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Building Innovation 2018 Plenary Keynote to Explore U.S. Embassy in London

Will Discuss Integration of Urbanism, Landscape, Architecture, Sustainability, Diplomacy

James Timberlake, FAIA, partner from KieranTimberlake, the architecture firm that designed the new U.S. Embassy in London, will serve as keynote speaker of the Plenary Luncheon, to be held 12:00 – 1:30 pm, Wednesday, January 10, during Building Innovation 2018: The National Institute of Building Sciences Sixth Annual Conference and Expo, in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Timberlake will discuss the concepts and integration required to design an embassy that reflects the core values of democracy—transparency, openness and equality—while providing a welcoming, secure, highly sustainable environment.

The new embassy is located in London’s Nine Elms district, a South Bank industrial zone under intense redevelopment. The building stands within a public park with a pond and gardens and curving walkways that continue through the interior of the building. Interior gardens on each floor extend the movement upward, enhancing circulation and providing places to meet. The building’s high-performance building façade uses multiple-layer laminated glazing with an outer envelope of ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE) to screen excessive solar gain and glare while allowing a uniform distribution of daylight. With an estimated 1,000 daily visitors, the embassy is expected to establish a strong framework for the urbanization of Nine Elms.

Mr. Timberlake explores some of today's most important topics, among them, efficient construction methods, resource conservation strategies and novel use of building materials. In addition to the U.S. Department of State, other current clients include the New York University and Washington University in St. Louis.

Under his guidance, KieranTimberlake has received over 200 design citations, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Firm Award in 2008 and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award in 2010. A recipient of the Rome Prize in 1982-1983, Mr. Timberlake was also an inaugural recipient of the Benjamin Latrobe Fellowship for architectural design research from the AIA College of Fellows in 2001. He has co-authored six books on architecture, including the influential book refabricating Architecture: How Manufacturing Methodologies are Poised to Transform Building Construction. In addition to his architectural practice, Mr. Timberlake has taught at the University of Pennsylvania, University of Washington, Yale University, the University of Michigan and the University of Texas at Austin, among other institutions. He was appointed by the Obama Administration to serve on the Board of the National Institute of Building Sciences in 2012.

In addition to Mr. Timberlake’s plenary keynote, Building Innovation 2018 will include 20 different educational sessions featuring 35 presentations by 55 expert speakers. Sessions will offer continuing education units from both the American Institute of Architects and the International Code Council.

On Monday, participants will get a first-hand view of how the Institute works to improve the built environment and find ways to get involved in the process by attending leadership meetings. Other opportunities to hear from industry leaders include the Tuesday Opening Keynote by Raymond Daddazio; the Tuesday Exhibit Hall Walking Lunch, where exhibitors will present the latest industry technologies; the Institute’s Annual Reception and Awards Banquet, when the Institute will recognize industry leaders with Institute awards and Beyond Green™ Awards; the Thursday FEDCon® Keynote Breakfast highlighting the 20th anniversary of the WBDG Whole Building Design Guide®; and the Thursday Luncheon.

Secure your hotel room at the five-star Mandarin Oriental before it's too late. The Conference hotel, located at 1330 Maryland Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., provides a special discounted rate to Building Innovation 2018 attendees. Reserve your room for $175 before the deadline Friday, December 8, 2017, at 6:00 p.m. ET. Make your reservations online or call (202) 787-6140 and mention "Building Innovation Conference."

About NIBS

National Institute of Building Sciences brings together labor and consumer interests, government representatives, regulatory agencies, and members of the building industry to identify and resolve problems and potential problems around the construction of housing and commercial buildings. NIBS is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. It was established by Congress in 1974. For more information, visit nibs.org or follow @bldgsciences on Twitter and Facebook.

Media Contact
Christine Cube
Social Media & Public Relations Manager
(202) 289-7800
ccube@nibs.org
Topics
Architecture
Sustainability
Building Innovation