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 HOME • ABOUT THE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN INSTITUTE Designing for sustainability is a complex process requiring different disciplines to transcend their artificially constructed boundaries in order to solve difficult technical and aesthetic challenges. As a response to this complexity, The Studio is directed by Chris Pastore, a textile engineer whose primary focus is green materials; and Rob Fleming, a registered architect, who is developing the sustainable design resource aspect of the institute. Institute members are drawn from a mix of University faculty representing disciplines such as Textile Engineering, Architecture, Design, Business, Biology, and Chemistry. Specially focused teams work on specific consulting projects or conduct grant-based research on projects ranging from the development of fly ash cement to helping local architecture firms design green buildings. Located in the Manayunk section of Philadelphia in a restored 1864 textile mill, The Engineering and Design Institute's unique setting reflects its mission by adaptively reusing an old brick structure and by investing resources in a Philadelphia neighborhood. The 2,200 square- foot Studio space was chosen specifically to demonstrate age-old principles of sustainable design that include high ceilings and tall windows that allow light to penetrate deeply into the space and thereby reducing dependence on energy intensive artificial light. The Institute's location is fitting considering the prevalent use of textiles in the newly renovated space. From floating wall dividers, to decorative panels, to innovative lamp and window shades, members of the Institute are attempting to explore the potential of textiles in sustainable design. In addition, the Institute has designing a 100 percent-sustainable desk made from formaldehyde-free Medite2 board, Forbo desk covering made from linseed oil, and a structure made from recycled steel and aluminum. Among its many projects to date, Institute members have helped establish the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, conducted professional-development courses for architects and engineers in advanced sustainable design, and are developing low-cost, spray-on insulation systems for exposed walls of city row houses. A highlight of the partnership with the Green Building Council has been the development of the Sustainable Design Resource Center, which opened in September 2003. The Institute also seeks to bring federal research dollars to the Southeast region and has submitted a proposal to the National Science Foundation to develop an interactive design tool to visualize the environmental impacts of suburban growth. A spin-off of the project will be an educational video game for high school and college students. The Institute has received federal funding from the National Textile Center (NTC) to study the role of sustainable carpeting in increasing carpet-industry competitiveness and profitability; and has also researched applications of fabric structures to sustainability through a grant from the NTC. To learn more about the green-building industry in Southeast Penna. visit www.dvgbc.org. |
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The Engineering and Design Institute Philadelphia University |
