Ecological Architecture

Sermin Yesilada

1. Are Uffelin’s historical examples and attention to materials regarding environmentally friendly technology convincing?

I believe so. As he explains, before the advent of HVAC, buildings had to be environmentally sensitive. Additionally, the global economy has exacerbated the problem of unsustainable buildings because it has become more cost effective to transport cheap materials thousands of miles rather than source locally. This is taking into account first cost only. Another challenge is the thermal comfort that we have gotten accustomed to thanks to years of experience with HVAC. If we can expand the thermal comfort zone, then less mechanical systems and technology are needed. I don’t buy that photovoltaics are a climate positive technology, however. If the silicone were to be constructed locally, and under sustainable manufacturing processes using renewable energy, then yes, photovoltaics are most definitely climate positive technology. However, the current reality of shipping them from China, where they are manufactured using coal powered plants with little environmental regulations, should be considered in the sustainability equation, which more often it is not.

2. Is sustainability put as a priority above style or structural function in the United States?

I do not think so. Maybe in Portland and a handful of other green Mecca cities, but overall I think no. For the vast majority of buildings, I do not think even style is a priority. Structural function is a priority only insofar as structural integrity prevents death and lawsuits, and is dictated by code. Some style is dictated by code as well, as are some sustainable measures. Beyond code compliance, however, I think most buildings are built for the lowest cost and fastest schedule possible. Architects do not even design most of the buildings built in the United States.

3. Do we have an opportunity to design ecological architecture in our current studio?

I think we have this opportunity with every studio, however, it has been assumed that we already know what to do. I am taking ECS 1 this term, where i have had the opportunity to learn about passive systems and energy efficient mechanical systems. I have also attended a number of lectures on current built projects that are en route to achieving net zero energy. I don’t think in 10 weeks we have the time to actually test any of the strategies we may apply, but I have been implementing various rules of thumb to maximize daylighting, solar heat gain, and passive ventilation in my project.