Pliny Fisk III, Pioneer of Green Building, Dies at 82
Pliny Fisk III, who co-directed the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS), passed away on July 27 in Austin, Texas, at the age of 82 due to complications from ALS. A pivotal figure in the sustainability movement, he collaborated with notable figures such as Ian McHarg and Buckminster Fuller. For more than 50 years, Fisk led CMPBS, partnering with Gail Vittori. The Center is set to mark its 50th anniversary in 2025. Jason F. McLennan referred to him as "the beloved mad scientist of the green building movement." Influenced by his father, Pliny Fisk II, he studied at the University of Pennsylvania and spearheaded initiatives like the Austin Green Builder Program. A memorial celebration will be announced later.
Key facts
- Pliny Fisk III died on July 27 in Austin, Texas, from ALS complications.
- He was 82 years old.
- He co-directed the Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS).
- CMPBS celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025.
- Fisk was a pioneer in the green building movement.
- He worked with over 350 staff, interns, and volunteers.
- The Austin Green Builder Program was the first green building program in the U.S.
- He was a founding member of the AIA Committee on the Environment.
Entities
Artists
- Pliny Fisk III
- Gail Vittori
- Ian McHarg
- Buckminster Fuller
- John Todd
- Nancy Todd
- Sim van der Ryn
- Bob Berkebile
- Paolo Soleri
- Jason F. McLennan
- Pliny Fisk II
- Louis Kahn
- Jim Walker
- David Dewane
- Jack Murphy
Institutions
- Center for Maximum Potential Building Systems (CMPBS)
- Living Building Challenge
- Perkins&Will
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Texas at Austin
- United Nations
- White House
- City of Austin
- American Solar Energy Society
- U.S. Green Building Council
- American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment
Locations
- Austin
- Texas
- United States