Governor’s Chair Lecture: Tim Swanson

Join us for a public lecture by Tim Swanson, chief design officer of Skender Construction in Chicago, on Monday, November 12, 2018. He will discuss the art of modular offsite construction in midrise buildings. As technology advances and construction costs continue to rise, Swanson is exploring the benefits of prefabricated housing. Swanson and Skender Construction are working on their first project using modular building technology to advance the company toward more efficient, affordable housing.

Swanson leads Skender’s team of architects and designers—bringing his passion for integrating the design and construction process to the firm’s clients. In his former position of Chicago office director at CannonDesign, he was the youngest office leader in the history of the century-old firm. Throughout his decade there, Swanson oversaw a team of more than 200 architecture, engineering, and planning experts. He also led its City Design practice, a national group focused on helping cities around the world grow and prosper. Having lived in Abu Dhabi, rural India and major American cities like New York and Chicago, Swanson brings a unique, global perspective to his design work. He is an advocate for smart growth and sustainable development, working with leaders at the intersection of urban planning, public health, and education. Swanson earned a Master of Architecture with a specialization in urban development and infill from the University of Illinois at Chicago and undergraduate degrees in fine arts and economics from Colgate University. [LinkedIn]

This lecture is provided by the Governor’s Chair for Energy + Urbanism and will be held at 5:30 p.m. in Rm. 111 in the Art + Architecture building, 1715 Volunteer Blvd.