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Sculpting Green Beyond Measure

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Green architecture stems with the sole intention of prioritising the natural environment during all phases of building construction. Additionally, it can be expressed as an architectural practice that emphasises the natural environment entwined with the regenerative construction process. Therefore, the cyclical factors of designing, constructing, and maintaining the building can holistically have an impact on the generations to come by ethically obliging to the philosophy of sustainable architecture. However idealistic the notion may seem, it can be argued that challenges often arise with green architecture due to the nonchalant approach of the public and the negligence of current circumstances. For instance, sustaining moral practice requires the use of high skills and technology, which may create a conflict of interest between aesthetic convenience and long-lasting practicality. Hence, what humans may consider a discipline may exert conflicting results amidst nature. According to the UN, “As the population grows, they must transform natural lands into cities and other human habitats.” (Novatr, 2020). Thus, this article potentially explores the various spectrums in which sculpting green designs will be perpetuated for the future generation. 

Biophilic Design – Weaving Nature into Architecture 

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Biophilic Design Principles (Kellert, S.R. and Calabrese, E.F. (2015). The Practice of Biophilic Design – A Simplified Framework. [online] biophilic-design_© https://www.biophilic-design.com/.)
One of the main focuses that embodies green architecture can be endeavoured as a biophilic design approach. Deriving from the word ‘biophilia’, which means the innate ‘human inclination to affiliate with nature…’ (Kellert and Calabrese, 2015), this ideation has been primitively implemented in architecture through various styles. The benefits of this recurring process can be reinforced as constant contact with nature is ‘what makes us human…’ (Kellert and Calabrese, 2015) and retained and improved in order to be functional. Hence, some of the key principles of biophilic design, intertwined with green architecture, include:

  1. Repeated and prolonged engagement with nature through built structures
  2. Evolving with times and adapting to human interactions with the natural world
  3. Evoke emotional attachment through green architecture and create a spatial experience for the users
  4. Bridges the gap seamlessly between architecture and integrates natural solutions within

These principles may be deployed through several facets of experience, such as direct and indirect experience of nature. The main crux includes water, landscape, light, ventilation, organically built forms (biomimicry), natural materiality, and transitional spaces of open and closed structures. According to Kellert and Calabrese (2015), there are ‘24 attributes to experiencing nature, and designers should adopt that in response to place.’ Moreso, the cultural conditioning and local ecology of the site also play an important role in determining the aspects to be applied. Hence, the fulcrum of this essence is to create a harmonious ‘habitat for people as a biological organism in the built environment.’ (Kellert and Calabrese, 2015) and improve the psychological well-being of the built environment and living community. 

Façade vs Feasibility?

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Biophilic Architecture Representation (Kellert, S.R. and Calabrese, E.F. (2015). The Practice of Biophilic Design – A Simplified Framework. [online] biophilic-design_© https://www.biophilic-design.com/.)
Image  2 can be treated as a visual testament to green architecture in depicting the ideologies. According to Kellert and Calabrese (2015), the building to the left supports the notion of regenerative advancement through landscaping, while the building to the right retains the ancient attributes such as locally sourced materiality, large openings to promote natural light and ventilation. Although through building façade it may seem as opposing statements, the underlying metaphorical representation adheres to the concept of biophilic design. Therefore, it can be claimed that there are several possibilities in inculcating the practice of biophilia into architecture.

Reconceptualise the Future – The People’s Pavilion 

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The People’s Pavilion (‌Pintos, P. (2019). People’s Pavilion / bureau SLA + Overtreders W. [online] ArchDaily_© https://www.archdaily.com/915977/peoples-pavilion-bureau-sla-plus-overtreders-w.)
Another aspect within green architecture that can be explored is circular economy. Although nature integration is a key aspect, elements that add up in sculpting the built structure also need to be 100% regenerative. In that case, one of the case studies that has been effectively implemented in the Netherlands for the Dutch Design Week is The People’s Pavilion. Designed by Overtreders W and bureau SLA, the highlights of this project include 0% wastage of building material during construction, as 100% of it was borrowed from Eindhoven residents and local suppliers. Moreso, quintessential construction methods were eradicated, such as no use of screws, drills, or saws (Pintos, 2019). Consequently, the construction method included borrowed concrete foundation piles and cross-bracing steel rods that were previously used in a demolished office building. Subsequently, recycled wooden beams were further used to strengthen the structure. With regards to the glass roof, recycled plastic tiles were accumulated from PET bottles and the collection of household waste of local residents. Nearly 9000 tiles allowed the variety in colour to be experimented in the cladding of the building façade. 

On the whole, this closed-loop process formulated through green architecture allows the reduction of carbon footprint, restores ecology, and possibly ecosystems in the long run. This also reinforces the convenience of utilising local sources and the community to mount the project, yet the feasibility of attaining a positive impact on the environment. Preceding the claim made of challenges that may arise alongside green architecture, it can thus be substantiated through the case study that sticking to the local environment and people can ease the process of conforming to the ethicality of design.

References:

  1. Novatr (2020). Understanding What is Green Architecture And Everything About it. [online] Novatr. Available at: https://www.novatr.com/blog/green-architecture.
  2. Kellert, S.R. and Calabrese, E.F. (2015). The Practice of Biophilic Design – A Simplified Framework. [online] biophilic-design. Available at: https://www.biophilic-design.com/.
  3. ‌Pintos, P. (2019). People’s Pavilion / bureau SLA + Overtreders W. [online] ArchDaily. Available at: https://www.archdaily.com/915977/peoples-pavilion-bureau-sla-plus-overtreders-w.
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