Aaron Salva

I got involved with Solar Decathlon because it provides students with a close model to a professional office, which I think is an invaluable experience to gain within the academic realm.  In addition, I believe the questions that Solar Decathlon asks students to solve are topics which any practicing architect over the next several years will be asked to solve.

Currently I am involved with drawing and detailing the canopy structure with Brad Wales and Matt Kreidler.  Some of the current things that are being done are further investigation into the enclosure system, including selection of materials and detailing connections to the modules, as well as creating an interchangeable set of parts to add to the system making it more unique but also allowing the user more flexibility or customization of the space.

GRoW Buffalo means that the university is dedicated to providing a valuable teaching tool to the students in the sense that students involved will be exposed to a work flow that is interdisciplinary and modeled after the professional world.  I also believe that GroW Buffalo expresses the desires of both the university and the Buffalo community to become contributors of the larger green building movement.  This is not only seen in solar energy but various forms of alternative energy and conservation.