Seth Holmes - Featured Faculty 2023

These are two questions Professor Seth Holmes considers as part of his research into the resilient design of buildings. In general, his research asks how we can design, build, and modify buildings to both incorporate modern technological means of operation (HVAC, electric light, data systems), while still providing functionality when those systems unexpectedly fail or are otherwise temporarily unavailable. This idea is at the heart of resilient design thinking.

Within the realm of resilient design, Professor Holmes’ academic research more specifically addresses climate change adaptation, or how our buildings will respond to potential changes to their existing environment. His publications include co-editing the 2022 book “Climate Adaptation and Resilience Across Scales” with Nicholas Rajkovich. This book brought together numerous design and academic professionals who incorporate resilient design strategies in their work developing, designing, constructing, and operating buildings in cities and regions across North America. This book provides other professionals in numerous built environment industries with a catalog of resilient design strategies for implementation on their own development projects. Professor Holmes has also published numerous other resilient design-focused research including book chapters, journal articles, conference presentations, and advising on the LEED Resilient Design pilot credit. Within this realm of research, he aims to increase action towards enhancing climate equity and community education programs around climate awareness, emergency management planning, self-assessment, and communication.

As part of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability’s Department of Architecture, Seth Holmes is helping move sustainability forward to elevate the value of architectural design through research focused on positive energy, building performance, climate-responsive design, passive resiliency, carbon footprint reduction, and appropriate contextual design strategies. Through his teaching and research, he prioritizes hands-on learning and assessment of real-world projects, utilizing the program’s LEED Platinum-certified building to observe and test building efficiency, and encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration and investigation in student learning and research. Seth’s design studio curricula integrate construction technologies, material science, and mechanics into design, as well as urban considerations, including economics, public policy, sociology, and regional culture. Professor Holmes helps prepare students for the increasingly integrated practice of architecture, where architects are orchestrating teams of professionals from a variety of design and research fields, including engineering, management, and physical, social, and computer sciences.

Seth Holmes
Associate Professor
Department of Architecture
Golisano Institute for Sustainability