Ultra-Ex: Redesigning Urban Green

Engineering and architecture students presented the first results of a highly integrated effort between Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) and Graduation School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) and many different partners inside and outside the university in December 2009. The Ultra-Ex studio was taught by professors Patricia Culligan and Richard Plunz of the SEAS and GSAPP, respectively, with collaboration from Nilda Mesa, Columbia;s Assistant Vice President of Environmental Stewardship. The results showcased building design strategies that addresses challenges, including energy efficiency, air quality, and waste processing. The public in attendance defined the projects as “innovative and inspiring” and underlined the importance of this well-researched interdisciplinary approach as it contributes much to the present day struggle to balance, among other things, great design with innovative engineering.