Vernal Convergence

Sharp readers will note the cover has a very Louis Sullivan flavor. Indeed, we purposefully chose one of the wonderful frieze panels from the master of Organic architecture as the basis of an illus tration to represent another inspired design phenomenon: green building and the LEED movement.

As demonstrated in the re-created panel from the since-demolished Garrick Theater in Chicago, Sullivan was renown for the detail of ornamentation in his building components, many of which included intricate floral and vegetable patterns echoing nature herself. In our homage to this organic design philosophy, we've emblazened the frieze with the tri-oak leaf insignia of the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program—who's efforts in promoting green design, I believe, Sullivan would champion today.

Next month will prove a more objective barometer, as many disciples of sustainable design will trek to the capital of the Lone Star state for the inaugural Green Building Conference and Expo, organized by the USGBC. And in recognition of this event, we've dedicated this issue to the subject of green design. In fact, our cover story ("Verdant Horizon," p. 30) polls our readership on this issue and the impact the LEED program is having on the industry. We also feature a piece by a member of USGBC's steering committee, who invokes another architectural term—Post-Modernism—in calling for engineers and architects alike to really change their thinking when it comes to designing buildings ("Post-Modern Engineering," p. 36).

Jetting to the West Coast, we also explore how sustainable principles fit hand-in-glove with restoration, in this case, Pier 1, a turn-of-the-(19th)-century warehouse ("Rising from the Depths," p. 42). Finally, we examine the less sexy side of sustainable design—particularly energy efficiency—in this instance, an emergency retrofit of a cash-strapped school district's boiler facilities ("Need a Boiler Fix? It's Elementary," p. 51).

Not so coincidentally, plumbing is an undercurrent through the issue, notably in the Pier 1 and the boiler retrofit project stories, the latter of which includes a peek at the products that will be displayed at the Engineering Plumbing Exhibit, which will be conducted by the American Society of Plumbing Engineers, also in Texas later this month. But plumbing, specifically water conservation efforts, is a big part of the LEED program. I look forward to both shows and what I may learn and see there. But upon my return, I mostly hope to confirm the truth of words proclaimed on our cover: may the dedication of the design community to sustainability be cast in iron.

P.S. Last month, the magazine said adieu to two staffers moving on to new ventures. This month, I'm happy to report two fine additions: Gina Moore, who joins the staff as production/web editor; and Terry Ntovas, who joins us as our new art director. Both have a keen sense of graphic design and have already had an impact on the magazine's appearance. Join me in welcoming them aboard.