Theoretical or Rational?

This week was a little harder for me to follow then most. A lot of it seemed very theoretical and didn’t make sense in my rational brain. So here goes my attempt to rationalize it. Sustainability always sounds great. How can we make a building more ‘efficient’ using the most ‘environmentally friendly’ products? We are quick to add PV panels, water collection systems, geothermals, or the next hot trend in energy savings and convince ourselves that they seamlessly integrate into the project and, therefore, are not an addition but actually a part of the project rooted back in the initial concept. But are they really?

The Eco-Boulevard in Madrid was an interesting contradiction to this typical implementation of sustainable systems. The project was based on the mechanics of sustainability and living environments. It allowed the system to dictate the architecture instead of the other way around. But, they aren’t really buildings? Is it possible to start a building with the systems and then add the form/program/concept? Is there a more holistic approach that would push the boundaries of sustainable design instead of just advancing the technological aspects?