Presentations

Geothermal Systems
An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability

The Earth has the inherent ability to absorb solar energy and in turn; store thermal energy: a perpetually renewable resource.  Geothermal Systems utilize this energy for effective, sustainable environmental controls.  This program offers a review of theory and concepts, system types and materials, regulations, system operations/fundamentals, building integration, economics and cost factors, design benefits, case studies of building types and system variations, as well as environmental benefits. 

Geothermal Systems incorporate methods, materials, and operations that focus on contributing towards sustainable designed buildings that are economically viable with a high level of building performance.  There is no on-site combustion of fossil fuels and no venting of exhaust gases.  While electricity is required to power the pumps and fans, geothermal heat pumps are highly efficient.  Fundamentally, heat energy from the ground is transferred through a liquid medium within a loop system, up into the building.  In turn, a geothermal heat pump uses compressors and heat exchangers in a vapor compression cycle to concentrate the Earth’s energy and to release it within the building at a higher temperature, thus providing heating.  In contrast, the process is reversed for cooling purposes, whereby heat is drawn from the building, expelled to a loop, and back into the ground. 

As Architects, we have a responsibility to be stewards of the health, safety, and welfare of the people who occupy the built environment.  Since our design decisions have such a high impact on the environment, it is imperative that we establish a solid understanding of alternative building systems with sustainable strategies.  This program offers attending Architects learning opportunities in terms of establishing a level of knowledge of Geothermal Systems that encompasses basic concepts, specific system types, design guidelines and requirements, as well as cost considerations.  Furthermore, the case studies offer exemplary projects for the purpose of solidifying the learning experience.

In terms of gained benefits, attendees will have the informed abilities to potentially implement Geothermal Systems as part of an integrated strategy for sustainable design.  Furthermore, an understanding of inherent environmental benefits will reinforce the idea that Architects have the undeniable opportunities to play a pivotal role in terms of affecting positive global changes in the environment.  

Participants will be able to describe the fundamental concepts and system operations of Geothermal Systems, as well as the differences in system types and materials, reinforcing the idea that Architects can educate the public about sustainability.  In addition, participants will be able to analyze Geothermal Systems feasibility, site planning, system type options, building integration, as well as economic and cost factors, in terms of consideration for a specific project and site context.  Furthermore, participants will be able to describe and identify environmental benefits gained from the integration of Geothermal Systems, thus demonstrating how this alternative strategy for sustainability can contribute towards a balanced, healthy planet.

Appropriateness and Optimization
within a Sea of Diversity
Diversity in Sustainable Strategies for Residential Design

George Fellner was instrumental in organizing a 4-part series on Green Homes for 2009, sponsored by the AIA CT Committee on the Environment.  The first 3 programs included presentations by Alex Wilson, Marc Rosenbaum, and Mike Trolle.  The 4th program: Diversity in Sustainable Strategies for Residential Design included presentations by Connecticut Architects: George Fellner, John Rountree, Philippe Campus, and Lindsay Suter.  Mr. Fellner’s presentation: Appropriateness and Optimization within a Sea of Diversity included an overview of sustainable strategies, a discussion of systems and materials including geothermal systems, as well as case studies.

Green Homes
Strategies for Sustainable Design

Up to very recent times, there has been an ongoing complacency in convention with regards to home design, energy efficiency, and expected environmental systems.  However, the new mind set for sustainable design as a means to achieve Green Homes is certainly becoming an essential aspect of our consciousness.  This program reviews the realities of energy and climate as well as the essential criteria for a Green Home.  Specific strategies address issues of site, efficiency of water and energy use, air quality, and materials.  This is followed by summarizing systems implementation including lighting, heating, windows, appliances, fixtures, recyclable/renewable materials, passive solar, photovoltaics, and geothermal systems.  In turn, this program concludes with a review of some of the environmental benefits of sustainable design.

The Aesthetics of a Castle
The Architecture and Landscape of Gillette Castle

There is potential for the celebration of architecture and landscape, juxtaposed in terms of historical context.  The goal is to discover multiple expressions representing the many faces, moods, and personalities of the world of Gillette Castle.  Thus, a visual journey exploring form and light with the intent of creating evocative images can transform, transcend, communicate, and often surprise the observer.  Indeed, the transformation of the familiar into the unique can be an enlightening as well as a rejuvenating experience.  This photo-digital slide presentation serves as a vehicle for this visual journey.

East Haddam Barns
A Pictorial Survey

The pastoral character of East Haddam is enhanced by a plethora of barn subject material.  Using  camera and lenses, the search for unique and stimulating representations of the built and natural environment results in the celebration of the history, architecture, and landscape of this quintessential Connecticut town.  This program offers a review of the basic history of barns, barn typology, and construction integrated with a series of visual case studies.  The selected images portray a range of barn types, including old as well as recently constructed manifestations of the barn theme.  The intent is to evoke an appreciation of the past and to realize the relevance of the past within the context of the present.

Pastoral Images

This presentation represents a celebration of the idealized country life in terms of the visual environmental context that is inherently present in East Haddam, CT.

landscapes   farms   fields   hills   valleys   lakes   ponds   streams   rivers   waterfalls   plants   flowers   horses   cows   chickens   barns   silos   greenhouses   farmhouses   machines   tools   ornaments   signs

Presentations

"Architectural Design."  Lecture presented to H. Pearce Board of Realtors, Guilford, CT,  24 June 1987.

"Dialogue in Architecture."  Lecture presented to the Middletown Exchange Club, Middletown, CT, 2 November 1989.

"Strategies for Downtown Rejuvenation."  Lecture presented to the Kiwanis Club, Middletown, CT, 3 March 1993.

“Connect Greenway.”  Multi-media Program given at the East Haddam Land Trust Annual Meeting, East Haddam, CT, January 1997.

“Sustainable Building and Design.”  Guest on TV Talk Show “Our World in Conflict” for local access television, Plainville, CT, 7 November 1999.

“GeoExchange Heating and Cooling Systems as a Sustainable Strategy for Residential Design.”  Lecture given as part of the “Architecture Series” at the Sound Waters Community Center for Environmental Education, Stamford, CT, 13 December 2000.

“Sustainable Strategies/Green Architecture: Fellner Residence - A Case Study.”  Lecture/Program given as part of AIA Connecticut Small Firms Roundtable Lecture Series at AIA Connecticut Offices, New Haven, CT, 6 February 2002.

“Haddam Eco-Tourism Center: Sustainable Strategies.”  Lecture/Program given as part of AIA Connecticut Committee on the Environment Lecture Series at AIA Connecticut Offices, New Haven, CT, 4 March 2003.

“Geothermal Systems & Applications.”  Full day Program sponsored by AIA Connecticut Education Commission and Committee on the Environment at The Southbury Hilton, Southbury, CT, 15 May 2003.  Presenters included Steve Kavanaugh, P.E.; Buck Taylor, CL&P; Lindsay Suter, AIA; and George Fellner, AIA.

“The Architecture of First Congregational Church.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at First Church of Christ, Congregational, East Haddam, CT, 12 May 2004.

“A Taste of Hungarian Architecture.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation given as part of AIA Connecticut Committee on the Environment Lecture Series at AIA Connecticut Offices, New Haven, CT, 2 November 2004.

“Main Street, East Haddam: An Architectural Experience.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at the EHHS Museum, East Haddam, CT, 8 June 2005.

“Main Street, East Haddam: An Architectural Experience.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at The Village Gallery, East Haddam, CT, 17 June 2005.

“The Aesthetics of a Castle: The Architecture and Landscape of Gillette Castle.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at the East Haddam Senior Center, East Haddam, CT, 13 September 2006.

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Half day program sponsored by AIA Connecticut Committee on the Environment at Platt Technical High School, Milford, CT, 21 September 2006.  Presenters included George Fellner, AIA; Philippe Campus, AIA; Rick King; and Tony Iaconiello.

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Program sponsored by Group 5 Building Officials of Middlesex County at Cromwell Town Hall, Cromwell, CT, 6 March 2007.  

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, 2007 Design and Trades Conference at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell, CT, 21 May 2007.

“Geothermal Systems for Residential Design.”  Program sponsored by AIA Connecticut Committee on the Environment and Small Firms Roundtable at AIA Connecticut Offices, New Haven, CT, 6 June 2007.  Presenters included George Fellner, AIA and Philippe Campus, AIA.

“Pastoral Images.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at the East Haddam Senior Center, East Haddam, CT, 12 September 2007.

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Program sponsored by the Housatonic Chapter of CSI at the Dakota Restaurant, Milford, CT, 16 October 2007.

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Program sponsored by the New England Chapter of NCARB at the Mystic Hilton, Mystic, CT, 26 October  2007.

“Geothermal Systems: An Alternative Strategy for Sustainability.”  Program for the AIA 2008 National Convention, Boston Convention & Exhibition Center, 16 May 2008.

“East Haddam Barns: A Pictorial Survey.”  Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at the EHHS Museum, East Haddam, CT, 8 October 2008.

"Green Homes: Strategies for Sustainable Design." Program sponsored by Earth Charter - Community of the Lower Valley at the Grange Hall, East Haddam, CT, 8 February 2009.

"Geothermal Systems." Part of Energy Expo and Forum Program sponsored by the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Cromwell, CT, 23 June 2009.

"Architectural Photography: Concepts and Strategies." Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the Connecticut Valley Camera Club at Deep River Library, Deep River, CT, 31 August 2009.

"Warneke Exhibit: The Last Supper and the Road to Emmaus - A Visual Introspective." Lecture/Photo Presentation sponsored by the East Haddam Historical Society at the EHHS Museum, East Haddam, CT, 9 September 2009.

"Appropriateness and Optimization Within a Sea of Diversity." Part of half day Program: "Diversity in Sustainable Strategies for Residential Design." Program sponsored by AIA Connecticut Committee on the Environment 4-part series on "Green Homes" at AIA Connecticut Offices, New Haven, CT, 27 October 2009. Presenters included John Rountree, AIA; Philippe Campus, AIA; Lindsay Suter, AIA, LEED AP; and George Fellner, AIA, LEED AP.

"Green Homes Optimization: Diversity in Sustainable Strategies." Program sponsored by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Safety, 2010 Design and Trades Conference at Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, CT, 18 March 2010.