God Comes to Earth: Designing Sacred Spaces for Environmentally Sensitive Times

When: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 Where: At The Center For many religious groups, caring for the environment is not an option but a religious imperative. For such congregations, green design goes beyond building materials and systems and extends to the relationship of the building to the site and of the congregants to nature. The relationship of man to nature has changed and can be reflected in the architectural design of religious spaces. The program God to Comes Earth explores how shifting image of man’s relationship to the planet earth has affected our attitudes of man to nature and nature to spirituality and how as architects we can design places of prayer that acknowledge this paradigm shift. Sustainability will be a key factor. Panelists - Michael J. Crosbie, Ph.D., AIA, Editor of Faith and Form - Rabbi Lea Cohen, Congregation B’Nai Chaim, Georgetown, CT - Alexander Gorlin, AIA, Alexander Gorlin Architects - Victoria Meyers, AIA, Hanrahan Meyers Architects - Henry Stolzman, FAIA As the lead principal at PKSB Architects, Henry Stolzman guides a practice where the aesthetics of modernism are put to use in projects that provide a social and cultural heart for the community. For almost thirty years, his commitment to architectural excellence has produced an award-winning portfolio that includes neighborhood community centers, public art installations, private residences, hospitality venues, sacred spaces and academic buildings. A native New Yorker, Mr. Stolzman is equally articulate in the design of large-scale high profile buildings as well as intimate private residences. As a former educator, he brings an essential and intuitive understanding of the role of the facility in education. His academic projects, in particular, have garnered much attention and many awards. In addition, Mr. Stolzman’s lifelong involvement in creating sacred spaces has resulted in the book Faith, Spirit and Identity: Synagogue Architecture in America, co-authored with his son Daniel. Mr. Stolzman is a fellow of the Institute of Urban Design and a member of the AIA’s Education Committee and The Society of College and University Planners (SCUP). Mr. Stolzman received his BA from McGill University and his Masters in Architecture from Columbia University. CES/HSW: 1.5 http://cfa.aiany.org/index.php?section=calendar&evtid=1153