runway Park project to explain SITES, a rating system similar to LEED certification used for buildings. Krupali Uplekar Krusche, associate professor of architecture at the University of Notre Dame, discussed the work she is doing to create more resilient and sustainable cities in both the United States and India. Both addressed the need for equity and inclusion, creating functional beauty in underserved urban areas for the benefit of all.

John Onyango, associate professor of architecture at Notre Dame, served as moderator. Prof. Onyango is also involved in research on the environmental hazards of extreme heat and flooding.

Speakers:
Dou Zhang, senior associate director, Sasaki Shanghai office
Krupali Uplekar Krusche, associate professor of architecture, University of Notre Dame
John Onyango, associate professor of architecture, University of Notre Dame

For more information visit the event website.