Sustaining Growth on Earth

 “Climate change is forcing us to rethink architecture radically, to shift our focus away from a purely visual and functional approach towards one that is more sensitive, more attentive to the invisible, climate-related aspects of space. Slipping from the solid to the void, from the visible to the invisible, from metric composition to thermal composition, architecture as meteorology opens up additional, more sensual, more variable dimensions in which limits fade away and solids evaporate.” – Philippe Rahm

 

            Architecture needs to become a practice with more depth in its design process and a drive to become more sustainable, more oriented in its effect on the earth and less on the visual and functional outcomes. The good intentions and innovative technology that go into architecture will eventually make the difference in a sustainable future. Although there are a lot of very complex ways to incorporate sustainability into a design, the simple methods of being sustainable are possible in almost every project. Considering solar orientation, minimizing site invasiveness, and using local materials are ways in which every project can start a project in a sustainable fashion. I think it is important for everyone involved in the design and construction of the built environment to consider sustainable practices. Instead of a lot of effort from a the few, it takes the little effort from everyone to make a difference.