Susan Pranger
Username
Susan Pranger
Proposer First Name
Susan
Proposer Email
SUSAN.D.PRANGER@GMAIL.COM
Proposer Last Name
Pranger
Proposer Company/Organization
BAC
Proposer Phone
(857) 719-4531
Proposer Job Title
Adjunct Faculty

Boston 2023 Areas of Focus

Proposer Additional Info
My book will be available before the conference: https://www.routledge.com/Old-Materials-New-Climate-Traditional-Building-Materials-in-a-Changing/Pranger/p/book/9780367749576
Proposed Session Description
The impact of climate change on sea levels and energy consumption is well known, but how will the increasing intensity of sun, wind and rain affect our existing buildings? This session explains the mechanics and chemistry behind the wear and tear of the weather on traditional building materials of wood, stone, masonry, concrete and metal. Attendees will be asked to share their own experiences and to discuss options for protecting the built environment as conditions become more severe.
Diversity and Inclusiveness
no
Learning Objectives
Distinguish between the different types of forces and pressures that move water and air through building materials with a focus on the materials themselves rather than building assembies.
Predict how wood, masonry, stone, concrete and metal materials respond differently to UV rays, wind, humidity, dampness and rain.
Recognize how surface texture, shape, porosity and coatings create surface conditions that repel or absorb moisture.
Anticipate how changes in the climate (temperature, rainfall patterns, UV intensity) will affect the future performance and durability of exterior materials.
Has this session been presented before?
No
Additional Comments
The content of this presentation is drawn from the presenter's recent book "Old Materials, New Climate: Traditional Buildings in a Changing World" which is scheduled to be published in January 2024 by Taylor & Francis/Routledge.
Target Audiences Level of Expertise
Level 1 - No prior knowledge needed.
Session Format
Presentation followed by facilitated discussion or breakout groups
Session Format Details
60 minute presentation with case studies, following by 30 minutes of audience discussion.
Recommended Length
90-minute session

Strongest Content Connection - Boston 2023

Reviewer 1
Widjaja, Karno
Reviewer 2
Mayer, Aidan
Proposal #
141
Committee Decision
Being Considered

Presenters

Full Description
The world is already experiencing extrordinary weather conditions that are gradually threatening the survival of existing materials. While not as dramatic or seemingly urgent as other impacts of climate change, action must be taken now to understand and mitigate the gradual but persistent destruction of exterior materials if we are to take advantage of the embodied energy of existing buildings.