Elizabeth Francis: Architecture and the Environment
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Warming Huts, Manitoba, Canada, by atelierFrancis with Seamus Kennedy and Cristina Garavelli
About
How does where we live affect our understanding of our environment? Elizabeth Francis, an architect keenly interested in architectural research and sustainability, takes us on a journey to explore this question. She discusses examples of integrated design from her work with the firm Mario Cucinella Architects and her current projects under atelierFrancis, which incorporate research, architecture, and art. She brings the question of environment home as she reflects on the realities of being a working woman in Italy today.
Elizabeth Francis
Photo: Mattia CandiottiAbout the Speaker
Elizabeth Francis is an architect interested in architectural research and sustainability. She founded atelierFrancis in 2010\. Francis is currently collaborating with the visual artist group An Cosán Glas to create a cross cultural international sculpture trail, and she is also working on various projects with a network of women architects and engineers situated around Italy. She joined Mario Cucinella Architects in Paris in 1994, became a partner in 1997, and cofounded MCA Italy in 1999\. Prior to joining MCA Italy, she studied and worked in France, Ireland, and the UK. She has developed a number of European Commission funded research projects under the JOULE and Altener programmes that explore the application of natural cooling techniques in buildings. From 2007 to 2010, she presented her research to an international audience as part of the PHDC dissemination project. Francis has spoken on her work at international conferences in Europe, Asia, and the US.
Passive Downdraught Evaporative Cooling in Non-domestic Buildings, European research project by MCA (Mario Cucinella Architects)