UH's Three Continents Studio Continuing Coastal Conversations

Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture Hosting Scientists, Architects from U.S., Europe, South America

Beautiful coastlines are always a sight to behold. These areas are no doubt relaxing and attractive, but they often carry a variety of risks attributed to severe weather, climate change and commercial development.

Several researchers from UH’s Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture have long focused their attentions on the Texas coast. Now, they’re exchanging ideas with similar-minded scientists, researchers, designers and architects from across the globe.

The Three Continents Studio connects UH’s architecture faculty with peers from Argentina, the Netherlands and Louisiana. From June 10 – 16, studio participants will head to Houston for lectures, workshops, tours and other activities.

The Three Continents Studio is a yearlong partnership between the College of Architecture and researchers from Tulane University, University of Buenos Aires and Technical University, Delft. This fall, UH will host an exhibition illustrating the studio’s research, as well as proposed solutions for at-risk coastal areas.

“The outcome of this partnership will have an impact on our city,” said Thomas Colbert, UH architecture professor. “This area clearly has problems with flooding, urban and industrial growth, and major weather threats such as hurricanes. Working with partners allows us to gain new perspectives in addressing these issues and develop prospective solutions to challenges facing the Houston-Galveston area.”

Colbert is among the hosts of this week’s studio activities. He is working alongside Patricia Oliver, dean of the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and professor Peter Zweig. They will join the visiting dignitaries as they engage in workshops, lectures and tours (on land and sea) of Houston and Galveston. Lecturers include internationally renowned architects and experts Kulapat Yantrasast (whY Architecture), Nikki Brand (T.U., Delft), Stephen Fox (University of Houston) and Jeff Carney (L.S.U., Coastal Sustainability Studio).

Last year, the studio kicked off at UH with the symposium “Dynamic Equilibrium at the Water’s Edge,” which focused on how coastal communities can be protected against storms and other threats. This fall, UH will host an exhibition illustrating the studio’s research, as well as proposed solutions for at-risk coastal areas.

The Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines including architecture, space architecture, interior architecture and industrial design. Faculty members include esteemed professionals in the architectural community, as well as award-winning academic veterans. Facilities include studio spaces, the new Materials Research Collaborative, computer labs and the Burdette Keeland Jr. Design Exploration Center. To learn more about the college, visit http://www.arch.uh.edu/.