Sean Dolohanty

 

So last summer, Sean decided to explore green architecture at a deeper level for his Fellows project. Under the guidance of his mentor, Mr. George Clemens from Clemens Architecture in Chagrin Falls, Sean learned through experience by visiting the construction site of a green home. Sean asked questions, took pictures and listened as he walked the site. He learned that creating and building a green home was a complex endeavor, as Mr. Clemens and his crew had to consider not just the layout of the home, but its impact on the ecosystem surrounding it, the energy efficiency of everything from its light sources to it water heater, its orientation to the sun, the cost of its green materials, the home’s effect on the lifestyle of his client, and much, much more.

 

Sean presented his research to the middle school on Wednesday, September 25. He opened by discussing the six different meanings of the term “green,” then he outlined numerous ways to incorporate green initiatives while building. The home he visited in Chagrin Falls had two main ways of being green: it had a plethora of windows to let in natural light, and it was built up instead of out to preserve the surrounding environment. Sean concluded his presentation by showing us a simulation of his ideal green home using Google SketchUp.

 

Sean had a wealth of knowledge on the topic of green architecture, and in the last few weeks, he worked diligently to prepare his presentation and hone his speaking skills. This kind of work ethic will serve him well going forward, especially if he builds his own green home some day. Congratulations, Sean! You are this year’s first Center For Excellence Junior Research Fellow, and you have set a high bar for the rest of the Fellows this year.