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Putting the “green” back in Greensburg

by Chris Kliewer

Chris Kliewer ’97 is an architect for the Wichita firm of Wilson Darnell Mann P.A. and the president of the Wichita chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). As he notes below, “green” building design has long been an interest of his – in fact, a November 2004 article in Context featured one, Jon and Alissa ’98 Cyphers’ straw-bale house.

Chris wrote to Kathleen Sebelius, governor of Kansas, known to be an advocate for environmental innovation. As it turned out, the governor had been thinking along the same lines. She called for Greensburg to be rebuilt as “the greenest town in America” – which caught the attention of National Public Radio and got Chris on the air for an interview with “All Things Considered” guest host Jackie Lyden May 12.

What do you want to be when you grow up? This is a question I pondered throughout my childhood and even through my student career at Bethel College. We spend so much of our time in school figuring out what career to pursue and how to achieve it that as young adults we don’t stop to think of how our occupations reflect our personal values and beliefs and how that learned expertise can be used to help others. Although I knew I wanted to be an architect very early in my time at Bethel, I couldn’t put my finger on why, other than a gut instinct and my ultimate faith in the suggestion of a career placement computer program. I’m finally coming to the realization that many of you have already: God not only provides the skills and talents for us to make a living within a specific field, but also presents opportunities to share those gifts in ways that we cannot map out on a list of career goals.

“Sustainability” is a buzzword that architects have begun to use more and more frequently, but it began to dawn on me that creating houses, buildings and developments that are better for the environment is a stewardship issue that not only speaks to our progressiveness as a population but to our responsibility toward the earth God has given us. I was beginning to worry that my interest in “green” design was becoming an obsession to my family, but as my wife, Cara, and I were sitting in our living room watching the evening news, a thought occurred. It was just days after the town of Greensburg had been wiped away be nature’s forces. As we were wondering how this devastation could be turned into hope, Cara blurted out, “What about green design in Greensburg?”

Instantly, the possibilities seemed endless. No sooner had we explored a handful of them than we were frantically writing a proposal to Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Cara using her expertise in communications and marketing and me my knowledge of green design and sustainable communities. We were suddenly passionate about using those God-given interests and working together to see if we could help those in need.

I have since been to Greensburg several times and have witnessed the unimaginable destruction that befell this small town. However, I am happy to see that there is hope in this community and God has included us as part of this hope. At right are the words I shared with the governor. A committee of architects has since been formed to work with disaster assistance and the citizens of Greensburg to bring this idea to fruition. The town leaders are determined to make this concept into a reality. While this idea may have come from several different perspectives, the one I experienced taught me a valuable lesson of God’s work through each of us.

Letter to Governor Sebelius

Dear Governor Sebelius:

SUBJECT: “MAKING GREENSBURG GREEN”

In the face of tragedy, people want to find a way to help. Architects are no different, and in light of the massive tornado that struck Greensburg last week, architects such as myself are asking, “How can this community be rebuilt and find a source of hope to carry them through the process?” As the Wichita chapter president of the American Institute of Architects, I feel it my responsibility to represent the people of my profession in their effort to give back to the community at large, and in that spirit, I offer you the following proposal.

An idea was presented to me that made the rebuilding effort in Greensburg seem like a golden opportunity. The architectural community at large has long supported the idea of sustainable design to the point that it is becoming the main focus of our design efforts. Similarly, you have spearheaded several campaigns introducing the concepts of renewable energy and sustainability to the state as a whole. My question is this: What if Greensburg can be rebuilt as a model community for green design and sustainability? The town is faced with an almost complete rebuild of its fabric and infrastructure, and the opportunity to redefine how Greensburg is put back together is unprecedented.

Needless to say, I am excited about the possibilities for creating hope in Greensburg and making this small town known for much more than this tragic event. It is still very early in the process and there are many questions to be answered, but I felt it best to deliver this information directly to you in hopes of getting the ball rolling and making this concept a reality. I look forward to hearing from your staff on how the LEED accredited professionals and green designers of Wichita can best come to the aid of Greensburg residents through AIA Wichita. In the meantime, we will continue to support this community with our thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,

Chris Kliewer, AIA, LEED AP
AIA Wichita