Introduction
Steven Holl Architects embraces sustainable building and site development as fundamental to innovative and imaginative design. With extensive experience in realizing over 13 LEED-certified projects and a JUST 2.0 label from the International Living Futures Institute, SHA sees sustainable approaches to design and construction as an obligation to the future of the built environment.
Examples
Selected Projects with Ecological Focus
Lectures on Ecology
In the lecture titled “Ecologics at Steven Holl Architects 1992-2020,” presented virtually on April 16, 2020, architect Steven Holl discussed the integration of ecological principles in his firm’s projects over nearly three decades. The event was hosted by Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP) and moderated by faculty member David Benjamin. During the lecture, Holl was joined by Matthias Schuler, founder of Transsolar, a climate engineering firm known for its work on environmentally responsive design. Schuler has collaborated with Holl on various projects, focusing on sustainable building strategies.
The discussion centered on “Ecologics,” emphasizing the fusion of ecological awareness with architectural logic. Holl showcased a series of projects exemplifying this approach, highlighting natural light, ventilation, and green spaces to enhance environmental performance and occupant well-being. Schuler contributed insights into the technical aspects of implementing these sustainable strategies, discussing challenges and solutions encountered in their collaborative work.
In this online lecture hosted by India’s Council of Architecture, Holl emphasized the importance of integrating natural elements—fresh air, daylight, and green space—into architecture as a key lesson from the pandemic. The discussion highlighted strategies central to SHA’s work: embracing landscape and greenspace, maximizing natural ventilation and light, open circulation, and ecological innovation. Humanistic and ecological approaches are more essential than ever in shaping resilient, healthy architecture for the future.
Young architects have the possibility to see the future in an optimistic, ecological, environmental, human way… we have to listen to them.
Steven Holl
Earth Day
Each year, Steven Holl Architects observes Earth Day by engaging in environmental projects in the community.
SHA New York City office cleaning up Stuyvesant Park (2023).
Parallel to designing large scale, sustainable urban architecture, Steven Holl supports the preservation and restoration of landscape and wilderness as Lifetime Member of Sierra Club, Active Member of Scenic Hudson, Member of Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and “Advocates for Wilderness” – Member of the Wilderness Society. In 1970, Steven Holl was one of three founding members of Environmental Works at the University of Washington.
