Sustainable Architecture
Introduction
A sustainable society is one that can persist over generations,
one that is far-sighted enough, flexible enough and wise enough not to
undermine either its physical or its social systems of support.[i]
Sustainable architecture is
related to a world wide movement towards sustainability in all aspects of life.
It is the act of building that supports the existence of humanity without
destroying its environmental and cultural context. Some authors consider
sustainability movement as “another step in the process wherein society has
moved from a nomadic hunting order, to an agricultural order, to an industrial
order and is currently moving to an information based order.” [ii] In general, it is an attitude and way of thinking and acting
responsibly towards the context of our existence. It is a term that represents
the social and cultural shift in the world order, patterns and styles of
living, a new attitude and way of looking at the world.
Theoretical Background
The history of thinking about sustainable development
is closely linked to the history of environmental concern and peoples’
attitudes to nature. Both represent responses to changing scientific
understanding, changing knowledge about the world and ideas about society.[i]
Definitions of Sustainable Architecture
The basic definition of the
term sustainability is derived from the dictionary word Sustain meaning:
1. Bear weight of, hold up, keep from falling or sinking (c.f. Support), 2.
Enable to last out, keep from falling, give strength to, encourage, 3. Endure
without giving way, stand, bear up against, 4. Undergo, experience, suffer, 5.
Allow validity of, give decision in favour of, uphold, 6. Bear out, tend to
substantiate or corroborate, confirm, 7. Keep up or represent adequately, 8.
Keep going continuously. [ii] Sustainable is an adjective
describing an object to which is given support, relief, nourishment, or
supplied with sustenance and thus continuously kept alive or prolonged
The popular interpretation of the words “sustainable
architecture” describes an approach to architectural design that minimizes
sustenance or resource consumption so as to prolong the availability of natural
resources. However, the definition of “sustainable” does not imply a
minimization of sustenance. “Sustainable” simply expresses the fact that
resources do maintain our environment. Sustainable architecture describes the
fact that we receive what we need from the universe. This realization compels
us to respond with care or stewardship in the use of those resources.
Sustainable architecture, then, is a response to an awareness and not a
prescriptive formula for survival.[iii]
Sustainable architecture is
part of a larger concern of creating sustainable environment, which is an
environment for human occupation, performance and the support of life to which
sustenance or nourishment is continuously given.
The term “sustainable” does not express the
minimization of the expenditure of those resources necessary for the
prolongation of the life. The term does define the fact that no humanly created
environment can survive without the contributions of the larger natural
environment or ecological systems. Sustainable architecture, then, is a
response to an awareness and not a prescriptive formula for survival.[iv]
Sustainable architecture is
sometimes misunderstood as a romantic nostalgia to the past with its simple and
unpolluted vernacular ways of living. On the contrary, sustainability is a call
for an adoption of a new way of thinking and acting responsibly towards the
surrounding environment and the creation of new environments. It is an
invitation to honour the process instead of praising the product.
It is important to note here that one should not
expect to reach typical ways of doing things. Each context requires in depth
understanding and acting according to its needs and potentials.
Sustainability
is sometimes misunderstood as refraining from taking action and living
passively in order to avoid using up the available limited resources. The Rocky Mountain Institute defines sustainability as ‘meeting the
needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to
meet their own needs’.[v] This definition stresses the right of living for present and future
generations. It also hints to the impact of irresponsible rapid development,
exhaustive use of resources and environmental pollution exercised by previous
generations after the industrial revolution which affected the living
environment of our present generation. The cry for sustainability in all our
aspects of living is a legitimate one. Sustainability is meeting the needs of
present generations without limiting the ability of future generations to meet
their own needs.[vi]
Historical Development of Sustainable Architecture
The concept of sustainability (the "S" word)
has been around for a long time, although only recently has it entered popular
culture. The modern roots of sustainability begin in the early 20th century
theory of renewable resource management, most notably in sustainable agriculture and forestry,
and in theories of "sustained yield." The real power of the concept
of sustainability lies in its integration of economic, social, and ecological
systems, previously studied and dealt with separately.[vii]
Until recently the concept
of sustainability was addressed separately by many discipline in an effort to
save the environment and natural resources. It was realised that individual
efforts were not sufficient to restore the already damaged environment without
a collaborative effort between all involved disciplines. The concept was
expanded to include all aspects of human existence. In architectures, the
modern movement, which started with the turn o 20th century,
addressed mainly aspects of technology and industrialisation.
Architecture of the 20th Century began as a celebration
of the age of industry and technology; but this is rapidly changing in response
to a new age of information and ecology. From an ecological perspective,
mainstream architecture for the past two decades has sent out all the wrong
messages. These machine age influences share one thing in common. They embody
the profligate consumption of fossil fuel and a technocentric and anthropocentric
view of human habitat. Particularly from the 1970s to the present, the
celebration of such industrialized features as exposed structural systems, vast
expanses of plate glass, and cantilevered or tilted steel trusses have somehow
become synonymous with "progressive" architectural imagery.[viii]
The concept of sustainable
architecture started as an effort to save energy during the seventies. A return
to traditional passive solutions of cooling and heating using windtowers, earth
sheltering techniques and design concepts (ex. courtyard and compact design).
It was also appreciated in all studies of vernacular architecture without
directly addressing the theme of sustainability in vernacular architecture.
The following are major
developments of the concept sustainable architecture:
1950’s Interest in Vernacular Architecture
Interest in vernacular
architecture started as a reaction to non-human outcome of modern architecture
practices which lasted for 50 years. The celebrated book of Amos Rapoport “House form and culture[ix]” was very influential in
focusing attention on vernacular architecture and its multidimensional meanings
including climatic, resources, and socio-cultural factors.. The significant work
of Paul Oliver[x] addresses aspects of vernacular architecture in many parts of the
world as social and cultural phenomenon. The work of Hassan Fathy[xi] addressed many aspects of the concept sustainable architecture
while developing new villages for Egyptian peasants using available resources,
employing self-help methods, applying vernacular construction techniques, while
recognising social and cultural aspects of architecture.
1970’s Solar Architecture
Previous to the use of the term “sustainable
architecture,” the term “solar architecture” expressed the architectural
concept of the reduction of the consumption of natural resources and fuels. The
intent was that we could conserve our fuel resources through the immediate
capture of the available solar energy through appropriate building design.[xii]
Following the energy crisis
in 1973, an energy conservation movement encouraged innovative solutions to
reduce energy consumption and dependency on international oil supply and
increase use of renewable energy sources. The main sources of renewable energy
were solar energy using installations of photovoltaics and wind farms. The
energy conservation movement suggested conscious utilisation of energy sources,
acceptance of less comfort levels, responsible attitude towards the
environment.
1980’s Ecological and Environmental Architecture
Ecological and environmental concerns have expanded
well beyond the issue of the consumption of non-renewable energy sources. The
massive consumption of all natural resources during the economic boom of the
1980’s, both renewable and non-renewable, has placed a severe strain on global
supplies and caused irreparable damage to our atmosphere.[xiii]
The energy conservation
movement of the 70’s was merged with the economic development movement of the
80’s in an effort to avoid the disasters of irresponsible industry based
developments of the early 20th century. An embracing Ecological and
Environmental concern was addressed by many disciplines. In architecture,
Environmental Study areas and courses were established in many university.
1990’s Sustainable Architecture
The modern sustainability movement began when The
World Commission on Environment and Development, through the Brundtland
Commission, released their report Our Common Future in 1987.[xiv] The Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as
"development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. The Brundtland
Commission tried to reconcile the interests of economic development with those
of environmental conservation. Whereas the sustained yield perspective of the
early 20th century focused on biological systems, the new theory of
sustainability considers human needs and wants as well as ecological functions
and processes.[xv]
The definition of
sustainability as "development that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs” is
accepted world wide. It illustrate a new human consciousness of the historical
moment and conditional existence of our generation. Yet, it requires some
elaboration and clarification.
The Bruntland Report defined the notion of sustainable
development that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising
the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. As this is a very
general statement it will be necessary to elaborate and define further. One
may, for instance, define sustainable development as the economic, social and
environmental aspirations of groups, which may or may not have economic growth
as a priority. The achievement of these aspirations is subject to a set of
conditions. These include inter-generational equity, which requires that the
stock of environmental resources passed on to the next generation should not
inhibit their aspirations, and intar-generational equity, which seeks to
increase the likelihood that the current aspirations of different groups will
be met.[xvi]
A wholistic view of
sustainability, as opposed to partial views by different disciplines, pauses a
new challenge to all participants in the field. The interdisciplinary approach
is inescapable if all aspects of sustainability are to be addressed in our
future solutions.
Since its inception in 1987 through The World
Commission on Environment and Development, sustainability has been embraced
by environmental groups, scientists, government organizations, and various
interest groups, as well as the architectural community.[xvii]
The concept of
sustainability is addressed by many organisations and individuals in the field
of architecture. The Union of International Architects and the American
Institute of Architects, the most influential organisations in the field, are
promoting the application of sustainable architecture through awards,
competitions, and Internet sites.
Architect James Wines of SITE architectural firm, has published a book entitled
"New Wave Organic Architecture- Building Art in the Age of Ecology",
for Benedikt Taschen Publishers. Several milestone events influenced the
development of the concept sustainable architecture. The most influential event
was The "World Architecture Congress" in Chicago. A gathering
sponsored by the American Institute of Architects and the International Union
of Architects to focus on sustainability. A call for sustainable communities
solutions was issued in hopes of cultivating images which reflect a
design-based integration of the issues. 700 entries from 50 countries were
received.
Levels of sustainability
The building of shelter consumes one-sixth of the
world's fresh water supply, one-quarter of its wood harvest, and two-fifths of
its fossil fuels and manufactured materials. As a result, architecture has
become one of the primary targets of ecological reform. [xviii]
Sustainability is a concept
that addresses many levels of our environment. The global concern of continuous
destruction of the Ozon layer, the green house effect, and global worming
reflect the need to address sustainability as related to the planet Earth as a
whole. The impact of environmental pollution, such as oil spills, hazardous
waste management, water pollution, nuclear radiation and acid rain, are
addressed on regional levels including several countries. Consumption of
resources, recycling and waste management are addressed on the country level.
The problems of the built environment are addressed on the city level. On the
neighbourhood level, issues of safety, belonging, and services are the main
concern. The building design and behaviour is another important level of the
sustainability concept. Finally, the interior space, where human existence and interaction takes place is
first level of sustainability concept. All these levels are interrelated and
inseparable. Any decision taken on any level affects the other levels
considerably.
Aspects of Sustainability
1. Environmental, Planning and Design
Sustainability is generally understood to begin with a
concern by humans for the future of humanity. This anthropocentric view is
expanded to include a concern for all life, with the realization that humans depend
on complete and healthy ecosystems as much as they depend on other humans. This
perspective places a high value on human life, but accepts that human culture
ultimately owes its existence to nature in its entirety.[xix]
The first aspect of
sustainability is related to the environment. It deals with the natural and the
built environment. A sustainable approach towards the environment considers
both natural and built environment important parts of the context which we live
in. The natural environment suffered greatly from 20th industrial
and waste management practices. The natural environment requires attention and
careful manipulation especially after our realisation of its fragility and
destructive natures if tampered with. The built environment is what we build
among the natural environment and should, first of all, relate to it. A large
part of the built environment was created according to abstract concepts
derived from the industrial revolution slogans, i.e. “the House is a Machine to
Live in” adopted by Le Corbusier and “Less is More” by Mies van der Rohe. The
built environment includes all levels of urban planning, city planning, urban
design, architectural design and interior design. Both environments should be
sustained by our human actions.
2. Psychological, Social and Cultural
Sustainability is part of a trend to once again
consider the whole instead of specifics. Sustainability emphasizes
relationships rather than pieces in isolation. The ecological movement has
focused attention during the last century on the degradation of natural
systems. Sustainability brings to light the connections between natural and
human communities, between nature and culture. Sustainability is not at all
about regressing to primitive living conditions. It is about understanding our
situation, and developing as communities in ways that are equitable, and that
make sense ecologically and economically.[xx]
Sustainability was
previously looked at as a concern for the natural environment and the need to
develop better ways to sustain its vitality and conditions. The concept of
sustainability has expanded to include the human environment. This aspect of
sustainability considers psychological, social and cultural aspects of the
human existence as important and intrinsic part in order to create a
sustainable environment.
3. Economy and Resources
The management of resources in many parts of the world is an alarming situation. In many parts of the world, economic resources are spent on present needs and desires without much consideration to future generations. We will run out of resources at some point in time if we continue these irresponsible practices. Sustainability is responsible and conscious management of available resources in order to sustain the existence of our future generations.
[i] - Adams, W. M., Green Development: Environment and
Sustainability in the Third World, Routledge, London and New York, 1990.
[ii] - Ehrlich, S. Flexner, G. Carruth, and J. Hawkins, Oxford
American Dictionary, Oxford University Press, 1980.
[iii] - Kremers, Jack A., Defining Sustainable Architecture,
Architronic,1995
[iv] - Kremers, Jack A., Defining Sustainable Architecture,
Architronic,1995.
[v] - Barnett, D. and W. Browning, A Primer on Sustainable
Building, Rocky Mountain Institute, 1995.
[vi] - Koester, Robert J. Sustainability Is An Architecture,
Architronic, 1995.
[vii] - Center for Sustainable Communities, Tutorials,
1995.
[viii] - James Wines, New Wave Organic Architecture - Building
Art in the Age of Ecology, Benedikt Taschen Publishers, 1996.
[x] - Oliver, Paul, ed., Shelter and Society, Frederick
A. Praeger, Publishers, New York, Washington, 1969.
[xi] - Fathy, Hassan, GOURNA: A Tale of Two Villages,
Ministry of Culture, Dar El Kateb El Arabi Press, Cairo, 1969 and Fathy,
Hassan, Architecture For The Poor: An Experiment in Rural Egypt, The
University of Chicago Press, Chicago and London, 1973.
[xii] - Kremers, Jack A., Defining Sustainable Architecture,
Architronic,1995.
[xiii] - Boake, Terri Meyer, Sustainability & Construction
Technology: An Attitude in Support of Quality, Architronic, 1996.
[xiv] - Brundtland, H., Our common future (The Brundtland Report). For the World
Commission on Environment and Development, Oxford University Press, 1987.
[xv] - Center for Sustainable Communities, Tutorials, 1995.
[xvi] - Economic Commission for Europe, Guidelines on
Sustainable Human Settlements Planning and Management, United Nations, New
York and Geneva, 1996. p. 17
[xvii] - The Origins of Sustainable Development and Its
Relationship to Housing and Community Planning, CMHC, January, 1991, p. 6.
[xviii] - James Wines, New Wave Organic Architecture - Building
Art in the Age of Ecology, Benedikt Taschen Publishers, 1996.
[xix] - Center for Sustainable Communities, Tutorials,
1995.
[xx] - Center for Sustainable Communities, Tutorials,
1995.
[i] - Economic Commission for Europe, Guidelines on
Sustainable Human Settlements Planning and Management, United Nations, New
York and Geneva, 1996. p. 17
I'm thrilled to see London, Ontario moving in the direction of sustainable building.
ReplyDeleteSustainable construction in London, ON