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ASHRAE Focuses On Tall Buildings

ATLANTA - "Buildings taller than 300 feet pose unique design challenges for all involved," Peter Simmonds, Ph.D., IBE Consulting Engineers, Sherman Oaks, Calif., said. "To meet these challenges, a collaborative design approach that integrates architectural, mechanical, and electrical design elements is needed to produce a fully functioning, highly productive building."

That design approach will be highlighted in a free public session at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers' (ASHRAE's) 2006 Winter Meeting, Jan. 21-25, in Chicago. Integrated Design of Tall Buildings will be held 3-5 p.m. Jan. 23, at McCormick Place.

One area to be addressed is fire safety challenges based on lessons learned since Sept. 11, 2001. The need for exit plans, smoke control, fire suppression, and emergency communications will be discussed, along with how building security affects exit plans, according to Simmonds, who will chair the session.

Dan Jenkins, principal, The John Buck Co., Chicago, will pre-sent challenges in developing energy-efficient and sustainable buildings. Peter Ruggiero, AIA, design partner, Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, Chicago, will discuss problems and solutions associated with integrating all disciplines into design. Ron Klemencic, president, Magnusson Klemencic Associates, Seattle, will discuss supporting buildings in nonseismic and seismic zones. Reg Monteyne, senior vice president, Flack + Kurtz Inc., San Francisco, will discuss the building services systems, including system choice, energy requirements, and distribution systems. William A. Webb, project director, Schirmer Engineering Corp., Chicago, will discuss designing fire and life-safety systems for tall buildings. For more information, visit www.ahrexpo.com.

Publication date: 01/16/2006

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