At Facades+ Houston, Michael Oerth, SOM Associate Principal, and George Ristow, University Architect at Rice University, presented the design for the Ralph S. O’Connor Engineering & Science Building. Slated for completion in Summer 2023, the project is designed to require remarkably low operational carbon for a laboratory facility. The building’s envelope synthesizes environmentally conscious design … Continued
What if buildings could act like trees—capturing carbon, purifying the air, and regenerating the environment? SOM Design Principal Yasemin Kologlu explains how to make this vision a reality in her keynote address for the Museum of Modern Art’s (MoMA) Ambasz Institute annual Earth Day lecture. Yasemin presents Urban Sequoia—a design concept, buildable today, that can … Continued
Principal Yasemin Kologlu has been selected to the 2023 Crain’s New York Business Notable Leaders in Sustainability list. Honored among 50 leaders from across the industry in New York City, Yasemin was recognized for her role in leading SOM’s efforts to transform the building industry’s response to the climate crisis. As the founder and leader … Continued
On Saturday, April 15, 2023, SOM Urban Design Principal Ellen Lou will deliver a lecture, hosted by AIA Japan, on reactivating cities in a post-pandemic era. Ellen will share the expertise she has cultivated at the forefront of urban regeneration, advancing new development models and climate-adaptive design strategies for cities across North America and Asia. … Continued
Held every two years, the HKIUD awards recognizes “urban design related projects with outstanding performance and contributions in promoting excellence in urban design.” The following projects were recognized accordingly: Foshan Lingnan Tiandi Master Plan, an economically and environmentally sustainable transit-led development, was awarded the Grand Prize. SOM’s work with LDI AECOM and Ronald Lu and … Continued
We have been selected as a Women-Forward Workplace Finalist for Crain’s New York Business Women of Influence Award. This honor recognizes ten organizations across industries that have programs, initiatives, and policies that advance women in the workplace and demonstrate a commitment to women having a voice in planning and operations. On May 10th, Crain’s will … Continued
Amid growing concerns about the carbon emissions associated with building construction and operation, Dezeen draws inspiration from the SOM-designed National Commercial Bank in their seven principles for designing low-carbon skyscrapers. The National Commercial Bank demonstrates one principle to rethink the use of glazed curtain-walling. Located in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the headquarters utilizes colossal openings, instead … Continued
Retired Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Associate Partner Louis Skidmore, Jr. passed away on March 31, 2023, in Houston at the age of 89. Louis joined the firm in 1963 and was instrumental in establishing SOM’s Houston office in 1977. Louis Skidmore, Jr. was born in Chicago in January 1934, into the family of SOM’s founders—he … Continued