2003 Fellow: Thomas Herzog
Thomas Herzog was born in Munich in 1941. After receiving a diploma in architecture from the Technische Universitat Munchen, he graduated from the La Sapienza University (Rome), with a thesis on “pneumatic structures”. Herzog is a leader in various innovative fields, and is one of the most prominent exponents of bioclimatic architecture and ecosustainable design. His ongoing relationship with the world of industrial production has allowed him to develop in depth knowledge of the dynamics involved in construction processes. Since the late 1970s, renewable energy has been a constant theme running through his experimentation, in both architecture and academics. He established his firm Herzog + Partner in 1983. In ’96 he was President of the IV European conference on Solar Energy in Architecture and, from 2000 to 2003, General Commissioner for Germany at the VII Venice Biennale. Herzog has collaborated with many world reknowned architects including Vladimir Nikolic, Michael Volz and Hanns Jorg Schrade.
Fellowship Awards
Parsons Student: Shai Turner, Living House
“Living House” project is aimed to re-design the typica lsuburban duplex, using existing technology to create a sustainable and energy efficient dwelling that responds to natural stimuli with electrochemical and other sophisticated feedbacks. Shai attended the Mid-Atlantic Sustainability Conference in 2003 in order to further develop his design and has also published his design proposal of the Living House.
Parsons Student: Ian Keough, Conceptual ‘Skins’ in Building Design
A study of the interaction between humans and their environment that launched a series of systems that invite humans to listen to their bodies and to take control of their environment.
Parsons Faculty: Charles Wolf, Case Study: Opposing Attitudes in Design
A study of the London City Hall by Foster + Partners and The Art Museum by Peter Zumthor in Austria. These buildings originate from diametrically opposing attitudes: scientific reason vs. poetry. Research findings have resulted in a quantitative comparison as well as a qualitative evaluation.
Parsons Faculty: David Rifkind, Sustainable Practices
A historical investigation of three visionary engineers: Gaetano Ciocca, Guido Fiorini, and Pier Luigi Nervi, each of whom re-conceived the relationship between nature and humanity through technological advances. Research findings documented in a manuscript and in an exhibition.
Outside Student: Andrew Karvonen, Univ. of Texas, Water Management at Urban Scale
Exploration of ideas related to compact cities and the relationship to sustainable water management design and planning.
Outside Practitioner: Steve Roe + Chiafang Wu, Roewu:Architecture, NYC