Adrian D. Smith

Partner, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Chicago, IL

Supertall Towers + Green Cities
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Friday, March 25, 2022 - 4:30 pm

Location: Whitaker Lab 303, Lehigh University,5 E. Packer Avenue, Bethlehem, PA

For the past 45 years, Adrian D. Smith, FAIA, RIBA has contributed to the theory and practice of architecture through an exploration of global culture, technology, and sustainability. From Boston and Chicago to Shanghai and Dubai, local populations regard Adrian’s buildings as their own, as reflections of their character and symbols of their highest aspirations. Adrian has established himself as a leader in the profession through his 26-year partnership at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) and as a founder of his own firm, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture (AS+GG) in 2006. His buildings and urban designs have earned more than 225 awards worldwide, including 10 national AIA Honor Awards. He won the 2011 Lynn S. Beedle Award for Lifetime Achievement from the CTBUH for his contributions to the supertall typology. In 2013, Adrian received an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Texas A&M University and in 2016 he was a Legacies and Leaders recipient from his alma mater University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Architecture, Design, and the Arts.

Supertall Towers + Green Cities.  Adrian D. Smith, FAIA is one of the first American architects to design supertall buildings internationally. During his 50+-year career, his work has shown an evolving interest in the use of vernacular and indigenous forms and compositions together with state-of-the-art systems and technologies to integrate new buildings into the regional context. As a leading expert on the advanced technology of supertall towers and their impact on cities, this talk will explore projects that have effectively reduced negative environmental impacts, while simultaneously improving the overall quality of life in the city. His talk will feature major international projects including the Burj Khalifa, Jeddah Tower, and plans for a self-sustaining satellite city in China.