1000 Flowers for the Planet - #426 Insist on Sensible Architecture

1000 Flowers for the Planet - #426 Insist on Sensible Architecture

Architecture presents a major and important opportunity for humans to make a difference to how we impact the planet. Sustainable architecture uses many methods to reduce our footprint, yet there is comparatively little of it around. The Scandinavians are very good at sustainable architecture, giving us somewhere to focus and learn – if we’re sensible. With more and more people on this planet, as population explodes across the world, there is greater demand for places to live. The type of architecture being constructed in Australia at present is thoughtless, destructive and wasteful. The only thing being valued here is ‘profit’.

If we, as responsible human beings, insist on sensible architecture, that’s what we’ll get. Buildings of all shapes and sizes need to use the technology and intelligence we already have, in order to reduce environmental impact. Things such as renewable materials, recycled materials, correct placement for taking advantage of the sun to help reduce energy use, sensible use of space, human health, low or no impact materials, passive heating and cooling, solar energy, wind energy and how humans interact are all part of the architectural equation. But if we keep putting short-term profits over long-term environmental responsibility, we fail the future. Let’s insist on sensible architecture at every possible opportunity.