Ecological Architecture

Ecological Architecture

Do you find his historical examples and attention to materials and use convincing?

Yes, I think historically, materials have been an integral component of Ecological Architecture.  He uses the example of a gothic church which is made from thick stone walls which makes it inherently well insulated.  Historically architecture had to be very conscious of the local environment because there wasn’t electricity or heating. Today, architecture is still about resolving these same issues, but we have the advantage of modern materials and technology.  I think it is important for us to be knowledgable of historical precedents so we can use successful schemes/ideas but use modern technology/materials to create architecture which is responsive to modern needs.

A change in paradigm took place in architecture, setting sustainability as a priority above style or structural function.  Do you think this has happened in the United States?  I think certain designers use sustainability as a central theme in their architecture.  But I think that the majority of architecture being built is being dictated by developers who are more interested in the bottom line and profit.  This type of architecture is the majority so I would say “sustainable,” architecture is definitely in the minority.  There are also a lot of architects who are more interested in style and form which typically ignores sustainability.  I also think the current definition of “sustainability,” is only looking at building performance and materials.  I think it lacks a measure of the social and spatial qualities of architecture which I think are just as important to sustainability as building performance.

 

Brandon Cari