1000 Flowers for the Planet - #186 Demand Sustainable Architecture
With population constantly on the
increase, building new homes is a commonplace activity in my area. What is
difficult to watch is the slap-dash way in which homes are being built, with
the obvious focus being on price and profits rather than sustainable
architecture and healthy living environments. Every time a building is planned
it is an opportunity for using our ‘smarts’ – we have a lot of knowledge and
skills available to us to be able to build the right type of buildings, in the
right way, using the right materials and providing the best living conditions,
now. So why aren’t we doing this? Why are all these buildings being thrown
together without any consideration of the environment?
Architecture can and should consider
the environment in which it will sit. Orientation of a building can be designed
to make use of the sun for natural, passive light and heat as well as for best
positioning of solar panels. The materials used in construction can be
sustainable if we choose those that are easily grown, such as wood, bamboo or
straw bales. Recycled materials make another good option. Wool insulation is
sustainable. Roofing can be designed for efficient water catchment to improve
sustainable living. Having some land available for growing food contributes to
sustainable living.
Sustainability is about ensuring we
manage our resources in a way that ensures we do not inhibit opportunities for
future generations. Sustainable architecture is a major opportunity for us to
do this.
No comments:
Post a Comment