Agenda
Symposium
Thursday, April 24
Times in CT
8:00 – 9:30 AM
9:30 – 9:40 AM
9:40 – 9:45 AM
9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
The day’s first session will explore urban space transformation through adaptive reuse, focusing on Green Street Houston as a case study. Mark Motonaga, Partner and Creative Director at RIOS, will examine how repurposing existing structures contributes to sustainable urban living, reducing environmental impact while preserving architectural heritage. A key highlight will be the role of high-performance glazing in modernizing commercial high-rises—enhancing energy efficiency, aesthetics, and occupant comfort. Motonaga will divulge the latest innovations in building envelopes, materials, and design strategies that are reshaping Houston’s skyline while fostering a more sustainable and vibrant urban environment.
Moderate by: Michelle Old
10:15 AM – 11:00 AM
This session, from our co-chair firm Kirksey, will explore a facade’s role in telling a building’s story. Through a series of projects, presenters Michelle Old and Gary Machieck will share how the detailed development of the building’s façade—driven by both inspiration and high-performance strategies—shapes and responds to those who experience it. Projects highlighted are Prairie View A&M University’s Fabrication Center, The Branch School’s Hightower Middle School, and Texas A&M University’s Mays Business School.
Moderated by: FACADES AS STORY TELLERS: CREATING NARRATIVES THROUGH BUILDING SKIN DESIGN.
11:00 – 11:30 AM
11:30 – 12:00 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: Gary Machieck
12:00 – 12:40 PM
The Allen is a six-acre mixed-use development located just west of downtown Houston along the Buffalo Bayou. Master-planned and designed by HOK, this landmark project features a 35-story tower housing a luxury hotel and private residences, complemented by a four-story retail pavilion. Drawing inspiration from its proximity to Buffalo Bayou Park, the sleek, contoured forms of the buildings reflect the bayou’s organic flow, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding trails and greenways through elevated terraces and ground-level patios. A groundbreaking cladding system, the first of its kind in the United States, unifies the retail pavilion and tower podium, creating a distinctive undulating aesthetic reminiscent of the bayou. Additionally, the tower’s multi-material façade system highlights its stacked program components while ensuring cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. With its forward-thinking design and sustainable features, The Allen makes a bold and modern statement in Houston’s skyline.
Moderated by: Gary Machicek
12:40 – 1:40 PM
1:40 – 2:25 PM
Table Talks is an opportunity to have a guided conversation with your peers in the Houston AEC community. During this 45-minute session, fellow attendees offer an excellent opportunity to exchange insights on facades, lessons learned in design and fabrication, and collaboratively tackle complex challenges within a group dynamic. We hope this session will be surprising, engaging, and productive.
2:25 – 3:10 PM
In this panel, attendees will explore cutting-edge building envelope products and services that are revolutionizing the AEC industry. These innovations enhance energy efficiency, durability, and sustainability while pushing the boundaries of design and performance. Experts will discuss how advancements in materials, fabrication techniques, and digital tools are enabling architects, engineers, and contractors to work smarter, build better, and achieve their design visions with greater precision. These panelists will share their manufacturing expertise on technologies that contribute to meeting evolving building codes, improving occupant comfort, and reducing environmental impact, ultimately shaping the future of high-performance building envelopes.
Moderated by: Michelle Old
3:10 – 3:40 PM
3:40 PM – 4:25 PM
Academic research plays a crucial role in driving innovation in sustainable facade design, pushing the boundaries of material science, energy efficiency, and environmental impact. This session explores emerging research from leading institutions that challenge conventional approaches and introduce cutting-edge solutions for high-performance building envelopes. From biomimetic materials and responsive facade systems to advanced computational modeling and life cycle assessments, academics are pioneering new strategies to enhance sustainability without compromising aesthetics or functionality. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, these research-driven innovations offer valuable insights for architects, engineers, and developers striving to create the next generation of sustainable buildings.
Moderated by: Michelle Old
4:25 – 5:10 PM
1550 on the Green is a striking addition to Houston’s skyline, seamlessly blending sustainability with cutting-edge design. Owned by Skanska and designed by world-renowned architecture firm, Bjarke Ingels Group, the 28-story tower features a sleek glass façade that maximizes natural light while reducing energy consumption. Its connection to adjacent green spaces, including the nearby Discovery Green, reinforces its commitment to an eco-conscious urban environment. The façade combines high-performance glass with metal paneling, creating a sophisticated interplay of transparency and solidity while enhancing energy efficiency. Vertical fins accentuate the tower’s slender profile, providing both aesthetic refinement and solar shading. With LEED Gold certification, state-of-the-art building systems, and thoughtfully designed public spaces, 1550 on the Green sets a new standard for sustainable, high-performance architecture in the heart of Houston.
Moderated by: Michelle Old
5:10 – 5:15 PM
5:15 – 7:00 PM
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Join us for peer-learning and networking opportunities
to keep you at the forefront of practice.
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