Sustainability and Aesthetics

Mohsen Mostafavi presents ecological urbanism as an alternative approach to urban planning that reconsiders the relationship between architecture and landscape. It suggests a collaborative and interdisciplinary approach, employing ecological principles across three key registers: environment, social relations, and human subjectivity. I agree in a sense with his critique on sustainable architecture often lacking sophistication and quality. Most sustainable strategies are treated as an afterthought or fail to be fully integrated because of its potential to compromise the aesthetic of the overall architectural vision. The challenge we face is to design and innovate thoughtful architectural solutions that can also embrace and enhance the environment. In our studio project, we addressed this concept by designing a solar canopy. Instead of treating solar panels as an add-on, we integrated the system into a dual-purpose structure placed on display. It not only allows for energy generation but also provides essential shade for the south-facing facade.