“Good Design is sustainable design”

– Imran Amed

The world is facing an undeniable environmental crisis. With a rapid advancement in technological developments, we are putting undue pressure on Mother Nature. In such a scenario, it is our moral duty to conserve the resources that we have today so that we are able to leave something behind for future generations. This is where sustainability comes in. With people growing more and more environmentally conscious, sustainability in all things is gaining popularity. The field of architecture is no exception. We are slowly witnessing a convergence of design and environmental consciousness. Now, it goes without saying that good design is in fact sustainable design.

Definition

Now, you may be wondering what exactly is sustainable architecture. It refers to architecture that aims to minimize the adverse environmental impact of building by promoting long-term ecological balance. Sustainable architects work with eco-friendly materials with high durability. Renewable energy sources, recycled materials, and passive design strategies are utilized to build eco-friendly buildings. They focus on prioritizing energy efficiency.

Importance

Sustainable architectural designs have become pillars of modern society. They have a number of irresistible advantages that benefit both us and the environment.

• Environmental Effect  

Sustainable architecture plays a key role in reducing our carbon footprints. They help us save our natural resources and build a better future for our descendants.

• Economic Benefits  

Green buildings are highly durable and have very low maintenance costs. Through the efficient use of energy, they drastically reduce costs.

• Health & Social Advantages

Sustainable buildings help in bettering the air quality. They rely on natural lighting and ventilation. This has an undeniable positive impact on the health and well-being of the occupants.  

Sustainable Design Trends

Being aware of the importance of sustainable architecture is not enough. We need to walk the talk. Let us have a look at some sustainable design trends that we can easily incorporate into our building plans.

• Green Roofs

With a rapid rise in urbanization, we have very few places left that are dedicated to greenery. In our busy city lives, we often become disconnected from nature. Building green roofs is an innovative solution to this. Roofs that are partly or completely covered with greenery bring us closer to nature. From improving air quality and reducing energy costs to enhancing the durability of the roof by shielding it from harmful UV rays and fluctuating temperatures, green roofs have myriad advantages that improve the quality of our lives.

• Passive House Design

By combining thick insulation, triple-pane windows, a mechanical ventilation system with heat recovery, and an airtight building envelope, one can use 90% less energy for heating and cooling purposes compared to conventional buildings. Known as passive house design, this method drastically reduces our environmental footprints.

• Passive Solar Design

The sun is one of the most important sources of renewable energy. By using solar energy to warm one house in the winter and cool in the summer without using any mechanical systems, one contributes a lot to environmental protection. Passive solar design uses the position of the sun to maximize natural daylight in the winter and avoid heat gain in the summer. It is an ingenious design trend that is very cost-effective.    

• Net-Zero Energy Design

By using a net-zero design strategy, one can construct buildings that produce as much energy as they consume. This can be done by using passive solar design, energy-efficient appliances, efficient insulation, solar panels, and wind turbines.

• Use of Eco-Friendly Materials

Sustainable architects tend to use durable, eco-friendly raw materials like recycled steel, thermally efficient glass, and recycled steel, among others. This helps in reducing waste and contributes toward a sustainable future.

Sustainable Architectural Marvels

In the past few decades, we have become aware of the negative impacts of climate change. This resulted in an increase in the construction of sustainable buildings. Architects have become environmentally conscious and have dedicated their time and effort to building a greener future. Let us have a look at some of the most iconic green buildings around the world.

One Central Park

Country: Australia

Designed by Jean Nouvel in collaboration with Patrick Blanc, One Central Park was presented the award for Best Tall Building Worldwide in 2014 by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitats. The visually pleasing lush green structure is located at the heart of Chippendale, Australia. Consisting of a vertical garden that comprises about 50% of the building façade and landscape, the structure is a breath of fresh air amidst the hectic city life.

Beitou Public Library

Country: Taiwan 

Beitou Public Library is one of Taiwain’s first green libraries. Designed by Kuo Ying Chao of Bio-Architecture Formosana, the two-story building is a self-sustainable structure featuring eco-friendly characteristics like solar panels, rainwater harvesting elements, and expansive windows. 

Museum of Tomorrow

Country: Brazil 

Designed by Santiago Calatrava, the Museum of Tomorrow is located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The overhanging portion of the building that faces the sea is the most distinguished feature of the structure. The ethereal building is highly sustainable. It uses solar panels for its energy needs. The water from the nearby sea is used to regulate the internal temperature of the building.

Apple Park

Country: United States of America

Apple Inc’s headquarters in Cupertino, California is rightfully considered to be an architectural marvel. The ring-shaped building is the largest LEED platinum-certified office building in North America which prioritizes the use of renewable energy and has its own green spaces as well as innovative ventilation systems.

Gardens by the Bay                                                                    

Country: Singapore

Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay is one of the most recognizable sustainable structures around the world. The large nature park spreads over 101 hectares and includes three gardens that are home to myriad flora and fauna. The Supertrees of the park aid in the generation of solar electricity and rainwater collection. The dense foliage helps regulate the carbon emission generated in the region. Undoubtedly, the Gardens of the Bay have cemented Singapore as the City in the Garden.

Conclusion

Sustainable architecture depicts how ground-breaking design and technology can be used to craft structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also highly functional. With the world facing a growing environmental crisis, turning to sustainable architecture has become of utmost importance. It is the key to building a greener future.

Do comment and let me know your thoughts on sustainable architecture.  

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