Birdair, Inc. Co-Sponsors Architectural Lecture at the University of Buffalo

Birdair, Inc., the leading specialty contractor of lightweight long-span roofing systems and tensile structures throughout the world, co-sponsored an architectural lecture by renowned architect and structural engineer Charles Walker at the University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning on April 15, 2009.

The lecture, held at Crosby Hall on the University of Buffalo’s South Campus at 5:30 p.m., played host to a mix of University of Buffalo students and local architects. Walker, who currently serves as associate director for London-based Zaha Hadid Architects, shared his experiences directing and realizing projects ranging from small pavilions to complex structures and large urban master plans, with a concentration on conceptual, procedural, and physical relationships between form, structure, and materials.

Walker is known for his work with the London structural engineering firm Atelier One, where he helped to establish their reputation for innovative design engineering.

“The ability to educate both local architects and architectural students on the realization of complex technical design remains important to Birdair,” said William Barden, AIA, Director of Architectural Development at Birdair, Inc. “Accordingly, we look forward to continuing our support of the University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning’s lecture series.”

Birdair maintains a business development relationship with Zaha Hadid Architects. To date, Birdair has completed work on more than 300 major installations worldwide, incorporating tensile architecture into a variety of structures. Birdair combines breakthrough technologies with unparalleled experience to create structures that meet both facility and patron requirements.