Architecture that interacts skillfully w/ the sun is needed now more than ever. Beyond just light and heat there are broader implications and deeper relationships between the building skin and aperture that are not always transparent during the design process. It's time to develop a sympathetic understanding of interrelated decision factors. Enter Matt and Dason and their new book that seeks to fill a void in the understanding and practice of designing around the Sun. This is an architects resource for moving the industry forward with the design of apertures - both the pragmatics and the poetics. This interview shares a feast of ideas related to this evolving field with two of its thought leaders. Join Kristof as he interviews Matt Fajkus and Dason Whitsett about their new book “Architectural Science and the Sun: The poetics and pragmatics of solar design.”

Matt Fajkus, AIA, LEED AP

Matt Fajkus is a unique hybrid of practicing architect, academic researcher, and university instructor; and he was won national awards in each respective category.

Fajkus holds a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. He is currently a Tenured Associate Professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Architecture, where he is the Director of the Graduate Program in Sustainable Design. He is also Principal Architect of Matt Fajkus Architecture in Austin, which was selected for inclusion in the 2014 AIA National Emerging Professionals Exhibit at the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C., and has received multiple design awards for a variety of projects. His designs, research and writings have been published extensively, including but not limited to National Public Radio, ESPN’s Longhorn Network, Texas Architect, DwellMagazine, The Wall Street Journal, and he recently co-authored a book with Dason Whitsett titled Architectural Science and the Sun, which has been published in 2018 via Routledge Publishers.

Dason Whitsett, AIA, LEED AP, CPHC

Dason Whitsett is Principal Architect for Kasita, an award-winning manufacturer of modular smart homes. He is also a Lecturer at UT Austin's Sustainable Design Program and an environmental consultant for the Rural Studio. He received a Master of Science in Sustainable Design Degree from UT Austin, is a Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC), LEED Accredited Professional and SEED certified.

Architectural Science and the Sun: The poetics and pragmatics of solar design

"Architectural Science and the Sun begins with the premise that great architecture goes beyond energy performance and the visual-aesthetic to engage all of the senses. Given that the stimuli to which our senses respond are physical phenomena such as light, heat, and sound, the designer must manipulate these parameters through the craft of building form and technology. Successful sustainable design is a balance between the creation of physical artifacts and a comfortable sensorial experience."