Art Lecture: Richard Yancey ’85—Building the Future: Towards a Climate Ready Architecture

Monday, December 8, 2025 at 4:30pm
Boger Hall, Room 112

Free and open to the public

We are at an inflection point in the climate crisis.  Innovative solutions are becoming built examples and ambitious policies are becoming laws, but of all the sectors that contribute to climate change, buildings are the most resistant to change, contributing over 40% of the world’s carbon emissions, and nearly 70% of most cities.

We must rapidly evolve the way we design, construct, and operate our homes, offices, schools, and factories, creating a new climate-ready architecture. Richard Yancey ’85, FAIA, LEED AP, will speak to his own journey—from passionate architect to creating a nonprofit organization on the frontier of ideas and action— and share insights into the leading climate solutions for our built environment.

Starting with a Mathematics-Economics degree from Wesleyan University, Yancey went on to become an award-winning architect, only to pivot mid-career to create the Building Energy Exchange, a pioneering international center of excellence dedicated to building decarbonization, addressing of the biggest challenge of our time.

Co-sponsored by the Samuel Silipo ’85 Distinguished Visitors Fund of the Department of Art and Art History, the College of Design and Engineering Studies, and the Bailey College of the Environment.