Zion Canyon Winery, Springdale, Utah

"Is sustainability inherently beautiful? When translated to architecture, is the application of ‘latest technology' all it takes to practice excellent (sustainable) architecture? In the pursuit of ‘honest expression' does technology relieve the architect of searching further for beauty? Is architecture that relies less on advance technology, but more on ‘proven' proportional aesthetic more beautiful? On the fl ip side, when do our romantic notions of beauty dilute the eff ectiveness of sustainability in architecture? How can the innovative technologies of our age be our tool to achieve beauty?" (Mcdonugh) The architecture profession has been faced with these questions as they tackle the challenge of redefi ning what it takes to make a building both beautiful and socially responsible. Buildings are one of the largest consumers of natural resources, both in construction material and the energy needed to regulate and maintain the interior environment. Mitigating the drain on resources has many implications on building form and design which in many cases has been at odds with the artistic vision of the architect. With a new generation of architectural professionals being educated steps have been taken to integrate sustainable principles into the design process. Blending design and sustainable principles into a seamless whole, maintaining a high standard in both aspects, is the ideal outcome of such explorations. Reaching such an outcome is not simply an exercise in negotiation. When signifi cant change is required, signifi cant consideration and refl ection is necessary to actively expand the horizon of possibilities for the creator and the recipient. Questioning the premise of every aspect of building design off ers a wider opportunity for change and innovation both in the building and the outlook and education of the designer. As perspective widens so does a designers understanding of beauty. The proposed project for the 2009 Masters Project is a winery located near Zion Canyon in Springdale, Utah. Through the process of developing this project conventionally held ideas about lifestyle, comfort, beauty and sustainablity will be challenged both from a personal perspective and global perspective. Thinking and being aware of the impact of our actions is the fi rst step to changing the core values and understanding of sustainability and beauty both in our professional and personal lives.