good intentions
I liked when Abalos said that many interpret sustainability as an ode to good intentions. That is how I think about sustainability in architecture. It is a great thought and sure I believe we should design with it in mind and when given the opportunity we should use materials that are best for our environment. I think that the design should respond to the site and the region that it is in. The orientation of the building should help with heating and cooling the interior with as little waste as possible. We should try to be as little invasive as possible into the site and if is successful will stay around a long time, because of its usefulness to the people. But I don't have an interest in a building that's only goal and design principle is sustainability.
I agree with you, this is how real sustainability is achieved, not some radically designed HVAC duct that you can inhabit.
ReplyDeleteDay made!!!
DeleteI want to build upon your idea of sustainablility as a good intention. What is a good intention? I think it is about what to sustain. A good intention of sustainability sustains the flows and circulation of natural energy. It is not to sustain the possession and occupation of nature for human beings.
ReplyDeleteI think it is to achieve some sort of harmony with nature as it relates to the built structure. One of the problems with sustainability is everyone seems to have their own definition of what it is and how to solve it.
DeleteI like your take on what is sustainable architecture...it doesn't have to be some huge, fancy, tech building to be doing a good job and helping out the environment I guess is what I'm getting at. Maybe mix these ideas with a little bit of Philippe Rahm and it could be a cool take.
ReplyDeleteSustainable design to me should be a basic skill all architects should have. That skill can then be applied to whatever building type necessary. It should not be the only focus in a project, rather a tool used throughout the projects conception to aid in the quality of the building.
ReplyDelete