51³Ô¹Ï

51³Ô¹Ï This Event

Humans in the US spend approximately 90% of their lives in buildings. The building industry is considered one of the largest generators of solid waste globally (producing an estimated 1/3 of total gobal waste). Concrete production alone accounts for 8% of annual global CO₂ emissions. Clearly, the built environment plays a significant role in shaping our world, influencing not only how we live but also the health of our planet. In the face of climate change, resource scarcity, and rapid urbanization, the need for innovative, sustainable approaches to construction has never been more urgent. Lightweight architecture offers a transformative solution, emphasizing efficiency, adaptability, and environmental responsibility in structural design. This talk explores the impact of the built environment and role of design, architecture and engineering in developing sustainable solutions. Through case studies and emerging research, we will examine how these concepts are being applied to reimagine urban landscapes, reduce energy consumption, and promote circular economies in construction. By blending engineering ingenuity with environmental awareness, this talk invites 51³Ô¹Ïs, architects, engineers, and policymakers to envision a future where our buildings are not only lighter on the earth but also catalysts for positive change.

51³Ô¹Ï the Speaker: Joshua Schultz, PhD, PE, LEED AP is an associate professor at Gonzaga University. He specializes in structural optimization, façade design, mass timber and lightweight architecture. Joshua is a licensed engineer and holds bachelor, master and doctorate degrees in architectural and structural engineering. Prior to entering academia, Joshua worked at Skidmore Owings and Merrill (SOM) in the Chicago, IL. He maintains consulting activities as Technical Director at Vaagen Timbers and Senior Structural Engineer at Siegel Structural Engineers. Joshua also serves on PRG 320 North American Timber Committee, NA Mass Timber Technical Committee, WA Mass Timber Accelerator and ASTM Structural Use of Glass in Buildings. His forthcoming book “Structural Design of Lightweight Architecture” published by Routledge 2026 focusing on the nexus of advanced structural design, lightweight architecture and sustainability.