Kennedy Violich Architecture: Kva/matx, Nomads & Nanomaterials

Each year, the University of Michigan hosts the Charles and Ray Eames lecture, which celebrates an innovative design couple. In 2005, the honorees were Sheila Kennedy and Franco Violich, cofounders of Kennedy & Violich Architecture, Ltd. (KVA), an interdisciplinary design practice that explores new relationships between architecture, digital technology and emerging public needs. In 2000, Kennedy established MATx, a pioneering materials research unit that engages teaching, writing and applied creative production across the fields of electronics, architecture and material design. MATx works collaboratively with business leaders, manufacturers, engineers and public agencies to invent design concepts, products and building systems that advance the real-world implementation of sustainable technologies. This book highlights recent work by KVA/MATx, placing particular emphasis on the development and application of their portable light project at the University of Michigan.