HOPES 16 – Closing the Loop

The University of Oregon’s Ecological Design Center (EDC) is hosting the 16th annual HOPES (Holistic Options for Planet Earth Sustainability) conference April 9 – 11. The HOPES conference works to promote a deeper understanding and broader application of sustainable design principles. Today, it remains the country’s only ecological design conference developed and managed entirely by students. Its roster of past keynote speakers has included such luminaries as Shigeru Ban, Clare Cooper Marcus, Angela Danadijieva, Paul Kephart, David Leatherbarrow, Nina Maritz, Ed Mazria, Samuel Mockbee, and Sam Van der Ryn.

This year’s conference will again feature nationally recognized keynote speakers, panel discussions, hands-on workshops, a “Green Business Expo,” a 24-hour design charrette, and more. Its theme is “Closing the Loop,” addressing the importance of learning from history while seeking new options for the future – not to start over, but to renew and evolve. The EDC expects hundreds of students, community members, and design professionals to participate in this fun and educational event.

The EDC has invited a diverse group of speakers, in order to tackle the questions posed by our post-industrial era. These speakers include:

Cinzia Abbate
An expert in the architectural integration of photovoltaic technology, Cinzia Abbate is Clinical Assistant Professor and Director of the Roman Studies Program at Rennseleaer Polytechnic Institute of Troy (New York). She served as Italy’s representative to the International Energy Agency for the architectural integration of photovoltaic technology. Abbate is also the principal of the architectural practice AeV Abbate & Vigevano, a professional studio specializing in the architectural integration of renewable energies.

Anna Dyson
Anna Dyson is an associate professor at Rensselaer Polytechic Institute, and also the director of the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology, an interdisciplinary collaborative which develops and evaluates next-generation material technologies for the built environment.

Brad Guy
Brad Guy is a consultant on green building, deconstruction and materials reuse, and design for adaptability of buildings. Among his publications are Construction Ecology; Unbuilding: Salvaging the Architectural Treasures of Unwanted Houses; and Design for Disassembly in the Built Environment.

Fritz Haeg
Fritz Haeg works between his practice Fritz Haeg Studio, the happenings and gatherings of Sundown Salon (now Sundown Schoolhouse), the ecology initiatives of Gardenlab (including Edible Estates), and other various combinations of building, curating, dancing, designing, exhibiting, gardening, organizing, talking, teaching, and writing. His home base since 2001 is a geodesic dome in the hills of Los Angeles.

The HOPES 16 website has more information about this year’s event. If you’re interested in attending, register online or mail in your registration form (download the pdf file). Registration fees range from FREE for UO students and faculty, to $65 for design professionals (an outstanding value!).

Additionally, the EDC is seeking businesses and organizations that promote environmental and socially responsible practices to exhibit at the HOPES Green Business Expo. The expo will take place throughout the day on Saturday, April 10 and Sunday, April 11. 10' x 10' exhibit spaces are available for $200 for both days and will include tables, tablecloths, power hookups, and complimentary conference admission for two. The first 10 exhibitors to sign up will get a 50% discount! 

If you or your organization would like to rent a booth at the Green Business Expo, volunteer, become a HOPES sponsor, or advertise in the conference program, contact HOPES 16 coordinator Jessica Dunlap by email at jdunlap@uoregon.edu or by phone at (541) 510-4761.