Achieving sustainability has become quite crucial in today’s world. No matter what the world is focusing on creating and living in more sustainable communities for the betterment of the current and future generations. Hence considering such aspects in architecture becomes the requirement of the moment. However, architecture is a beautiful way to achieve and create more sustainable and resilient communities since it plays a critical role in influencing the thinking minds of people today. Several factors go into the planning of such communities that need a lot of effort and consideration from all points of view. Right from the planner to what the client and government require. Careful usage of resources and intelligently using them is a must-have to grow sustainably and instill a sense of discipline and consciousness among people.

Green building

The versatile concept of green building has been taking over the world for ages as it has helped with making buildings more energy-efficient and functional. This has not only helped with making the building run on low energy but also contributed to making our planet a better place to live in. Using environmentally friendly materials is an excellent way to achieve this along with more sustainable construction techniques. Daylight harvesting along with the usage of heating and cooling strategies to achieve a green building. Make sure to use natural resources carefully and efficiently to help achieve full optimization.

How can architecture be used to create more sustainable and resilient communities-Sheet1
Green towers present in China_©https://www.volvoce.com/global/en/

Resilient Amenities and Infrastructure

Designing and building infrastructure that helps cater to difficult situations like natural disasters like earthquakes and flooding is a way to help create better communities that can help in the well-being of the people as well. Infrastructural elements like rain gardens, and permeable pavements help to cater to people during difficult times. Architecture helps create spaces for the people that help improve the quality of life as well. Technology can also play a huge role in creating and building such type of infrastructure for the people. High seismic zones and prone-to-flooding zones must be under a radar and the buildings there must be crafted in a way that makes it easier to rebuild while making sure its pocket friendly to build.

How can architecture be used to create more sustainable and resilient communities-Sheet2
Light structures built in high seismic zones to relocate and rebuild faster_©https://bustler.net/news

Engagement Between Communities and Social Equity

Community engagement has become a must-have for people to grow and interact with people. This helps instill a sense of inclusivity and helps prevent the alienation of people. Making everybody feel included no matter which background they are coming from is a must-have in today’s world. Affordable housing, the creation of gathering and interactive spaces along with provisions like healthcare, and education help people feel at peace with each other. Social equity is crucial to ensure that everybody feels at the same level and nobody feels isolated. Engagement also helps increase communities and makes the world a much more harmonious place to live in.

How can architecture be used to create more sustainable and resilient communities-Sheet3
Outdoor gathering spaces to help establish a connect with other folks and nature as well_©https://archinect.com/

Adaptive Reuse 

The reuse of elements is a must to create a more sustainable world. This isn’t just limited to junk that is created around the world but also buildings that can intelligently be reused to help establish a greener and cleaner approach. A lot of old historic buildings have been lying forever screaming for them to be saved, reusing and making the buildings purposeful again will help in the careful usage of the resources that had gone into the construction of the building. This helps save resources, space, and energy. Modern sustainability principles can also be incorporated to help maintain cultural identity and make the community much more conscious as well.

How can architecture be used to create more sustainable and resilient communities-Sheet4
Reuse of old historic buildings in New York below the Brooklyn bridge_© https://thespaces.com/

Urban Planning

Urban design has been on the rise for decades now, the obvious reason being the rise of cities and building spaces that can help cater to the huge and booming population. Compact city planning and building infrastructure help reduce unorganized planning and aid people in living a comfortable life. Promoting walking or cycling is a great way to increase community engagement and promote a healthy lifestyle among people. Green spaces, gathering and interactive spaces, and parks are a great way to create a green oasis that incorporates nature in the ever-changing changing world. The cities must be well planned with each sector having a prominent hold in city planning while also emphasizing carpooling, and public transport to make people more aware of sustainable solutions.

How can architecture be used to create more sustainable and resilient communities-Sheet5
Urban planning requires careful planning and consideration along with mapping to make the city efficient_©https://www.dawn.com/
Author

An aspiring Architecture student.