Issues: Environment, Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Energy
Stakeholders: Employees, Customers, Communities
Region: Europe
For more than a century, architects have incorporated aluminum into their building and design plans because of its unique qualities. Aluminum’s strength, formability, corrosion-resistance, electrical conductor properties and ability to be infinitely recycled have made aluminum an attractive choice for a variety of building applications.
Today’s architects are not only considering materials that help them achieve their design goals, budgets and construction needs, but are also seeking materials that help minimize the negative environmental impact throughout the building’s life cycle. The whole life cycle of the material is evaluated – from its removal from the earth, how it is manufactured, its maintenance needs and energy efficiency once it is part of the structure of the building – to how it is disposed of when the structure is removed. This concept is called sustainable construction and, as concerns about global climate change increase, is quickly becoming an important part of the construction industry.
Realizing that aluminum scores high in many areas that sustainable construction measures, Novelis is committed to keeping aluminum top of mind for tomorrow’s designers. In Europe, Novelis has formed a partnership with The Polytechnic University of Milan and Pavia University and hosts lectures for their architecture and engineering students. These lectures focus on contemporary design and how aluminum can provide solutions for both new and historical buildings. With input from academics and architects, as well as the industrial view from the perspective of Novelis, the lectures give rise to a lively and constructive debate with students. The lectures are followed by a design competition on the theme “Aluminum, Material for Architecture”.
In addition, Novelis is the co-sponsor, for the second consecutive year, of an international architectural design competition. Promoted by Frame magazine, the theme for 2007 is "Color: A Material for Architecture".
