The Iscol Lecture brings
prominent scholars, newsmakers, scientists, and leaders to Cornell to address
environmental issues of paramount importance to humankind. (See video of the 2009 lecture).
Recognizing scholarship on the frontiers of scientific inquiry, the Iscol Lecture provides opportunities for Cornell students, faculty, staff, and the public to gain new knowledge about pressing environmental issues.
A faculty award committee,
representing a cross-section of academic disciplines, annually selects the Jill and
Ken Iscol Distinguished Environmental Lecturer. (See the list of Lecturers from previous years.)
2009 Iscol Lecturer
William A. McDonough, FAIA, Int. FRIBA
- Alumni Research Professor, UV Darden Graduate School of Business Administration
- Consulting Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University
- 2007 Time Magazine "Hero of the Environment"
Mr. McDonough is the founding principal of William McDonough + Partners, an internationally recognized design firm practicing ecologically, socially, and economically intelligent architecture and planning in the U.S. and abroad. He is also principal of MBDC, a product and systems development firm assisting prominent client companies in designing profitable and environmentally intelligent solutions.
Mr. McDonough is one of the primary proponents and shapers of what he and his partners call the "Next Industrial Revolution," a movement designed to transform human industry from a system that "takes, makes, and wastes" to one that generates ecological, social, and economic value. Mr. McDonough has written and lectured extensively on his design philosophy and practice, the principles of which are laid out in Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things co-authored with Michael Braungart and published by North Point Press in 2002.
Mr. McDonough's leadership in sustainable development is recognized widely, both in the U.S. and internationally. Time magazine recognized him in 1999 as a "Hero for the Planet," stating that "his utopianism is grounded in a unified philosophy that--in demonstrable and practical ways--is changing the design of the world." Time again recognized Mr. McDonough and Michael Braungart as "Heroes of the Environment" in October 2007. In 1996, Mr. McDonough received the Presidential Award for Sustainable Development, the nation's highest environmental honor, and in 2003 earned the U.S. EPA Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award. In 2004 he received the National Design Award for exemplary achievement in the field of environmental design.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009 - Schedule
9:05-10:00am - Featured Classroom Visit
(157 Sibley Hall)
"Environmental Systems III-Building Systems Integration"
William McDonough joins participants in the ARCH 3602 class
for a lively Q&A session about building design and developments
in green architecture.
Moderator: Kevin Pratt, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture
(Additional seating limited but available. Contact Paula Euvrard at 607-255-7535 for information.)
10:30am-Noon - Roundtable Discussion
(423 ILR Conference Center)
"Green Innovation: Challenges and Opportunities"
A discussion with Mr. McDonough focusing on the implementation
and scale challenges of designing and commercializing
cleaner technologies. Joining the discussion will be Dr. Anil
Netravali, Professor, Fiber Science & Apparel Design who has
patented several new technologies and is involved in creating
new entrepreneurial ventures which promote them. Also joining
will be Dr. Sheila Danko, J T Clark Professor of Entrepreneurship
and Personal Enterprise, Design and Environmental Analysis.
Moderator: Mark Milstein, Director, Center for Sustainable Global
Enterprise, Johnson Graduate School of Management
12:30-1:45pm - Graduate Student Luncheon
(300 Rice Hall)
An opportunity for graduate students interested in green design
to discuss present day challenges and future opportunities with
Mr. McDonough.
(Advanced registration is required. Contact Paula Euvrard at 607-255-7535
for information.)
2:00-3:00pm - Featured Classroom Visit
(260 Warren Hall)
"Facility Planning And Management Studio"
William McDonough joins DEA 3540/6540 students for an
interactive discussion about useful tools, techniques and concepts
in planning and designing green buildings and facilities.
Moderator: Ying Hua, Assistant Professor, Design and Environmental Analysis
(Interested in attending this session? Seating is limited but available. Contact Paula Euvrard 607-255-7535 for information.)
4:30pm - Public Lecture
(Call Alumni Auditorium Kennedy Hall)
Mr. McDonough will speak about the hopeful, positive, and inspiring possibilities of an environmentally
and economically intelligent future by design, one which draws inspiration from the astonishing effectiveness
of natural systems. Cradle to Cradle design as opposed to "cradle to grave" offers a new paradigm
for human activity that creates a sustaining relationship with the natural world by emulating living
systems that are effective, cyclical, synergetic, and regenerative.
Welcoming Remarks: David J. Skorton, Cornell University President
(Immediately following, lecture attendees are invited to meet Mr. McDonough at a reception in the David L. Call Alumni Auditorium foyer.)
