Claire Saeki catches up with Clark Manus, president of the American Institute of Architects and CEO of Heller Manus, a firm with a growing presence in Asia.
November 10th, 2011
Clark Manus has stepped back a little from the busy role as CEO of commercial architecture firm Heller Manus to take on the arguably more hectic life as president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). However, with skills befitting both positions, he doesn’t see the two roles conflicting, rather a “mutual advantage” exists.
As a practicing architect in a senior position with projects across the globe, the AIA benefits from Manus’ knowledge and ability to champion for the architecture profession. Conversely his position as AIA president brings his firm prestige and a network when he moves back into his company work 100 per cent.
With a San Francisco HQ, Heller Manus forms part of the increasingly deep connections running east to west having just completed his first project – an office tower – in Shanghai. It is one of Shanghai’s first LEED gold buildings. He sees sustainability as not only “a good societal aspiration” but part of the “bottom line need to save energy” and reduce waste in general.
Eastern Harbor International Tower. Image courtesy of Heller Manus Architects
Manus notes 2 themes in architecture going forward. The first, how the global economic environment will combine with trends in sustainability to produce more modest buildings contextual to their surroundings – at ground level we will see “much greater accessibility” and more landscaping at pedestrian level.
“Because this is where people touch and feel the buildings” he says.
Another example of Heller Manus’ sustainable design – Guangzhou International Fashion Center. Image courtesy of Heller Manus Architects
The idea of architect as care giver carries on through trend number 2, where groups such as the AIA are getting actively involved in disaster repair…and prevention. The impact of recent earthquakes, floods, typhoons and other natural disasters on building infrastructure in many countries can be mitigated through his organisation’s interaction with policy makers, suggestions as to code upgrades and enforcement and changes in materials standards.
The list goes on, and so does the busy life of an AIA president all over the world.
Guangzhou North and South Axes Urban Design by Heller Manus. Image courtesy of Heller Manus Architects
Heller Manus
hellermanus.com
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Suitable for applications ranging from schools and retail outlets to computer rooms and X-ray suites, Palettone comes in two varieties and a choice of more than fifty colours.
The Sub-Zero Wolf showrooms in Sydney and Melbourne provide a creative experience unlike any other. Now showcasing all-new product ranges, the showrooms present a unique perspective on the future of kitchens, homes and lifestyles.
Channelling the enchanting ambience of the Caffè Greco in Rome, Budapest’s historic Gerbeaud, and Grossi Florentino in Melbourne, Ross Didier’s new collection evokes the designer’s affinity for café experience, while delivering refined seating for contemporary hospitality interiors.
Is your website hitting the mark? Read on to find out how you could win your own free website design.
European design house EMU have injected fresh colour into their classic range of outdoor furniture
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
In a gesture that honours the Eames’ distinct creative sensibility, Herman Miller unearths the design duo’s unseen colourways, bringing a playful new energy to some of their most iconic pieces.
British architecture practice, AHMM, now has a home in Sydney. We caught up with Paul Monaghan ahead of his Australian Architecture Conference keynote speech.