This June, a group of architecture students from around the world have the chance to envision a greener future for one of Houstons most recognizable skyscrapersthe ExxonMobil Buildingas part of a unique biannual program called the aac Workshop. Held twice every year since 2008, these workshops bring together students and leading international practitioners for an intensive studio experience in a multicultural learning environment. They are the core offering of theaac Academy for Architectural Culture, a nonprofit research and education institute dedicated to addressing critical architectural issues and educating young architects. The aacAcademy for Architectural Cultureis supported by thegmp Foundation, a mission-driven organization focused on supporting architecture students and established by global architecture firmgmp Architects(von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects).Applications to the month-long program are open through February 10 for current architecture students and recent graduates. Details, including on extensive scholarships, can be found here.(Courtesy aac Workshop)For the summer 2025 iteration, running June 2 to 27 and culminating in a public design exhibition, participants will create feasible design proposals to transform the ExxonMobil Buildingan icon of fossil fuel monopoly originally built in 1963toward a carbon-free community. Featuring advisory input and mentorship from gmp executive partner Stephan Schtz, architect Charles Renfro (partner at Diller Scofidio + Renfro) among other experts, this years program is only the second aac Workshop to focus on a U.S. site and takes participants to Houston, and Hamburg, Germany over the monthlong study period. It is organized by the aac in collaboration with the Rice University School of Architecture. As we face an increasingly urgent climate crisis, the future of the built environment depends on the concept ofumbau, or continuously transforming existing structuresand for todays emerging generation of architects, this work will be the crux of professional practice, said gmps Schtz. With the academy teams guidance, young designers are empowered to innovate, explore their creativity, learn from experienced mentors, and grow their potential.About the aac Academy for Architectural Culture (aac)The aac Academy for Architectural Culture is a private, non-profit organization, located in Hamburg, Germany and founded by von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp). With research studies and intensive courses held throughout the year, the aac is dedicated to finding solutions to relevant architectural issues and the further education of young architects from different cultures. Workshops bring together young architecture students and graduates from all over the world in order to develop solutions for future-relevant architectural tasks together. The participants are constantly supported by partners from the architecture office gmp and tutors from architectural practice. Well-known architects and experts contribute their knowledge in lectures and guest critiques.About gmpFounded in 1965, von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects (gmp) is an architectural practice with branches worldwide. With a generalist approach and more than 50 years of experience, gmp completes projects in dialogue with clients and participating planning disciplines, at all scales and cultural contexts, covering all design phases and working on all continents. The range of projects extends from single-family residences to high-rise buildings, from stadiums to concert halls, from office buildings to bridges, and from door hardware to urban planning. With holistic sustainability in mind, gmp aims to create new and refurbished architecture that is long-lasting and goes beyond temporary fashions, taking into account the global challenges and issues of urbanization, digitalization, and mobility. In the firms designs, gmp remains committed to climate-aware construction in accordance with certified standards and to building in existing contexts.More athttps://gmp.de/en/