April 17-18, 2014. Learn about the intersections of architecture, structural engineering and green buildings. More about the symposium is available online at http://web.pdx.edu/~cgriffin/symposium/
This symposium may be of particular interest to structural engineers, because the organizers recognize that "the role of structural systems and materials in the overall performance of a building has been largely neglected." Structural systems are chosen early in a project and are heavily influenced by buildings codes, construction schedule, and cost. More consideration should be given to the structure considering that it contributes roughly one-quarter of the initial embodied energy in a commercial building.
This symposium promises to explore the greater role structure should have in the design, impact and operation of green buildings.
Recommended by SEI-SC committee member Kathrina Simonen.
