Greening The Valley: Sustainable Architecture in the Pioneer Valley

Wednesday, February 10 – Sunday, May 16
University Gallery

This exhibition is designed to deepen the public’s understanding and use of “green” design and to demonstrate how the key elements of sustainability can be accessible to all. In its relatively short history, sustainable architecture has been the purview of highly trained individuals and organizations devoted to energy efficiency or technological innovation often shortchanging the design aspects of sustainable architecture. This has begun to change in the past couple of years with many architects now thoroughly engaged in sustainable design when it comes to the building of new homes and places of work and public congress.

As the concept of sustainable architecture requires broad systemic thinking, issues around economic, social, and environmental sustainability inevitably play a critical role. The exhibition addresses these issues with commentaries, dialogue and thought provoking questions. In addition to visual inspiration the exhibition explores the accessibility and availability of green materials from local vendors, architects, contractors and builders.

The exhibition will showcase a variety of architectural models, videos, and plans of existing buildings throughout the valley that marry sustainable contemporary design with sustainable contemporary technology.

Highlights will include a display of locally available green material; panel discussions; “The Green Lounge” – a meeting area within the gallery for informanl public conversations; “Family Days” – in collaboration with the Hitchcock Center for the Environment; continuing education credits provided by the Western Massachusetts chapter of the American Institute of Architects; guided tours of select buildings; and a day-long symposium featuring prominent professionals and artists in the field.

Exhibition guest curated by architectural historian Margaret Vickery.