Agenda
Symposium
Friday, September 12
Times in CDT
8:00 – 9:30 AM
9:30 – 9:35 AM
9:35 – 9:40 AM

9:40 – 9:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Today, origin stories are all the rage, and they are built upon four main elements: structure, characters, conflict, and resolution. Each project has an origin story and follows this basic structure. During this dynamic session, presenters from Smith Group will share the backstories of four unique projects, sharing the use of different facade strategies and systems, and spotlighting how integrated design and collaboration can be used to solve complex problems.
10:30 – 11:00 AM
In this panel, attendees will learn about products and services for high-performance building envelope design. By collaborating with leading manufacturers, designers, engineers, and contractors can work more efficiently to realize their design intent.
Moderated by: Coty Sandberg
11:00 – 11:30 AM
11:30 -12:15 PM
Downtown Denver’s latest addition is the Populus Hotel, a new building pushing the boundaries of low carbon design. Join Kristina Eldrenkamp, project leader at Studio Gang, and Chris O’Hara, founding principal of Studio NYL, as they discuss the achievement of the hotel’s organic scalloped window openings, and performance features related to shading and rainwater management. Populus Hotel is also notable for its attention to embodied energy, with the project team specifying a fly-ash cement structure and a carbon offset program sponsored by the client that commits to planting 70,000 new trees.
Moderated by: Jason Smith
12:15 – 12:45 PM
This roundtable with leading building materials manufacturers will discuss the advanced materials and enclosure systems newly available and just around the corner. Learn how architects can work together with manufacturers to build with the latest, most up-to-date technologies and projects, and hear what’s next for the industry.
Moderated by: Jason Smith
12:45 – 1:45 PM
1:45 -1:50 PM
1:50-2:30 PM
For the past decade, CTA has been engaged in a campaign to reopen the elevated Green Line’s historic stations, many of which have remained closed since 1948. As part of this effort, Perkins&Will designed a new station serving the Damen stop along Lake Street west of Downtown Chicago. Carl D’Silva and David Rader, principal and architectural designer, respectively, at Perkins&Will, will share the new station’s technical achievements, glazing and materials selection, strategies for access, thermal comfort, and more.
Moderated by: Coty Sandberg
2:30 – 3:00 PM
This panel, featuring experts in leading building materials manufacturers, will explore the latest advancements in high-performance materials that are revolutionizing the building envelope. Discover cutting-edge products that are newly available, as well as innovations on the horizon, and gain insights into how architects can collaborate with manufacturers to integrate these technologies seamlessly into their designs. The discussion will also cover evolving code requirements, sustainability considerations, and performance enhancements that are shaping the future of the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and learn what’s next in the ever-evolving world of building materials.
Moderated by:
3:00- 3:30 PM
3:30- 4:15 PM
In a lively roundtable discussion, Bill Zahner, CEO of Zahner, a leading architectural metals manufacturer, and Juanita Garcia, senior project manager at Pepper Construction, will discuss how new techniques and materials are transforming the AEC Industry. Garcia will share how her team works to reduce the embodied carbon of large projects, while Zahner will dicuss how his manufacturing facilities have reduced waste and improved the recyclability of their products.
Moderated by: Matt Dumich
Juanita Garcia
Senior Project Manager, High Performance & Sustainable Construction
4:15 – 5:00 PM
Situated on Lake Michigan, 400 Lake Shore Drive is a skyline-shaping project set to transform Chicago with a pair of 900 foot towers. Presenters from SOM and Related Midwest will describe the unique design of the towers, which each feature a series of articulated setbacks on the east and west elevations, forming terraces that overlook downtown, the river, and the lake. The north and south-facing facades are defined by a contemporary take on Chicago’s ubiquitous bay window. The panel will also delve into the project’s technical specifications, detailing, and sustainability targets.
Moderated by: Coty Sandberg
5:00 – 5:05 PM
5:05 – 7:05 PM
Stick around after the conference for further drinks and conversation!
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