What key element can provide a voice and ensure representation in important decisions regarding architecture and construction projects? Where considerations about the environment lead to productive dialogues between various professionals and everyday individuals. A collaboration where concerns about the environment are center stage. Where the shared knowledge and wisdom, create solutions that serve our needs and make us contented. The answer lies in the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) an analysis whose primary goal is to protect the environment by identifying positive and negative impacts of a project on ecological and community factors.
The birth and awareness of environmental issues happened in the 1960s saw the birth, momentum was gained in the 1970s with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) in the United States in 1969. The strengthening and global growth of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) practices materialized in the 1980s and by the 1990s, the focus shifted towards sustainability. A key component of this process is public participation where valuable insights by communities create appropriate solutions for their context. This inclusion creates transparency and strengthens the acceptance of projects, knowing that you as a community member have a say in the matter.
Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport – Terminal 2
Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), the goal of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport’s second terminal was to reduce overcrowding in the existing Mumbai Airport by expanding tripling capacity. Navigating the complexity was the overarching problem, the reconciliation with the neighboring informal settlements whilst being tucked in between the Mithi River and existing historical monuments but most importantly keeping the existing terminal operational. The collaboration led to informed decisions and relevant ideas through the convergence of minds, including professionals like architects and engineers, as well as staff and passengers just to name a few. Preservation of historic settlements and the Mithi River displays awareness and consciousness of the urban and ecological context. The environmental impact assessment here led to detailed problem-solving, and phased construction minimized disruption to airport operations.
The symbiotic relationship with surrounding districts birthed the development of a new road network that stitched the urban fabrics together by connecting the historic center of Mumbai with its growing outskirts. This environmental awareness shows how the transportation network of one development fits into the larger whole. The partnerships with organizations and companies show how developing people, especially underprivileged children, and assisting differently-abled individuals supersedes material development. The merging of functions is translated into a layout exemplified by the post-security facilities designed to swing between domestic and international travel according to demand, reducing thousands of square feet of space needed and resources used.
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) served as a valuable source of knowledge that guided design choices, provided feedback that could be acted upon, and provided a preview of incoming risks. Opportunities identified created outcomes that improved the environment and also people in general while minimizing negative ones. This approach combines sustainable and regenerative design to improve the environment beyond its original state rather than just reduce environmental impact.
The Masdar City
Masdar City transforms urban living through sustainable practices and innovation. Located in a Free Zone, it promotes diverse business activities and collaboration across sectors. Originally set for completion by 2016, the timeline has been extended to 2020-2025 due to economic factors, with the initial buildings completed in October 2010. The city’s goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, developing renewable energy projects, and relying solely on solar and other renewable sources. Additionally, it serves as a hub for cleantech companies, is designed to house about 50,000 residents, accommodate 1,500 eco-friendly businesses, and create 10,000 new jobs.
As with any challenge, there is also an avenue for creating opportunity. The challenge here was that the economy of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is heavily dependent on oil, and a lot of energy is employed on various projects in the desert. As a result, cities are being expanded towards the desert. The UAE wanted to invest more in greener energy while at the same time developing new facilities for its citizens.
Stakeholder engagement
Masdar City stakeholders include Abu Dhabi residents, future residents, local business owners, and project funders. Engagement with stakeholders is uniquely done through consultations and an online portal for meeting registrations and tours. Most of the investment capital came from the Abu Dhabi government, with additional investments from Consensus Business Group, Credit Suisse, and Siemens Venture Capital. The list of huge stakeholders here shows the interest, excitement, and confidence the different parties have in the project.
Public Confidence and Public Impact
Like with all projects, the opinions on the Masdar City project have been mixed. Over 87% of people in the UAE express satisfaction with the country’s environmental preservation efforts, and a majority support the initiative. The construction of a new city in the desert raised concerns about the true sustainability of the project, arguing that it contradicts sustainable practices especially raising issues when it comes to saving capital and operational costs. However, In response to these criticisms the leading architect, suggested that if a city could thrive in such extreme conditions, it could serve as a viable model for development in various locations worldwide.
In response to concerns and environmental impact assessments, the project aimed to create a cleaner and greener urban environment, with a huge emphasis on the reduction of building energy consumption by over 40% in compliance with the standards set by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The utilization of the Estidama Pearl Building Rating System a sustainability initiative in Abu Dhabi that aims to improve the quality of life for residents and preserve the city’s cultural and physical identity shows how the project aims to be climatic, environmentally, and culturally responsive. All this is translated to creating a city equipped with nearly 1.5 gigawatts of clean energy, and its architectural design helps reduce air conditioning demand by 55%, to 10°C cooler than the rest of Abu Dhabi. Solar energy employs vast solar panel fields given the sun’s abundance, the sensors used instead of traditional light switches and taps significantly lower electricity consumption. The project’s compliance with local and international sustainability standards creates local viability and worldwide credibility. The environmental impact assessment here shows the local utility for energy generation and how technology can help monitor and regulate energy consumption. Because of the different stakeholders involved in the project, there’s a need for compliance with Local Building Rating Standards and international ones. Transparency and accountability allow people to come and give honest opinions, concerns, and criticisms about the developments.
Overall the EIA’s role and impact transcends Architecture it is more of an assessor, a reason to collaborate, a creator of platforms for people to share opinions, an insightful preview of incoming threats, a breaker of barriers within groups, professions, and institutions and lastly a maintainer of standards that promote sustainability. The Environmental Impact Assessment shows the potential to go beyond protecting and improving the environment in a way that benefits all. Perspectives hold their weight in gold, merging contextual knowledge and professional analysis to create suitable outcomes. Compliance and collaboration with institutional bodies are viewed more as a plus than a procedure adapted to suit local and global standards.
References:
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