ATCA: Green Architecture

London, UK - 24th August 2009, 16:53 GMT

Dear ATCA Open & Philanthropia Friends

[Please note that the views presented by individual contributors are not necessarily representative of the views of ATCA, which is neutral. ATCA conducts collective Socratic dialogue on global opportunities and threats.]

Green Architecture is an approach to Sustainable Building, which has become progressively more prevalent in the last three decades. Also known as Sustainable Design, Green Architecture is a method of simpler design that minimises the impact of building on the environment. Once thought of as unconventional and non-standard, Green Architecture is quickly becoming accepted by both government regulatory agencies and the public across the world as a socially responsible and logical means of construction. The beginnings of today’s Green Architecture revolution can be traced back to the social awareness of the 1960s and innovative European design found in Scandinavia. From these origins, new construction techniques have led to the development of innovative materials and design concepts. Successfully designed green projects can involve an extensive array of factors, ranging from the resourceful use of materials, to careful consideration of function, climate and location.

This HQR image of Green Architecture is of The School of Art, Design and Media at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. It’s covered with a green roof that blends with the environment and serves as a gathering place. The unique form of the roof elegantly touches the ground making it easy to access. What is more, it also insulates the building and collects rainwater to irrigate itself and the surrounding landscape. The glass facade provides a lot of daylight for studios and classrooms and at the same time cuts off the heat. The shape of the building is simple. The whole concept is made out of three curvy shapes that form an atrium in the heart of the school which is cooled by pools of water and fountains! Flawless!

Green Architecture concepts can generally be organised into several areas of key application. These areas include:

1. Sustainability;
2. Materials Utilisation;
3. Energy Efficiency and Recycling;
4. Land Use;
5. Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Sustainability

Green Architecture is not only designed for present use, consideration is also given to future uses as well. An adaptable Green Structure can be “recycled” many times over the course of its useful life. If specific technical issues prevent use of the building for a new function, then the materials used in its construction are designed to facilitate ease of recycling and reprocessing of materials at end-of-useful-life.

Materials Utilisation

Buildings consume a variety of materials in their construction. Green design reduces the dependence on resource intensive products and materials. There are an increasing number of products available made from efficient, earth-friendly or recycled materials. In a green building, consideration is also given to the construction process itself. Materials that minimise waste or can be recycled, help contribute to an efficient and environmentally sensitive construction process.

Energy Efficiency

Another important aspect of Green Design is the integration of energy efficient mechanical systems and conservation methods. Green buildings are designed to reduce or to eliminate the dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels. Additionally, green designs further help to minimise waste through the use of grey water recycling and other sustainable energy strategies.

Land Use

Site selection and building orientation also play a critical role in green design. A green building is located to take advantage of its climate and surroundings. These conditions not only affect the efficiency of a building, but of the community and society as a whole. Planning for responsible land use addresses these issues through the consideration of climate, transportation and the natural environment.

Waste Reduction

Large quantities of waste is generated by the construction of a typical building. Green buildings are designed to eliminate waste by using modular systems of construction, recycled products, and efficient use of materials. The ideal green building seeks to create no waste either during construction or use, so the impact on the environment and resources is minimised.

The 77th image added to the "E8 Album" within the HQR initiative is of Green Architecture! Visit here to view the image and to contribute to the Socratic dialogue. The "E8 Album" photos at are visual intersections of Spirituality, Science, Art and Sustainability! Feel free to share the images by clicking share or you can tag yourself!

[ENDS]

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Best wishes