Joseph Cory

I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel). I loved architecture and design since the day I was born, but I understood my mission to make our world a better place through the design after I have studied the work of Frederick Kiesler during my PhD studies.

My office – Geotectura, is a one-person office. I am using sophisticated technology in order to be more efficient and to design sustainable architecture after doing several simulations regarding energy, light, wind and so on. I work only for clients with ecological responsibility. The outcome is very rewarding to all as we are all together with the client's vision are improving the quality of life and helping the environment in each project.

Design for me is a way to make our planet a better place. If you consider only the aesthetics of design, it is not good design for me. The design should take into consideration social, ecological and economical values. The beauty is a by-product after you solved the other issues.

Only sustainable projects starting from small scale to big public projects. I am designing mostly educational buildings as the clients appreciate the benefits of sustainable architecture in terms of low maintenance and low energy demands.

The Shrine of the Book by Frederick Kiesler (1965) is my favorite design as it is a piece of art that is many things at the same time - An ecological building, a sculptural monument, a time capsule of history and a surreal idea that came into our reality.

I have designed several ecological sculptures that brought sustainable principles into the awareness of the public such as energy independence, green walls, prefab design and more.

I use only ecological materials in each project. It can be local, recycled or renewable such as Bamboo. I look for green certification for each material and I am considering the life cycle of the material so it will include data of what was needed to produce the material, how it will last in the project and what will be the future of it after the demolition of the project in the far future.

When I am designing a project and all the environmental considerations are starting to shape the outcome of the design I feel that I am part of the creativity of mother earth. The logic of nature is embedded in all of my design so I enjoy the wisdom of a very old and wise friend.

When you make a sustainable design you need to take into consideration so many aspects regarding the climate conditions, the site, the program, the energy challenges, light, wind, materials, life cycle and much more. Many times one aspect is challenging another aspect so you need to know where to make good compromised for the benefit of the entire design.

I feel big responsibility. It is a burden but it is very rewarding if you complete the task in make a sustainable design.

I feel that all the efforts and time spent in the project made a difference.

When the clients are happy with the result, when the building is not a burden but rather an income source thanks to ecological design and energy saving.

Is it sustainable? Holistic approach that takes into consideration many aspects.

Every few years I make an exhibition of my recent work in local galleries. It is a great opportunity to raise the awareness about sustainable design and a nice way to see what the progress and learning curve in those years was.

Frederick Kiesler was my first inspiration as he was talking about sustainability principles and technology in the service of humanity 100 years ago. I have decided when I started my own practice in 2008 to follow his legacy and do only sustainable projects. The rest is easy as nature rules and restrictions are shaping the outcome of my design each time.

It is not a style or a fashion. It is a dance with nature and people, trying to reflect and respond to ecological challenges.

I live in Israel in the north part. The climate zones in Israel are great case studies for my ecological knowledge. The history and multi diversity are a great source of influence regarding the social aspects. The start-up nation of Israel in the last years are part of embracing the technology into my designs.

I am very devoted to the clients I work with and give them the best service and attention in order to fulfill our common sustainable vision. The suppliers that I work with in each project (supplying the materials and the technology) are becoming friends and part of the green team.

Look for a designer that is not just talking but is doing. look pass the pretty words and nice images and see the actual design process and energy results. Start looking only after you know what your vision is. Aim high to make our world a better place with your new project.

The methodology is very rational using environmental analysis and then ecological simulations in order to design a function that fits with the clients demands in the most appropriate way.

Home and nature that relates to each other. I have a fan and shading device in the living room and balcony to help with the climatic conditions and make a thermal comfort most time of the year. Ecological garden with no irrigation and with hydroponic system to grow some of my food. Daylight in the proper amount using thermal glass doors and windows facing nature.

Working in my office, facing the view of nature through the window. Simple things make me happy.

It is a long journey. No short cuts. If you want to make a positive impact stay loyal to your agenda even in hard times.

The positive thing about being a designer is that you can make a change and inspire people. The negative is that sometimes people do not want to be inspired or to improve their lives because they are used to bad habits or that they are indifference. But this can make the positive goal even more challenging.

Only to work on projects that will make our planet a better place. Only sustainable projects with sustainable-aware clients.

Curiosity. The need to explore and to learn all the time. Even as a professor I feel like a student all the time.

I use software that is part of the BIM (Building Information Modeling) world. Revit is the main platform but on top of it I use many apps that can simulate and affect the design in order to become more ecological and energy efficient. The green codes are also part of my design process as a guiding source.

I use BIM (Building Information Modeling) in order to be very efficient. I have been working with this method since 2001 and won several international competitions for the pioneering way of using cutting edge software and improving the design. I am one person with 6 computers so you can say I have an Artificial Intelligence extension :)

In small projects it is several months, in big ones it can take between 1 to 2 years. The BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology that I use is making the process very efficient and time saving while minimizing errors later on in the construction phase.

Is sustainable design costs more? The answer is NO. Sustainable design, like any other design costs according to the budget of the client. Of course, you can make more with more money, but I have designed ecological projects with zero budget and cutting-edge projects with high budget. The important task is to stay within the budget boundaries as I have always done.

I think working on the Porter School of Environmental Studies was quite important as the challenge was to design the most ecological project in Israel and in the end the result was a LEED Platinum project with 92 points that only a few projects around the world achieved this challenge.

Always clients with a sustainable vision. I know that good clients make good architecture. You cannot succeed only by your motivation and expertise without the client's support and understanding of all the green challenges ahead.

I enjoy any challenge that is looking for a design that in the end will improve the world we are living in. I will never be part of a project that is not sustainable.

To find good clients that share the vision of making our world a better place.

I work by myself. I use cutting edge technology to make my practice more efficient and more innovative comparing bigger firms. Although I am the only architect you are always working with a team of consultants (Structural Engineer, MEP...) and of course the client is an important team member.

I am designing now several field schools in Israel, one of them in the dead sea, also an ecological high school. Always looking for the next sustainable challenge.

I studied architecture at the Technion (Haifa, Israel) where I did my master and PhD as well. Later on, I have become a professor at Shenkar College (Ramat Gan, Israel). I loved architecture and design since the day I was born, but I understood my mission to make our world a better place through the design after I have studied the work of Frederick Kiesler during my PhD studies.

I understand that as a designer I have responsibility to make a positive impact in our world.

I love to design, if you read backwards my family name in Hebrew you get the meaning - Green, so I became a green designer :)

Usually public buildings, schools. I wish to continue and design sustainable project for good clients.

I am not a legend. Just a simple architect that doing what is right for a better future. Everyone can and should make sustainable contribution in our world.

If you make sustainable design you are good. If not you are no designer in my opinion. Great design is just an extra you can achieve with great clients.

Holistic approach, taking into consideration many ecological, social and economical aspects.

Good design can last more. Good design involves circular thinking. Good design can change the way we live and redirect it to a more sustainable manner.

Using cutting edge tools that can help me with the challenge of green design and simulations.

Environmental sensitivity, integration of technology for the common good

I treat them all as equal as long as I make green design - Even if they are one of the greenest projects in the world (such as the Porter School of Environmental Studies or with zero budget and made out of waste (such as ZeroHome).

I have an agenda and a moral compass that I use for each project.

I have no choice, it is destiny and responsibility in my opinion.

It is not a style or a fashion. It is a dance with nature and people, trying to reflect and respond to ecological challenges.

My family of course, but also my clients that believe in me and in my abilities.