Tuskegee University: Spring Speaker Series

We here at DCR Interiors are so very proud and excited to join the Robert R. Taylor School of Architecture and Construction Science Spring Lecture Series at renound Tuskegee University.  We have been asked to do one of the things we do best, assemble a team of great professionals willing to share about their cutting edge projects.  Thank you to our panelists and Tuskegee University!

Steve Robinson AIA LEED, AP

BIO: Steve Robinson is based in Atlanta, Georgia and has been practicing for nearly 30 years. He formed Axios Architecture in 2006. He is a LEED AP and focuses primarily on residential, selected commercial and botanical garden projects. The recently completed visitor center and 740 space parking facility at the Atlanta Botanical Garden earned a LEED gold certification.

TOPIC: Design: Sustainability and Practice Sustainability

More than recycling and running the energy numbers. Mr. Robinson will discuss a broader context for sustainability in practice and introduce non-technical influences that have a big impact on our profession’s and culture’s ability to be truly sustainable.

Princeton Porter, AIA LEED AP, BD+C

BIO: Princeton Porter is a senior designer and professional associate at HDR Architecture – Atlanta, Georgia. HDR is a world renowned firm focused largely on Science & Technology and Healthcare related projects. Porter received his BArch from Tuskegee University School of Architecture in 1999. He has worked on a wide array of research focused projects including: corporate pharma, university, and government. His projects employ a rational design process that is focused on creating an architecture that blends sustainable elements as a part of a cohesive whole.

TOPIC: The Georgia Tech Carbon Neutral Energy Solutions Lab

The Georgia Tech Carbon Neutral Energy Solutions Lab (CNES) project is a 42,000 square foot laboratory facility that is intended to set a new standard of sustainable design for buildings of its type; by optimizing passive energy technologies, reducing electricity loads, and maximizing the use of renewable energy. Over time it will house a variety of energy research programs requiring large scale (high-bay) and intermediate scale (mid-bay) spaces.

Derek Paul Gabriel, CEO Direct Sun Solar

BIO: Director/CEO of DirectSun Solar Energy and Technology, LLC, is a turn-key solar developer and renewable energy integrator. With projects in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, New Jersey, and Colorado, DirectSun focuses on utility scale solar farm developments and institutional solar installations. The company also provides EPC services to the solar industry with a special emphasis on land use policy development.. In his role as Director/CEO, Mr. Gabriel utilized his legal and contract development experience to assist and write the first land use/zoning ordinance that pertained to solar farm construction in the State of Georgia, later adopted by the Walton County Board of Commissioners (Georgia) as the standard for solar farm land use regulation in the county. DirectSun and Mr. Gabriel, has also been influential in fostering and developing MBE partnerships that enhance diversity in the construction of renewable energy facilities throughout the United States. Currently, DirectSun is partnering with Mr. Thomas Reed, Jr. (a native son of the Tuskegee, Alabama community) in an effort to develop a 10MW solar farm project. When completed, the solar farm will generate enough electricity to supply approximately 3000 homes and businesses in Tuskegee.

Drew Bowen, Construction Manager

BIO: Team Lead for utility scale solar farm development with DirectSun Solar Energy and Technology, LLC and owner of Drew Bowen Electric. NABCEP-certified solar power systems designer and installer. Fully licensed electrician in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Responsible for installation of nearly 300 solar powered systems – both PV and solar hot water -- throughout Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. These include PV systems at such institutional/commercial locations as the REI sporting goods store in Dunwoody, Georgia (200 kW), the Georgia Power corporate headquarters in Atlanta, the Southface Energy Institute, Trees Atlanta, the Fernbank Science Center, and other sites in and around Atlanta including Medshare, the Atlanta Food Bank, East Decatur Station, Grady Homes, and numerous homes and small businesses. Has also installed PV systems at a 48-unit subsidized housing complex funded by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and a major state facility for the Space Research Institute at Auburn University.

TOPIC: SOLAR IN COMMERCIAL & EDUCATIONAL DESIGN: A LOCAL EXAMINATION

Direct Sun Solar will examine local solar project development in the surrounding area. These projects include installations on the campuses of surrounding universities and the proposed Tuskegee Solar Farm on Hwy 81.

Light at the End of the Tube

Daylighting is one of the most important aspects to any room's design.  Natural light is beneficial to our physical and mental health, and also a powerful mood booster.  Sometimes, however, utilizing natural light was just not feasible.  Skylights can be rather cumbersome when it comes to interior roof lines, shading, leaking, and glare.   The answer to all of these issues is the light tube.  This tube of reflectant material connects the daylight hitting the dome mounted on the roof, via refraction and mirrors inside the tube, to the ceiling.  Perfect for introducing daylight into bathrooms and closets (never will you step outside and realize you don't match again!)  Just another little tip from DCR Interiors to make your home or office more functional, energy efficient, and enjoyable!

Now for those real solar enthusiasts, there is an even more intrical advancement to solar, Hybrid Solar Lighting. (HSL) Check out the video!