AIA Utah Podcast launched its third episode on Building Resilience, which was hosted by Bryan Markkanen, Megan Recher and University of Utah’s Associate Professor Jörg Rügemer in conversation with Prof. Dr. Ajla Akšamija. Dr. Akšamija is the Chair and Professor at the School of Architecture at the University of Utah. Prior to this role, she was a Professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and directed Building Technology Laboratory (Tech Lab) at a global design firm Perkins&Will. Her research expertise includes building science and sustainable design, innovations in architecture, emerging building technologies, and digital design. Dr. Akšamija has published almost 100 research publications and is the author of three books, Sustainable Facades: Design Methods for High-Performance Building Envelopes (John Wiley & Sons, 2013), Integrating Innovation in Architecture: Design, Methods and Technology for Progressive Practice and Research (John Wiley & Sons, 2016), and most recent Research Methods for the Architectural Profession, (Routledge, 2021).

This hour-long episode focuses on the role of high-performance technologies and materials in contemporary design, and their critical importance in mitigating the effects of global warming. The conversation includes a wide array of topics, such as high-performance facade assemblies, mass-timber structures, embodied carbon preservation, climate-specific design strategies, etc.

Listen to this episode by clicking here.